It is a Skill Gem.
Spell
AoE, Totem, Chaos, Duration, Projectile
Tier: 9 (Witch)
Level: 6
Cast Time: 1.00 sec
Requires: Level 21, Int 38
Raises a Totem that bombards enemies afflicated by Chaos damage over time Debuffs.
Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.
Dark Effigy is a Chaos-based Totem spell in Path of Exile 2 that allows players to summon a powerful totem that unleashes a barrage of projectiles, dealing Chaos damage over time to enemies. This skill is designed for Witch-focused builds and works exceptionally well with Chaos damage and damage over time mechanics. Dark Effigy offers both AoE (Area of Effect) and Projectile damage, creating a perfect synergy for those who want to create a field of Chaos devastation while relying on totems to deal damage passively.
Dark Effigy summons a Totem that bombards enemies afflicted by Chaos damage over time debuffs with projectile attacks, dealing additional Chaos damage. The projectiles fired by the Totem seek out enemies that are affected by Chaos damage and deal damage over time to them. This provides a consistent source of damage, especially effective when combined with other Chaos damage skills.
Totem Summon:
When you cast Dark Effigy, it raises a Totem that will automatically target enemies that are already afflicted with Chaos damage over time debuffs. This makes it an ideal complement to builds that apply Chaos DoT effects, such as those using Contagion or Decay-based skills.
Projectile Attacks:
The Totem fires projectiles at enemies, which deal Chaos damage over time. The projectiles can affect enemies in a wide AoE, making Dark Effigy an excellent choice for clearing large groups of enemies or dealing sustained damage to bosses or other tough targets.
Synergy with Chaos Damage:
Dark Effigy excels when combined with other Chaos damage over time effects. Since the Totem targets enemies that are already affected by Chaos debuffs, it works best with skills that apply damage over time, like Contagion, Despair, or Blight. The projectile attacks from the Totem ensure that the damage keeps ticking over a longer duration.
Duration Mechanics:
The Totem stays active for a duration, continuously bombarding enemies with its projectiles until it is destroyed or the enemies are killed. The duration of the Totem‘s effectiveness is important, as it ensures sustained damage output. This makes Dark Effigy a great option for Chaos DoT builds that want consistent damage without having to constantly manage damage application.
Area of Effect (AoE):
The Totem has a wide AoE, meaning that it can target and affect a significant number of enemies in close proximity. This is especially helpful in clearing packs of enemies and ensuring that projectile attacks hit as many foes as possible.
Chaos Damage Over Time Synergy:
Since Dark Effigy deals Chaos damage, it synergizes well with Chaos damage modifiers and scaling damage over time effects. By boosting Chaos damage and damage over time, you can significantly increase the Totem‘s effectiveness. Additionally, any passive skills that increase Totem damage or AoE will directly enhance the performance of Dark Effigy.
Dark Effigy works best when integrated into builds that focus on Chaos damage, damage over time, and Totem-based mechanics. Here are some ways to optimize Dark Effigy:
Chaos Damage Over Time Builds:
If you are running a Chaos damage over time build, Dark Effigy is a natural fit. Skills like Contagion, Blight, or Despair can spread Chaos damage to enemies, which the Totem can then target with its projectile attacks. The more Chaos damage over time debuffs you have on enemies, the more damage your Totem can deal.
Totem Builds:
Players who focus on Totem builds can take full advantage of Dark Effigy. Combining Dark Effigy with other Totem-based skills, like Flameblast Totem or Shockwave Totem, can create a playstyle where Totems handle all of the damage-dealing, while the player focuses on positioning and using supporting spells. The Chaos damage from Dark Effigy provides excellent DoT pressure, while other Totem skills can handle burst damage or AoE clearing.
Minion Synergies:
Dark Effigy also pairs well with minion builds that apply Chaos damage. Since the Totem deals Chaos damage to enemies already affected by DoT debuffs, minions that apply Chaos debuffs, like Chaos Golems, can set up the Totem to deal even more damage over time.
Chaos Proliferation:
The proliferation of Chaos damage (such as through Contagion or other spreading effects) ensures that enemies are continually affected by Chaos DoT. The Totem will constantly bombard these enemies, ensuring maximum damage output.
Totem Life and Damage Scaling:
Scaling Totem life, Totem damage, and Chaos damage is essential for maximizing the Totem’s effectiveness. Using support gems like Minion and Totem Damage, Chaos Damage, or Increased Area of Effect will enhance the performance of Dark Effigy.
Dark Effigy is an excellent Chaos-based Totem skill in Path of Exile 2 that excels at bombarding enemies afflicted by Chaos damage over time debuffs with projectile attacks. This skill is perfect for Chaos DoT builds that want to add sustained AoE damage while leaving Totems to deal the bulk of the damage. With its projectile attacks, Totem mechanics, and synergies with Chaos damage, Dark Effigy is a fantastic choice for players who want to spread destruction across the battlefield using passive damage sources. If you’re looking for a skill that creates chaos and enhances Chaos damage builds, Dark Effigy is a powerful tool to add to your arsenal.