In thisPath of Exile 2article, we’ll be taking a look at how to put togetherthe Totemic Earthshaker buildfor getting into the late game or endgame.Path of Exilehas become notorious for the sheer number of skills and build possibilities available, and the sequel follows suit with an extensive skill tree and a multitude of skill gems. This guide is here to help you get through all that and lay out a path to follow as you reach the end of the campaign and prepare for your Cruel playthroughs or endgame.
Introduction
The Totemic Earthshakeris a Warrior build utilizing theWarbringerAscendancy to summon powerful totems that deliver devastating slam attacks from a safe distance.
This build focuses on melee totems, particularlyEarthshatterorAncestral Totems, combined with warcries to exert attacks, boost damage, and maintain control over combat.
The totems allow the player to remain mobile while they inflict large-area physical damage, benefiting from exerted effects andrage generation.
Starter Class
Firstly, for this build, our base starter class isthe Warrior,which is one of the seven currently available.
On the expansive skill tree, the Warrior class starts on the southwest side. This side of the tree mainly consists of passives related to armor,stun buildup, totems, and flat melee damage—all of which contribute to bringing this build together.
Passive Skills
Early progression emphasizes totem placement speed, duration, and life, alongside basic physical damage and Strength scaling.
As you progress down the southwestern part of the tree, you’ll notice two main paths—one increasing armor and the other increasing melee damage.
For this build, we’ll focus on the melee damage path to ensure our damage doesn’t fall off in the long run. You can opt for the armor branch later, but it’s not necessary early on.
As you level up and reach around level 28–30, you’ll unlock the first core passive group that greatly enhances your totems. Out of that group, the most important node isAncestral Artifice, which increases your maximum number of totems—a crucial feature for this build.
Another useful group of passives includes theCarved Earthnode, which boosts your totem damage output. These are shown in the skill tree image and are very helpful to pick up.
Although totems are the primary focus of this build, investing some points into stun buildup also helps tremendously due to the skills we’ll be using.
We will be choosing theWarbringerAscendancy for the Warrior.
This is because it providesAncestral Spiritsfrom theAnswered Callnode, which summons an Ancestral Spirit whenever you place a totem.
These spirits offer various utilities on the battlefield, from rooting enemies to tanking incoming projectiles—especially helpful during boss fights.
Active Skill Setups
For active skills, we’ll be using a mace weapon—either two-handed or one-handed works fine, so pick whichever you prefer. The skill rotation is simple and relies on abilities available from early on.
We’ll begin with theEarthquakeskill, a key damage source for this build. It creates jagged ground that slows and damages enemies, followed by an automatic aftershock that delivers burst damage.
The real strength of the build is when this is paired withShockwave Totem.
The totem repeatedly slams the ground, triggeringEarthquake’s aftershockand dealing huge area damage. Since this damage scales with Strength and benefits from area and attack damage nodes, the combo scales well into the late game.
The third skill isBoneshatter,which helps finish off large groups.
It sends out a shockwave that amplifies your damage considerably, delivering extreme burst damage.
These three form the main damage core of the build and are excellent for both clearing mobs and fighting bosses. Once you reach the endgame, you can addAncestral Warrior Totem, which summons a spirit that uses your equipped mace skills—laying down more jagged ground and working in tandem withShockwave Totemto dominate the battlefield.
Another useful skill isStampede, which lets you charge through enemies while leaving jagged ground that Shockwave Totems can trigger for more aftershocks, helping you build stun quickly and deal massive AoE damage.
Gear and Equipment
This build prioritizes a high-physical-damage two-handed mace and armor-based gear with Life, resistances, and Strength.
Rare items with +1 to totems are ideal, but gear with +1 to melee skills or increased stun duration also reinforces the build’s effectiveness.
Support Gems
The build revolves around a Totem Slam skill like Earthshatter or Ancestral Slam, supported by damage-enhancing and utility gems.
Level 1 Support Gems:
ForEarthquake, equip:
These gems improve battlefield control and quick mob clearing. you’re able to complement them withBoneshatterusing:
ForAncestral Spirits, which are more for utility than damage, use:
These increase their durability and elemental resistances, allowing them to soak up damage for you.
Leveling Guide
Level smoothly by usingEarthquakeandShockwave Totem, finishing off mobs withBoneshatterafter their stun bar is filled. This combo handles most encounters unless you get cornered by overwhelming numbers.
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Putting points intostun buildupandarea of attackmakes handling groups easier by enabling heavier stuns with Boneshatter. As you level up, consider investing in eitherArmornodes for more survivability orRagenodes for enhanced mobility and offense.
Mapping and Bossing
Bossing is a major strength of this build. Set up jagged ground withEarthquakeand trigger aftershocks withShockwave Totemfor consistent boss damage while you dodge mechanics.
During mapping, multiple totems triggering aftershocks clear mobs efficiently. Keep moving and placing totems to maintain momentum.
Avoid maps with modifiers like:
These significantly hinder the build or can pose a lethal risk.
Endgame Scaling and Optimization
Endgame scaling is enhanced throughcluster jewelsthat increase:
You can have 3–4 active totems via passives, gear, andAncestral Bond. The build scales well with investments into eitherWarcriesorRage, and benefits greatly from high-Strength gear for more life and melee damage.
This build performs well inSSFandHardcore, thanks to its indirect damage and high durability. It’s not reliant on expensive uniques and offers a great balance between safety, damage, and tactical play.
So, this wraps up my guide for theTotem Earthshaker buildforPath of Exile 2. I hope you found this guide helpful, and if you have any suggestions or tips, feel free to leave them in the comment section.
