Mastering the Freeze Build in POE2

Time: 2025-01-25 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: POE2 Freeze Build

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to mastering the Freeze build in Path of Exile 2 (POE2). If you're new to hack-and-slash games or want to try something new in POE2, this build focuses on using ice-based skills for crowd control and high damage output. We'll dive into the controls, recommended equipment, and skills to make your gameplay as smooth as ice.

Why choose a freeze build?

Ease of use: Even for beginners, this build simplifies combat by immobilising enemies and giving you control of the battlefield.

High damage potential: With the right build, you can deal significant damage to both single targets and groups by utilising the effects of freezing.

Equipment Essentials

The Wand - Your primary weapon:

Key stats: Look for wands with bonuses to Dexterity for increased range and speed, and Strength for increased weapon damage. My current wand provides extra physical damage, max mana, and spell damage, making it versatile for our build.

The Staff - Secondary Powerhouse:

Dusk Bahai Staff: This staff was highlighted in a previous Gacha video for its power. It increases attack range, speed, and damage based on your stats, making it essential for our freeze-based tactics.

Armour and Accessories:

Focus on rarity: Aim for gear that increases item rarity for more efficient looting. Your armour should support your freeze strategy by providing defensive attributes without sacrificing offensive capabilities.

Skills for the Freeze Build

Core Skills:

Freeze: A permanent buff skill where freezing an enemy triggers automatic skill usage. It's central to our strategy, allowing us to deal passive damage while we focus on other mechanics.

Recommended build: Attach Orb of Storm, Frost Wall, and Solar Orb to your Freeze Cast for maximum effect.

Frost Wall: This creates an ice barrier that can trap enemies, especially when combined with the Fortress Support Gem, which adds a layer of fire around the wall for additional damage.

Frost Bomb: Great for area damage, especially within the fortified area of the Frost Wall, where enemies are trapped and cannot escape the explosion.

Offensive Skills:

Ice Strike (Impact): A melee attack that not only deals damage, but also has the ability to rush towards distant enemies, perfect for quickly closing gaps and freezing targets.

Frostbolt: Fires ice projectiles that can pass through enemies, ideal for clearing groups. Enhance with Support Gems to increase its freezing effect.

Frozen Focus: An attack that can be used while retreating or when surrounded, dealing both damage and a chance to freeze.

Utility and defence:

Cold Snap: Explodes frozen enemies, dealing additional damage. Use it strategically to clear frozen targets or in boss fights for burst damage.

Arctic Parka: A permanent buff that causes melee hits on you to create an ice burst, adding a layer of defence by potentially freezing attackers.

Comet: A high-level ability that rains down ice from the sky, great for dealing with large groups or strong enemies after they've been frozen.

Passive Tree

Focus on ice:

Freeze accumulation: Prioritise nodes that increase your freeze abilities. Nodes such as Endless Blizzard or Icy Wind increase the effectiveness of your freeze build.

Spell Damage and Casting Speed: Increase these to boost your damage output and speed up your skill usage, making your build more dynamic in combat.

Survivability: Don't neglect your defence. Nodes that provide Health, Energy Shield or Dodge are crucial as you'll often be up close and personal with enemies.

Gameplay Tips

Crowd control: Use Frost Wall to trap enemies, then hit them with Frost Bolt or Comet for maximum effect.

Boss Fights: Freeze the boss to buy time for positioning or to use high-damage skills like Cold Snap or Comet.

Skill synergy: Combine your skills, for example, use Ice Blast to close in, then follow up with Frostbolt through a wall of frost.

Community Involvement

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Build Championship, where we'll be showcasing and discussing various builds, including yours. If you're proud of your Freeze build or have any unique variations, please share your setup via DM on the Alien Channel or on Migiko's Discord. Include why your equipment is essential to your strategy.

Thanks for Reading

The Freeze build in POE2 offers a unique gameplay experience where control and strategy trump raw power. Whether you're a novice or an expert, this build offers an accessible yet deep style of play. Remember, freezing enemies not only slows them down, but also sets them up for devastating attacks. Experiment with different skill combinations and don't hesitate to share your insights or ask for advice in the comments.