Path of Exile 2’s Early Access: Mastering the Endgame with Unique Items
Path of Exile 2 offers a vast array of mechanics and character builds, creating diverse and engaging gameplay. While numerous strategies exist for tackling the endgame, two have emerged as dominant in the game’s first month of early access. Even so, many other builds effectively conquer bosses and high-tier Waystones. The leveling experience itself varies depending on class and build choices, though certain constants remain, such as the importance of powerful Unique Items.
With over 250 Unique Items available, only a select few prove truly essential for effective builds, both during leveling and in the endgame. While many offer niche applications requiring specific character builds, the effort rarely justifies the reward. One notable exception is the Ghostwrithe Tattered Robe. Usable as early as level 1, it provides significant defense and boasts two powerful hidden effects that significantly enhance its value.
Ghostwrithe’s power stems from its ability to convert 50% of a character’s maximum Life to Energy Shield, coupled with its substantial base Energy Shield (128, increasing to 154 with 20% quality) and 35% Chaos Resistance. This combination dramatically mitigates Chaos and Poison damage during leveling, effectively increasing effective health points (EHP) with minimal investment. Its hidden benefits further amplify its potency.
Currently, Ghostwrithe commands a price of approximately 1 to 3 Exalted Orbs in Standard League, depending on its Chaos Resistance value. One often-overlooked synergy lies in its interaction with the Chaos Inoculation Keystone. While initially seeming incompatible due to Chaos Inoculation reducing maximum Life to 1 while granting Chaos immunity, Ghostwrithe’s Life-to-Energy Shield conversion actually boosts Energy Shield based on the *original* maximum Life value before the reduction. This results in a significant Energy Shield increase at minimal cost.
Further enhancing Ghostwrithe’s effectiveness is its synergy with Grim Feast, a Spirit Gem that allows defeated enemies to drop Grim Remnants, granting Energy Shield upon pickup and potentially doubling the Energy Shield pool. The combination of Ghostwrithe’s Life-to-Energy Shield conversion and Grim Feast’s substantial Energy Shield gain creates a remarkably powerful EHP boost, particularly for builds focused on maximizing Energy Shield. It’s important to note that Grim Feast also benefits from defeating minions spawned by enemies with the appropriate modifier. In essence, Ghostwrithe emerges as a powerful and versatile item, capable of carrying players from the early game to the endgame, especially when combined with complementary skills and passives.