Shockwave Totem Warbringer is one of those builds in Path of Exile 2 that feels super satisfying when it works—but takes a bit of effort to get there. If you're up for a challenge and love throwing down totems that obliterate everything in sight, this one's for you. Just keep in mind: this isn’t the friendliest build for newcomers or folks trying to steamroll endgame content. Thanks to recent nerfs in POE2 Patch 0.2.0, it's more about smart planning and steady upgrades than brute force.
What Makes the Shockwave Totem Warbringer Special?
This build revolves around Shockwave Totem, a skill that turns you into an AoE beast. Thanks to the Warbringer ascendancy, you’ll be stacking multiple totems and watching them blast entire mobs off the screen. The downside? With the totem nerfs, you’ll need some good timing and solid support skills to keep the pressure on—especially against bosses.
Act One Breakdown: Getting Started
Early Game Strategy
In the early moments, this build feels a little clunky. That’s because Shockwave Totem isn’t available right away, and your real power spike happens later. But don’t worry, the grind pays off.
Early Equipment Tips
Weapon: One-handed or two-handed—your call.
1H + Shield = more defense.
2H Weapon = more damage (especially good when you unlock Giant’s Blood for dual-wielding).
Armor: Stack Armor + Mana Regen early. This build guzzles mana like crazy.
Early Skills to Grab
Rolling Slam
Boneshatter
Shockwave Totem (as soon as it’s available)
Best Support Gems for Act One
| Support Gem | Skill Modified | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Overabundance | Shockwave Totem | Allows one extra totem, reduced duration but higher DPS |
| Bloodlust | Rolling Slam | Extra damage against bleeding enemies |
| Impact Shockwave | Boneshatter | Deals aftershock damage post stun |
Basic Rotation
Double Shockwave Totem
Rolling Slam
Boneshatter
Repeat while keeping totems up at all times.
Place totems in the middle of mobs for AoE. Against bosses? Place the totem opposite your position to avoid both of you getting smacked at once.
Act Two: Scaling Up
Not much new in act two, but now’s the time to level your key skills and get smarter with support combos.
Optional Skill Additions
Perfect Strike – Single-target damage if you’re struggling with bosses.
Earthquake – Synergizes with your totems by placing Jagged Ground, which pops off when your totems attack.
Useful Support Gems
Execute + Window of Opportunity for Perfect Strike – great for bosses
Fire Infusion on Earthquake – adds fiery spice to the damage
Act Three + Cruel: Totem Mastery Time
This is where things get exciting. You’ll finally get a second totem and unlock new support combos in poe2 act three.
New Skill Unlocks
Sunder – More AoE, pairs well with your second totem
Leap Slam – If you’re tired of Rolling Slam, swap it out
Ancestral Warrior Totem – Your second totem option (Cruel difficulty)
Support Gems That Matter
| Passive Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Carved Earth | Boosts totem damage and gives attack speed after summoning |
| Ancestral Artifice | Increases maximum number of totems |
| Supportive Ancestors | Increases damage when totems are active |
Passive Tree + Ascendancy Guide
Key Passive Skills
Carved Earth – Buffs totem damage and gives you attack speed after summoning one
Devastation – Bigger AoE and more damage overall
Ancestral Artifice / Mending / Unity – All totem-centric boosts
Watchtowers – Lets you deploy more totems (and sometimes gives a free one!)
Supportive Ancestors – More damage when totems are active
Hardened Wood – Helps your totems stay alive longer
Ascendancy: Warbringer
This one’s a no-brainer. Warbringer gives you:
Ancestral Spirits – More damage
Wooden Wall – Better survivability
