In Path of Exile, managing your "poe 2 currency" wisely can make or break your leveling experience, especially when adopting the Essence Drain Lich build. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap from early campaign stages to endgame mapping, focusing on skill progression, gear upgrades, and defensive strategies.

Starting the build is straightforward: players can begin using Essence Drain and Contagion as soon as they reach level 6, where they receive a level 3 Essence Drain gem. Early on, adding Chain support helps with clearing packs faster, while later links like Swift Affliction and Controlled Destruction maximize damage.

Gearing during leveling should focus on acquiring items that boost energy shield and damage. The guide advises against using exalted orbs for crafting, instead recommending purchasing plus-level wands, foci, and amulets from trade to maximize the return on investment of your "poe 2 currency." For instance, a +1 or +2 wand with percent damage can carry you through the campaign effectively.

Defensively, the build uses Mind Over Matter to convert mana into a buffer for health, which is essential until you can equip energy shield gear. Around level 60-70, once you have about 2,000 energy shield, it's advisable to swap out Mind Over Matter and invest in energy shield nodes on the passive tree.

Ascendancy choices start with Solar Swarm for mana sustain, followed by Eternal Life and Eldritch Empowerment to boost survivability and damage. The final ascendancy point is best used for a jewel socket to maximize customization.

By following this structured approach and carefully managing your "poe 2 currency," players can efficiently level their Essence Drain Lich and prepare for the challenges of endgame content.

Recommendation: U4GM - Mastering the Essence Drain Lich Build in Path of Exile 2