When it comes to defensive builds, selecting the right off-hand is vital for maximizing your character’s potential. Whether you’re focusing on block chance, energy shield, or other defensive stats, choosing the right off-hand item can make all the difference. This article will explore some of the best off-hand choices for defensive builds in PoE 2, helping you make an informed decision when gearing up.
1. Shields: The Go-To Off-Hand for Defensive Builds
Shields are one of the best off-hand choices for any defensive build in PoE 2. They offer increased survivability through high block chance, additional resistances, and even life regeneration. Some shields also provide bonuses to energy shield, making them a great choice for energy shield-based builds.
High Block Chance: Block chance is an essential defensive stat, and shields provide some of the highest values available in the game. This stat reduces the amount of damage you take by preventing it from reaching your character.
Resistance and Life: Many shields come with additional resistances and life, making them a great choice for builds that require high survivability.
Specialized Shields: Some shields are designed for specific build types. For example, the Glorious Vanity shield is often chosen for energy shield-based builds due to its synergy with energy shield passives.
For players focusing on PoE 2 currency, shields can also be an investment, as high-quality shields are often sought after by players looking to improve their builds.
2. Wands: A Balanced Defensive and Offensive Option
Wands are another great off-hand option for defensive builds, especially when paired with certain classes or passive skill trees. Wands provide additional spellcasting potential while offering bonuses to defense through energy shield and resistances.
Energy Shield and Resistances: Wands can grant energy shield bonuses, helping to bolster your survivability without sacrificing offensive power. They often come with resistance modifiers, which are crucial for endgame content.
Defensive Spells: Many wands have spell-related bonuses, which can be used to cast defensive skills like Flame Dash or Shield Charge, giving you mobility or better control over the battlefield.
Customization: Wands can be crafted to offer a combination of defensive and offensive attributes, allowing players to fine-tune their builds.
While wands may not offer the direct damage mitigation of shields, they provide a balanced option for those looking for both offense and defense. For players who are keen on making the most out of PoE 2 currency, certain rare wands can fetch high prices due to their defensive and offensive properties.
3. Sceptres: A Solid Alternative for Hybrid Defensive Builds
Sceptres are versatile off-hand choices that work well with hybrid builds that focus on both offense and defense. Like wands, sceptres offer energy shield, resistances, and other useful defensive stats. However, they often come with a slight emphasis on enhancing specific spells or offensive abilities, making them a great choice for hybrid builds.
Spellcasting and Defensive Stats: Sceptres can increase your ability to cast defensive spells while providing strong defensive bonuses, including life, energy shield, and resistances.
Elemental Resistances: Some sceptres come with built-in elemental resistances, providing a convenient way to increase your defenses without needing to focus on acquiring them from other gear.
Boost to Damage Reduction: Many sceptres increase the effectiveness of damage reduction stats or enhance your block chance, making them a viable off-hand for defensive-oriented builds.
The versatility of sceptres means they are often highly sought after, especially for players looking to maximize their PoE 2 currency investments.
4. Off-Hand Armour (For Energy Shield and Life Builds)
Certain off-hand armor items, such as Quivers or Talisman, can also be a great choice for defensive builds. These off-hands typically focus on enhancing either life or energy shield, two key stats for survival in PoE 2.
Energy Shield: Off-hand armors can provide substantial increases to your energy shield pool, which is invaluable for energy shield-based defensive builds.
Life: Quivers and talismans can also enhance your life total, boosting your overall survivability in tougher encounters.
Defensive Modifiers: Some off-hand armor pieces offer modifiers that increase your resistances or grant you more regeneration, helping you recover health or energy shield faster during combat.
These off-hand items are often more specialized and are valuable for specific defensive builds. However, they can still be a great investment for players who are looking to stack up on defensive stats and build around these niches.
5. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Off-Hand for Your Defensive Build
When choosing an off-hand for your defensive build in PoE 2, it’s important to balance your needs for survivability, resistances, and other defensive stats. Shields are generally the most popular option due to their high block chance and overall defensive benefits, but wands and sceptres can also be highly effective for hybrid builds. Off-hand armor pieces like quivers or talismans can enhance specific defensive attributes like life or energy shield, making them valuable for specialized builds.
Ultimately, the best off-hand choice for your build depends on your playstyle, class, and the specific needs of your defensive setup. By focusing on high-quality items and investing in PoE 2 currency to buy or craft the best defensive off-hand items, you can significantly improve your survivability in the endgame content of PoE 2.
