The Essence Drain Lich build relies heavily on energy shield for defense, making energy shield management and defensive tactics a priority, especially when allocating your "poe 2 currency" towards the best gear.

Early in the game, before acquiring significant energy shield gear, the build uses Mind Over Matter to convert mana into a secondary health pool. This keystone helps bridge the gap between life-based survivability and energy shield-focused defense. Mana regeneration nodes and the Solar Swarm ascendancy node support this strategy by improving mana sustain.

As you progress, acquiring gear with high energy shield values becomes critical. The guide recommends adjusting your gear search filters to prioritize minimum energy shield values on body armor, boots, and gloves. This approach ensures that your currency is spent on items that provide substantial defensive benefits.

Once you reach around 2,000 energy shield, it's advisable to swap out Mind Over Matter and focus on energy shield nodes in the passive tree, such as the wheels that boost energy shield and recharge rate. The Eternal Life ascendancy node further enhances survivability by increasing energy shield recovery.

Avoiding reliance on nodes that require power charges or unholy might is recommended, as they do not synergize well with Essence Drain's damage-over-time mechanics. Instead, focus on sustainable energy shield regeneration and resistances to mitigate incoming damage.

By managing your "poe 2 currency" to acquire the right energy shield gear and investing in the appropriate defensive nodes, the Essence Drain Lich can achieve a durable and effective defense that complements its potent offensive capabilities.

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