Transitioning to Storm Wave (Level 22+)

Once you hit Level 22, you can socket an Uncut Skill Gem 7 to Path of Exile 2 Currency unlock Storm Wave and respec your cold-based gems into lightning synergies. From this point, your gameplay shifts toward rapid lightning fissures and charge-based buffs.

Mid-Game Gem Links:

Storm Wave: Rapid Attacks - Elemental Armament - Rage - Branching Fissures
Tempest Bell: Overabundance - Close Combat - Elemental Armament
Tempest Flurry: Rapid Attacks - Elemental Armament - Close Combat - Freeze
Herald of Thunder: Elemental Armament - Elemental Focus - Deadly Herald
Charged Staff: Prolonged Duration - Innervate - Elemental Armament
Profane Ritual: Rapid Casting - Compressed Duration - Unleash

Core Rotation:

Clearing Packs: Use Storm Wave to shock groups and generate corpses, then activate Profane Ritual to consume them for Power Charges. Trigger Charged Staff to amplify your next wave of attacks.
Boss Fights: Stack combos with Tempest Flurry, activate Charged Staff, and release Tempest Bell for high single-target bursts.

The build rewards precision - managing your Power Charges and Herald uptime ensures peak performance. Once mastered, this loop turns every encounter into a lightning storm.Itemization and Gear Priorities

During progression, defense comes first. Prioritize Path of Exile 2 Items that boost Life, Armor, and Energy Shield. Once your defenses are stable, begin stacking offensive Lightning modifiers.

Recommended Weapon Stats (Quarterstaff):

Increased % Physical Damage
Added Flat Lightning or Elemental Damage
+Levels to Melee Skill Gems
Increased Attack Speed

Key Gear Stats:

Life and Resistances (for survivability)
Elemental Damage and Lightning Penetration (for offense)
Energy Shield and Recovery Rate (for sustain)

Many players prefer to buy POE2 Items, such as a well-rolled Quarterstaff or Lightning Amulet, too early to speed up progression. Buying Path of Exile 2 Currency also helps craft or trade for rare Uniques that synergize with this build, like those enhancing Shock duration or buy Path of Exile 2 Currency Power Charge generation.