Build Piloting: Ascendant Ball Lightning Archmage

In this edition of EAPGG's Piloting series we walk through how to play the Ascendant Ball Lightning Archmage build. For our Piloting series, I let the PoB do the talking for item specifics and focus discussion on the strengths/weaknesses of the build in real end-game.

Special note: the video has me using awakened elemental focus. The PoB uses awakened lightning penetration which is the correct gem for the build. Bosses won't resist like they do in the video. Sorry for the confusion!

All maps are Alch'd / Vaal'd for ~100%+ Quantity
00:11 - T16 w/ Syndicate
05:20 - Defensive layers
08:36 - Forge of the Phoenix
10:29 - Lair of the Hydra
11:04 - Maze of the Minotaur
11:38 - Pit of the Chimera
13:46 - Shaper
14:51 - Eradicator
15:55 - Notes on most expensive items of the build
17:32 - Outtro pre-Uber Elder
17:59 - Uber Elder

Original inspiration for this version of the build from BigDucks - this version curtailed down to a more easily achievable level.

[mkports]

This guide was amazing! I was mainly browsing to see if new new guides for this build came up for maybe non-crit, I play a non crit version and it has close numbers - yes I feel like a special snowflake ;) - subbed.

[francoispacquet]

Thank you for this "Build Piloting" video !

I have 2 small comments though :
- You put in the gem links in the PoB a "5L Storm Brand" title, but in reality, it is only a 4L, as Sniper's Mark has to be cast "by hand" I suppose (with the rework of Curses in Hexes and Marks), and there is also Clarity, which means that a Shaper Armour with 6 sockets and only a 4L is enough (like shown in the video)
- You list in the Notes in the PoB "Phantasmal Sigil of Power" for the "20% increased spell damage" quality, but do not forget it also comes with "10% reduced mana costs of skills", which is really detrimental to the "Archmage Support" mechanic

[everettkysor]

Do you have a link to a pastebin for the PoB code?