Intro
The Skeletal Sniper Infernalist is a versatile minion-based build that excels at both area-of-effect (AoE) clearing and single-target damage. It uses Skeletal Snipers as primary damage dealers while leveraging utility skills like Flammability and Pain Offering to enhance minion performance. With a significant Energy Shield pool doubled by the Grim Feast Aura, this build combines offense and survivability for challenging encounters.
Skills
Primary Clear (Early On)
- Detonate Dead: Explodes enemy corpses for massive AoE damage.
- Tip: Use a low-level gem (7–10) to minimize mana costs.
Primary Clear (Later On)
- Eye of Winter: Replaces Detonate Dead to improve clear speed. Applies Critical Weakness to increase Critical Strike Chance.
Minions Overview
Minion | Role | Support Gems |
---|---|---|
Skeletal Snipers | Core AoE/single-target damage. Supports like Scattershot increase arrows for better clear. | Scattershot, Chaos Mastery (bosses) |
Raging Spirits | Additional damage summoned via Flame Wall and Detonate Dead. | Elemental Focus, Martial Tempo |
Skeletal Storm Mages | Apply Shock to debuff enemies for increased damage taken. | Overcharge |
Summon Infernal Hound | Reduces incoming damage by 20% and applies Ignite. | Fire Exposure |
Skeletal Clerics | Heal and resurrect other minions. Only 1–2 needed. | Ingenuity |
Debuffs and Buffs
Skill | Function |
---|---|
Flammability | Lowers enemy Fire Resistance for increased damage from minions. |
Pain Offering | Buffs minion damage, attack speed, and cast speed by sacrificing a skeleton. |
Flame Wall | Summons Raging Spirits and boosts projectile damage traveling through the flames. |
Persistent Buffs
- Grim Feast: Doubles your Energy Shield pool while mapping.
- Optional: Clarity for extra Mana regeneration (avoid if it reduces your Skeletal Sniper count).
Skill Rotation
- Cast Flame Wall to summon Raging Spirits.
- Use Pain Offering to empower minions.
- Debuff enemies with Flammability.
- Use Detonate Dead after an enemy dies for AoE explosions.
- For repositioning, weapon-swap to despawn and respawn minions instantly.
Passives
Focus on nodes that enhance minion damage, critical capabilities, and Energy Shield:
Key Stats to Prioritize
- Minions have #% reduced Reservation.
- #% Increased Maximum Energy Shield.
- Minions deal #% Increased Damage.
- Minions have #% Increased Critical Hit Chance.
- Minions have +#% to all Elemental Resistances.
- #% Increased Energy Shield Recharge Rate.
Notable Nodes:
- Illuminated Crown: Enhances Energy Shield from helmets.
- Ancient Aegis: Improves survivability with Energy Shield scaling.
Ascendancy
The Skeletal Sniper Infernalist thrives with specific Ascendancy choices to maximize minion efficiency and survivability. Prioritize the following:
- Loyal Hellhound
- Grants an additional minion and reduces incoming damage by 20%.
- Altered Flesh
- Adds mitigation for physical damage, synergizing with Chaos Resistance.
- Beidat’s Will
- Increases maximum Spirit, allowing more Skeletal Snipers or buffs like Clarity.
- Beidat’s Hand (Optional)
- If your Chaos Resistance and Life are low, consider allocating two life nodes instead for improved survivability.
Gearing
Proper gearing ensures optimal performance for damage output and survivability. Prioritize these key slots:
Weapon
Use a Minion Sceptre with modifiers that enhance minion effectiveness.
- Key Stats:
- +1 to All Minion Skills
- #% Increased Spirit
- Allies have #% Increased Damage, Crit Chance, and Crit Damage
- Minions gain +# to Accuracy
Off-Hand
Equip a Shield with high block chance to bolster defenses.
- Suggested Unique: Oaksworn – Provides excellent early-game survivability.
Body Armour
Focus on high Energy Shield bases like the Expert Altar Robe.
- Key Stats:
- +#% to Fire, Cold, and Lightning Resistances
- Increased Energy Shield
- +# Maximum Energy Shield
- +# to Spirit
Helmet
Look for helmets with both Energy Shield and Minion Skill levels.
- Key Stats:
- +1 to Minion Skills
- #% Increased Energy Shield
- +# to All Resistances
Boots and Gloves
Prioritize movement speed, resistances, and Energy Shield.
Amulet
An Amulet with +1 to All Minion Skills is crucial for scaling.
- Recommended Unique: Fireflower (For Flame Wall users).
Runes and Jewels
- Early: Use Desert Rune or Glacial Rune for resistances.
- Late: Equip Iron Rune for maximum Energy Shield.
Skill Progression (Act-Specific Highlights)
- Early Acts (1-4): Use Detonate Dead for clearing and summon Skeletal Snipers as your core damage dealers. Support with Flame Wall and Raging Spirits.
- Mid Campaign (5-8): Transition to Eye of Winter for additional critical utility while maintaining your Flame Wall + Minion strategy.
- Endgame: Maximize the Skeletal Snipers’ AoE and single-target damage using critical-focused support gems like Chaos Mastery and Fork.
Atlas Passive Priorities
- Breach and Ritual for monster density and loot.
- Essences for crafting powerful Minion-focused gear.
FAQ
Why are my Skeletal Snipers not dealing enough damage?
Ensure your Sceptre and Amulet have “+1 Minion Skills” modifiers. Also, keep Scattershot supported with Chaos Mastery for increased single-target damage.
How do I manage Mana issues?
- Use Clarity alongside Grim Feast.
- Support skills with Inspiration to reduce mana costs.
- Keep Detonate Dead at a low level to conserve mana.
Why am I dying frequently in maps?
- Check your resistances; aim for at least 75% Fire, Cold, and Lightning.
- Ensure your Grim Feast aura is active for double Energy Shield.
Summary
The Skeletal Sniper Infernalist combines powerful Minion damage with robust Energy Shield defenses, offering incredible versatility in clearing maps and tackling bosses.
- Use Flame Wall to summon Raging Spirits and improve projectile damage.
- Rely on Skeletal Snipers for high DPS, supported by Scattershot or Chaos Mastery.
- Equip top-tier Energy Shield gear and maximize Minion Skills to scale effectively.
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