u4gm Max DPS Poison Build with Riven Armor

The 0.3 Edict update for Path of Exile 2 has introduced a wide range of exciting build possibilities, but few match the sheer destructive potential of the Poison Overload setup. Built around the unique body armor Riven Armor, this approach converts the slow burn of poison into an immediate, explosive burst capable of delivering multi-million damage-per-second spikes. It rewards precise preparation with some of the most satisfying eliminations in the game, turning even the toughest bosses into pools of chaos. For those looking to maximize efficiency, acquiring PoE 2 Currency early can help secure the necessary gear to unlock the build’s full potential.



At its core, the build revolves around two synergistic mechanics: poison stacking and the unique effect of Riven Armor. Poison stacking allows infinite layers of damage over time, each based on the physical and chaos damage of the hit that applied it. The key lies in applying a high number of stacks quickly and extending their duration. Riven Armor’s defining modifier — "Warcries consume all Poison stacks on nearby Enemies. For each stack consumed, Enemies take 4% of the Poison's remaining un-dealt damage as Chaos Damage instantly" — transforms those stacks into a single, devastating detonation. This “Overload” mechanic removes the wait for poison ticks, cashing out their full remaining potential in one strike.



The strategy is straightforward: apply as many long-duration poisons as possible, then trigger a Warcry to unleash the stored damage instantly. The more stacks and the longer the duration, the greater the burst. This makes attack speed and poison duration critical stats for the build’s success.



While Riven Armor is non-negotiable, other gear pieces should be chosen to maximize poison application speed, chaos damage scaling, and survivability. Below is a breakdown of stat priorities for offensive and defensive needs:






Stat Type
Priority Order
Notes




Offensive
1. Attack Speed
2. Chaos Damage over Time Multiplier
3. Increased Poison/Chaos Damage
4. Increased Poison Duration
High attack speed ensures rapid stacking. Chaos DoT Multiplier is the most impactful damage scaler after stacks are applied.


Defensive
1. Capped Elemental Resistances (75%)
2. Maximum Life
3. Evasion/Dodge Chance
4. Chaos Resistance
Strong defensive layers are essential, especially for a dodge/evasion build, making life and resistances a priority.




Key gear considerations include a fast-attacking claw or dagger with strong DoT multipliers and added chaos damage, a helmet with high life and resistances plus the “Nearby Enemies have -9% to Chaos Resistance” modifier, gloves with attack speed and DoT multiplier crafts, and boots with movement speed and defensive boosts such as Elusive on crit. Amulets and rings should focus on attributes, life, resistances, and chaos skill gem levels for scaling.



For skill gem links, the primary damage setup in a 6-link Riven Armor should be Viper Strike - Unbound Ailments - Void Manipulation - Melee Splash (for clearing) or Multistrike (for single target) - Deadly Ailments - Withering Touch. This combination maximizes poison damage and duration while applying Withered stacks to further increase chaos damage taken.



Aura choices include Malevolence for enhanced DoT and skill duration, Grace for massive evasion, and Herald of Agony for additional poison damage and a powerful minion. Utility setups should feature Enduring Cry linked with Increased Duration and Second Wind to provide endurance charges, life regeneration, and trigger Poison Overload. Movement skills like Whirling Blades with Faster Attacks and Fortify offer mobility and defense, while the Despair curse reduces enemy chaos resistance.



Executing the build effectively requires mastering its gameplay loop: first, engage enemies using Whirling Blades to gain Fortify; second, apply Despair to the target for reduced chaos resistance; third, stack poisons rapidly with Viper Strike for 2-3 seconds; fourth, trigger Enduring Cry to detonate all stacks in a massive burst; and finally, move on to the next pack, maintaining speed and defenses with flasks. For mapping, swapping to Melee Splash ensures smoother clearing, while Multistrike remains optimal for bosses.



Ultimately, the Poison Overload build excels at deleting single targets in record time while maintaining flexibility for mapping. With the right gear, skill links, and timing, it offers one of the most satisfying high-damage playstyles in Path of Exile 2. Securing upgrades through u4gm PoE 2 Currency can provide a significant edge in perfecting this devastating strategy.