My experience leveling with Penance Brand in Path of Exile

Leveling in Path of Exile is a wild ride, and my Penance Brand dualist experience was no exception. From stormbrand struggles to the explosive power of Penance Brand, the journey to level 65 was a mix of pain and surprise. But hey, it got the job done, even with some questionable gear choices. Lesson learned: don't ask me for leveling advice, unless you're up for a challenge 😅🔥🎮

Key Takeaways

• Leveling a new build in Path of Exile can be challenging, but experimenting with different skills and gear can lead to a unique and rewarding experience.
• Penance Brand proved to be an effective choice for leveling, despite initial struggles with other skill options.
• The leveling process involved a combination of unique items, skill gems, and passive tree allocations to optimize the build for early game content.
• While the leveling approach described may not be the most conventional, it served its purpose of safely reaching level 65 and preparing for endgame content.

My Leveling Journey with Penance Brand

Role of Penance Brand in Leveling

In my recent Path of Exile playthrough, I embarked on the challenge of leveling a Penance Brand dualist. Despite early reservations about the efficacy of this approach, I found that Penance Brand proved to be a reliable choice for navigating the leveling process.

Reflections on Gear Choices

The gear selection for my leveling strategy revolved around optimizing damage output and addressing attribute and resistance requirements.

• Replica Bitter Dream: Equipped with multiple support gems, functioning as the primary damage dealer in conjunction with Penance Brand.
• Swiftbrand and Spello: These gems contributed significantly to the leveling process, adding essential utility and enhancing the overall effectiveness of Penance Brand.
• Seven League Steps and Replica Cio's Sign: These items provided necessary attribute adjustments and damage amplification, crucial for maintaining a smooth leveling experience.
• Astramentis and Willclash: Addressed attribute and resistance needs, allowing me to focus on skill progression without being hindered by gearing complexities.

Optimizing Skills and Passive Tree

Skill Gem Setup

The skill gem configuration played a vital role in shaping the effectiveness of my Penance Brand dualist. Notable among the gems I utilized include:

• Flame Dash with Faster Casting and Cast on Damage Taken Immortal Call
• Arrogance Petrified Blood setup
• Herald of Ash, Herald of Purity, and Discipline
• Brand Recall for skill efficiency in combat situations

Passive Tree Allocations

My passive tree progression was tailored to complement the playstyle and power charge stacking mechanics inherent to the Penance Brand build.

• Prioritized acquisition of Ash, Frost, and Storm nodes initially for increased damage potential.
• Strategic pathing towards RMR, Rune Binder, and Rune Smith nodes to maximize aura utilization and further bolster the offensive capabilities.
• Emphasis on brand crit bonuses and power charge acquisition, setting the foundation for power charge stacking and eventual transition to endgame gear and mechanics.

Adapting to Mid-Level Challenges

Transition to True Potential

Upon reaching level 60, the experience of leveling with Penance Brand evolved significantly, with gear upgrades and transitioning to the "real" gear setup comprising Badge of the Brotherhood and Void Battery on the horizon.

• Overcoming early challenges with skill effectiveness, particularly with Stormbrand of Indecision and initial iterations of Penance Brand
• Introducing Valak's power charge stacking mechanic and its inherent benefits for survivability and elemental resistance gains
• Navigating the constraints of lacking Wildwood charms and optimizing gear transitions to unlock the full potential of the Penance Brand build

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

In conclusion, while my leveling approach and skill selection may not align with conventional wisdom, the journey to level 65 with the Penance Brand dualist has been both educational and rewarding. Despite occasional setbacks and challenges, the unique nature of the build has provided valuable insights and preparation for the upcoming endgame content.

As I reflect on this leveling experience, I acknowledge the unorthodox nature of my approach and the disclaimers attached to its potential effectiveness. Nevertheless, the experimentation and engagement with the mechanics of Penance Brand have laid the groundwork for further exploration and refinement in the endgame phase.

For those curious about the outcomes and prospects of Penance Brand in the endgame, stay tuned for future updates and insights as I delve into more detailed mechanics and implications of this unique build.

Thank you for accompanying me on this leveling journey, and I look forward to sharing more experiences and insights with you in the future.

Image source: Path of Exile Official Website