Transitioning to Storm Wave (Level 22+)

At level 22, you'll unlock Storm Wave using an Uncut Skill Gem 7. Respec your cold-focused gems into Lightning support gems and Path of Exile 2 Currency start building your endgame loadout.

Storm Wave sends out a lightning fissure that shocks and damages enemies, synergizing perfectly with Herald of Thunder and Charged Staff.

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:

For Mobs: Cast Storm Wave to clear groups and generate corpses. Use Profane Ritual to consume corpses and gain Power Charges. Once charged, activate Charged Staff for buffed melee strikes.
For Bosses: Use Tempest Flurry to build up combos, then unleash Tempest Bell while Charged Staff is active for massive single-target bursts.

The gameplay loop rewards timing and awareness - keeping your Power Charges and Herald buffs active ensures maximum uptime and damage output.

Itemization and Gear Priorities

While leveling and progressing through the campaign, prioritize defense first. Focus on Path of Exile 2 Items that grant Life, Armor, and Energy Shield. In the late game, look for Resistances and increased Life to survive boss mechanics.

For your Quarterstaff, prioritize offensive modifiers:

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

Buying or trading for the right items early can make a big difference. Many players prefer to buy POE2 Items such as high-roll Quarterstaves or amulets with Lightning modifiers to smooth progression. Similarly, acquiring Path of Exile 2 Currency helps with POE 2 Orbs for sale crafting or trading rare Uniques that perfectly complement this build.