In PoE Affliction 3.23, If you're looking for a tanky, minion-focused build that's easy to start with and fun to play, you've hit the jackpot. This build isn't about speed or monstrous DPS. It's about bringing to life a nostalgic, Diablo 2-Esque Necromancer experience, perfect for league starters, and ideal for those who fancy a laid-back, commanding playstyle.

• Why This Build?
• The Build Basics
• How It's Played?
• Build Mechanics
• Gear Up
• Gameplay
• Medium Budget Version
• Build Enhancements
• High Budget Version
• Tips & Tricks

PoB Link:

• Damage: https://pobb.in/Y2BPwwjPx7_Z.
• Defense: https://pobb.in/fMSgZv45yt_B.

↖ Why This Build?

• Tanky and Easy to Play: This build is a fortress, stacking up minions for defense and offense. It's perfect for league starters and those who love a laid-back playstyle.
• Nostalgia Factor: Brings back that classic Diablo 2 necromancer feel, perfect for old-school ARPG fans.

↖ The Build Basics

• Gear Choices: Start with a Bitterdream at Level 32, letting you raise zombies, golems, and specters early on. For a defensive boost, grab a Restless Courage for some easy block capping.
• Chest Options: Low budget? Go for a Tabula Rasa. If you can, upgrade to a Skin of the Loyal or Skin of the Lords (watch those colors!).
• Weapon and Helmet: Use a Bitterdream for leveling and early maps. Your helmet should boost zombie and skeleton numbers.

↖ How It's Played?

• Summoning Galore: Utilize zombies, skeletons, specters, and golems to overrun your enemies.
• Visual Clarity? What's That?: Be ready for on-screen chaos. This build doesn't do subtle.
• Defensive Strategy: Use bone barrier and other defensive layers to make your necromancer nearly indestructible.

↖ Build Mechanics

• Minion Army: This version brings an even larger, more powerful horde of minions.
• Explosive Clearing: The Impulsa's Broken Heart and Gravepalm combo enhance your clearing speed dramatically.
• Unmatched Tankiness: With 250,000+ EHP, this build becomes virtually unkillable.

↖ Gear Up

• Weapon: The Bitterdream spearheads your arsenal, enabling you to command zombies, golems, and specters right from level 32.
• Shield: The Restless Courage grants easy block capping, reinforcing our tankiness.
• Helmet: Look for a +1 to minion skills helmet with an extra skeleton/zombie benchcraft.
• Chestpiece: Tabula Rasa for starters, or Skin of the Loyal as an upgrade.
• Gloves: Triad Grip with four green sockets – crucial for minion damage conversion.
• Boots: Alberon's Warpath boosts your skeleton count and mobility.

↖ Gameplay

• Minions Galore: Zombies, skeletons, specters, and golems – you're leading an undead army!
• Defensive Layers: With high block and various minion buffs, your army doubles as a sturdy shield.
• Skill Gems: Your arsenal includes Raise Specter, Summon Skeletons, and various support gems to amplify your minions' might.

↖ Medium Budget Version

• Chestpiece: Swap in a brass dome for added tankiness.
• Cluster Jewels: Add larger clusters with minion damage and life enhancements.
• Uniques: Incorporate the Frontline jewel for additional defensive capabilities.

↖ Build Enhancements

• EHP Boost: Over half a million effective HP, making your build an indestructible fortress.
• Defensive Layers: Utilize Bone Barrier and other defensive strategies to fortify your minions and yourself.

↖ High Budget Version

• Chestpiece: Opt for an Impulsa's Broken Heart for explosive clearing.
• Gloves: Employ Gravepalm gloves on your Animated Guardian for increased area effect.
• Jewels: The Unending Hunger jewel endows your minions with Soul Eater, making them incredibly powerful.

↖ Tips & Tricks

• Levelling: Use your Bitterdream to smoothly transition from early to endgame.
• Flexibility: This build allows for adjustments based on your comfort and playstyle.
• Defensive Play: Focus on keeping your minions between you and danger, and watch as they obliterate your foes.

This Zoomancer build is a dream come true for players who miss the classic Necromancer vibe. While it may not top the meta in sheer DPS, its balanced approach, tankiness, and the sheer joy of commanding an undead army make it a build worth trying in the 3.21 Crucible League. So, if you're all about that minion life and want to dive into a build that's as fun as it is formidable, give the Zoomancer Necro a whirl!