The Best RPGs For Lightning-Focus Builds

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Summary

  • RPGs offer unique ways to interpret elemental powers like lightning for diverse gameplay experiences.
  • Games like Pillars of Eternity 2 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 allow specialized lightning-based character builds.
  • Lightning-focused builds in games like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 offer early-game effectiveness and end-game viability.

In many role-playing games (RPGs), command over the fundamental forces is a recurring theme, not only confined to mages casting spells. Instead, numerous RPGs employ elemental magic as a means of enhancing attacks and introducing diversity in gameplay, particularly in battlefield management. Each element carries familiar tropes: ice can immobilize foes, lightning can stun them, and so forth. However, some RPGs skillfully alter the formula by presenting these powers in innovative ways.

Occasionally, role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts may wish to specialize in a specific skill, damage type, or element, maximizing its potential by concentrating solely on it. This is a key aspect of crafting a character that adheres to a particular theme within an RPG, although not all games provide the opportunity for such focused development. The following RPGs do allow for specialized builds when creating a character, and they acknowledge and appreciate the mastery of lightning magic effectively.

8. Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Storming Druids

2018 saw the release of “Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire,” a role-playing game sequel by Obsidian, following the footsteps of its predecessor, “Pillars of Eternity.” This game shares some resemblance with classics like “Baldur’s Gate” or “Planescape: Torment,” but unlike those games, it wasn’t adapted from a tabletop game. Instead, it has its unique world and mechanics. Despite this, its character classes and gameplay mechanics bear a strong resemblance to games inspired by Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).

In comparison to its predecessor, Pillars of Eternity 2 significantly enhanced character creation options with the introduction of subclasses, enabling players to develop highly specialized and effective builds centered around lightning abilities. Unlike in previous games where lightning skills were exclusive to specific classes, now they’re available across multiple ones. Among these, Druids seem to have the smoothest path to accessing high-tier lightning spells. The Fury Druid subclass, in particular, excels at utilizing lightning by transforming into a tempest on the battlefield, teleporting around and electrifying enemies with chained lightning attacks.

7. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Lightning Fast

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that while “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty” didn’t quite capture the same level of gamer attention as Team Ninja’s renowned “Nioh” series, it still offers an engaging action RPG experience with its unique blend of combat mechanics and innovative ideas. This game transports us to the rich and captivating landscape of China, loosely inspired by the 14th-Century novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”. Although numerous games have delved into this setting and theme, Team Ninja’s interpretation of this era is as fantastical as their depiction of Japan in “Nioh”, featuring some intriguing enemy, boss, and stage designs that set it apart.

In the game “Wo Long: Falled Dynasty,” character development primarily focuses on five key attributes, or “Virtues”: Wood, Earth, Metal, Fire, and Water. Each Virtue influences stats such as health, weapon damage, and so forth, and is also connected to a unique form of elemental magic. For instance, the Wood Virtue controls lightning magic, making it crucial for powerful lightning-based builds to invest heavily in this attribute.

In the game Wo Long, lightning-based spells don’t deal as much initial damage as other elements but they severely weaken an enemy’s Spirit. This makes enemies more susceptible to being staggered quickly and vulnerable to “fatal blows” more frequently. If you prefer casting lightning spells such as Heaven’s Rage or enchanting your weapons with lightning, it would be beneficial to boost your secondary stat, Metal virtue, to lower Spirit costs. By employing the Qinglong spirit and these spells, players can consistently inflict lightning damage on their enemies.

6. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Mixing Air And Water

Individuals who found themselves captivated by the charm of Baldur’s Gate 3 might want to explore Larian Studios’ earlier creation, Divinity: Original Sin 2. It shares many characteristics with Baldur’s Gate 3, being an RPG heavily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons. Moreover, it offers a vast playground for character customization. In the world of Divinity, air is the ruling element for lightning damage. The Aerotheurge discipline within this game is rich in spells that specialize in lightning attacks.

In Divinity: Original Sin 2, some captivating aspects of gameplay stem from environmental interactions and elemental interactions during battles. For instance, lightning can affect any liquid on the battlefield, amplifying its shockwave over a broader area. This means that pools of blood are also susceptible to this electrifying effect. Thus, managing lightning becomes crucial, as spreading the shock could stun opponents (a potent tactic), but it might inadvertently affect your characters if they’re in the wrong location.

5. Diablo 4

Ball And Chain

In simpler terms, the Sorcerer class in Diablo 4 boasts incredibly powerful lightning abilities, and the game’s legendary aspects can be used to customize late-game lightning-based builds for clearing content. The advantage of focusing on lightning damage, particularly Chain Lightning for the Sorcerer, is that this build becomes effective early in the game, making it ideal for leveling quickly while remaining useful in the end game as well.

You can solely concentrate on dealing lightning damage by frequently using Chain Lightning, along with the abilities Splintering Energy Aspect and Unbroken Tether Aspect. Players can further enhance their damage output by utilizing skills such as Familiar and Fireball Enchantment explosion, which allows them to leverage synergy skills like Enlightenment for damage and Elemental Synergies for critical hits. This strategy enables players to effectively use other elements while simultaneously increasing their lightning damage output.

4. Grim Dawn

Min-Maxing

Grim Dawn, often overlooked, is an exceptional Action Role-Playing Game that offers players substantial flexibility in character development through its dual-class system. The Shaman, Demolitionist, and Inquisitor classes each possess potent lightning abilities, and by merging any two of these, gamers can construct a lightning-centric build boasting an array of diverse gameplay options.

In Grim Dawn, the adaptable nature of its character and item classes allows players to specialize in lightning damage, regardless of whether they prefer a close-combat character or a long-range caster, ensuring enjoyable gameplay either way. The Warder, which combines the lightning abilities of the Shaman with the toughness of the Soldier, is another popular choice for lightning melee characters. Grim Dawn offers numerous possibilities, so even if players decide to concentrate on a single damage type like lightning, they still have many options to choose from.

3. Elden Ring

Have Faith

In Elden Ring, the Faith attribute offers players a variety of elemental and status effect options, yet one of the most emblematic is electric damage, often associated with the humble Lightning Spear since the early Souls series games. With Elden Ring, players receive a greater number of opportunities to unleash dazzling, screen-dominating lightning attacks on their enemies.

In the game, the fiery lightning linked to the old dragons and the city’s dragon worshippers is known for its awe-inspiring attacks. Spells such as Lansseax’s Glaive and Ancient Dragon’s Lightning Strike can unleash significant area-of-effect (AoE) lightning damage, while trustworthy spells like Lightning Spear remain as backup options for dealing lightning damage.

In simple terms, the expansion known as “Shadow of the Erdtree” has provided additional methods for crafting compelling lightning-themed builds. It introduces the Death Knight’s armor set, the spell for a Knight’s Lightning Spear, and the Death Knight Twin Axes, along with other relevant items, thereby enhancing the gameplay experience.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Storms And Tempests

In Baldur’s Gate 3, not every player will necessarily prioritize optimizing their stats for maximum damage output or build their character around this concept, but since it is built upon the ruleset of the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, it’s perfectly acceptable to focus on efficient damage output with lightning-based attacks. To achieve this in this CRPG, you may want to consider the Tempest Cleric or Storm Sorcerer character builds, but thanks to Baldur’s Gate 3’s flexible leveling system that allows for multi-classing, players can also comfortably focus on dealing lightning damage while dabbling in other classes as well.

As a fanatic of Baldur’s Gate 3, I’ve discovered a strategy that amplifies the potency of my lightning-based characters: manipulating game elements. Making enemies soggy quadruples the damage dealt by my lightning spells, making it incredibly beneficial to weave spells like Create Water with Chain Lightning and other lightning-infused abilities. However, for those aiming for optimal lightning damage, steer clear of constructing a build around lightning charges. The hassle of maintaining them through gear and particular actions outweighs their minimal advantages.

1. Path Of Exile 2

Lightning Meta

In the Early Access phase of Path of Exile 2, lightning-based damage, including its related status effects such as shock and electrocute, has emerged as one of the most potent sources of damage. The game’s versatile skill tree and Skill Gem system allows multiple classes to capitalize on focusing on lightning elemental damage effectively.

In a simpler form: All three characters – the Sorceress, Ranger, and Monk – have high potential for inflicting powerful lightning damage. The Mercenary can also be adjusted to deal lightning damage, though it might need extra effort. To make any class effective at dealing lightning damage, you’ll typically need to focus on upgrading passive stats such as increased lightning damage, higher shock probability, stronger shock impact, and faster electrocute build-up.

Among the top builds that quickly gained popularity in the game’s early stages are the Lightning Arrow and Magnetic Salvo-centered Deadeye Ranger build, the Stormweaver Sorceress who specializes in abilities like Spark and Orb of Storms, and the Invoker Monk who utilizes Storm Wave along with supporting skills to achieve optimal damage output.

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2025-01-12 10:06