The Grim Pillars is a highly effective skill for the Disciple of Varashta in Path of Exile 2. Based on our latest ladder analysis of 15 top players in the 90-plus bracket, this build frequently maximizes damage by utilizing support gems such as Astral Projection, Cooldown Recovery II, Boundless Energy II. To optimize survivability and DPS, players commonly allocate key passives like Pure Energy, Instruments of Power, Baryanic Leylines on the skill tree.

Grim Pillars
(Disciple of Varashta) Builds
Sample size: 15 characters analyzed.
Last updated: 2026-09-04 12:01:30 UTC
Below data represents gem links within this cohort. Selected main skills are strictly isolated.
★ Selected Main Skills
Other Active Skills & Auras
Flasks Distribution
Main Hand (Set I)
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
# to Level of all [Corrupted] [Spell] Skill Gems
53.3%
Spells which cost Life [Gain] #% of Damage as [Gain|Extra] [Physical] Damage
53.3%
# to [Intelligence|Intelligence]
40%
#% increased Cast Speed
40%
#% increased maximum Life
40%
#% increased bonuses gained from Equipped [Quiver]
20%
[Gain] #% of Damage as Extra [Lightning] Damage
20%
[Gain] #% of Damage as Extra [Cold] Damage
13.3%
[Gain] #% of Damage as Extra [Fire] Damage
13.3%
# to Level of all [Cold|Cold] [Spell|Spell] Skills
6.7%
Offhand (Set I)
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
#% increased [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
73.3%
# to maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
53.3%
# to maximum Mana
40%
# to maximum Life
26.7%
#% increased Cast Speed
26.7%
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
26.7%
# to [Intelligence|Intelligence]
20%
#% chance to [Pierce|Pierce] an Enemy
20%
#% increased [Spell] Damage
20%
#% to [Resistances|Fire Resistance]
20%
Helmet
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
#% increased [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
80%
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
73.3%
# to maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
66.7%
# to maximum Mana
40%
# to maximum Life
26.7%
# to [Intelligence|Intelligence]
20%
#% to [Resistances|Lightning Resistance]
20%
#% to [Resistances|Fire Resistance]
13.3%
# Life Regeneration per second
6.7%
# to Level of all [Minion|Minion] Skills
6.7%
Body Armour
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
#% to all [ElementalDamage|Elemental] [Resistances]
66.7%
[AilmentThreshold|Elemental Ailment Threshold] is increased by [UncappedResist|Uncapped] [Resistances|Chaos Resistance]
66.7%
[Armour] is increased by [UncappedResist|Uncapped] [Resistances|Fire Resistance]
66.7%
[EnergyShield|Energy Shield] is increased by [UncappedResist|Uncapped] [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
66.7%
[Evasion] Rating is increased by [UncappedResist|Uncapped] [Resistances|Lightning Resistance]
66.7%
# to maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
20%
#% increased [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
13.3%
# to [Spirit|Spirit] per Socket filled
6.7%
#% increased Global [Armour], [Evasion] and [EnergyShield|Energy Shield] per Socket filled
6.7%
#% increased [Armour|Armour], [Evasion|Evasion] and [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
6.7%
Gloves
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
66.7%
#% increased [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
60%
# to maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
46.7%
# to maximum Life
40%
# to Level of all [Projectile] Skills
20%
#% to [Resistances|Lightning Resistance]
20%
# to [Dexterity|Dexterity]
13.3%
# to [Intelligence|Intelligence]
13.3%
# to maximum Mana
13.3%
#% to [Resistances|Fire Resistance]
13.3%
Boots
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
53.3%
#% increased Movement Speed
46.7%
#% increased [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
46.7%
# to maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
40%
# to maximum Mana
26.7%
#% increased [CooldownRecovery|Cooldown Recovery Rate]
26.7%
#% to [Resistances|Fire Resistance]
26.7%
#% to [Resistances|Lightning Resistance]
26.7%
# to [Intelligence|Intelligence]
20%
# to [StunThreshold|Stun Threshold]
20%
Amulet
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
# Suffix Modifier allowed
80%
# Prefix Modifier allowed
73.3%
# to [Spirit|Spirit]
73.3%
#% increased maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
33.3%
# to maximum [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
20%
#% to all [ElementalDamage|Elemental] [Resistances]
20%
# to Level of all [Spell|Spell] Skills
13.3%
# to all [Attributes|Attributes]
13.3%
# Life Regeneration per second
6.7%
# to Level of all [Cold] Skills
6.7%
Ring 1
Top Explicit Mods
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
106.7%
#% increased [ItemRarity|Rarity of Items] found
46.7%
# to maximum Mana
26.7%
# to [Evasion] Rating
20%
# to maximum Life
20%
# to [Accuracy|Accuracy] Rating
13.3%
#% to all [ElementalDamage|Elemental] [Resistances]
13.3%
Reflects opposite Ring
13.3%
# Prefix Modifiers allowed
6.7%
# Suffix Modifiers allowed
6.7%
Ring 2
Top Explicit Mods
Reflects opposite Ring
60%
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
33.3%
#% increased Cast Speed
20%
#% increased [ItemRarity|Rarity of Items] found
20%
# to maximum Mana
13.3%
#% increased [Cold] Damage
13.3%
# to [Evasion] Rating
6.7%
# to [Spirit] while you have at least # [Intelligence]
6.7%
# to maximum Life
6.7%
#% increased Cast Speed per # [Spirit]
6.7%
Belt
Top Explicit Mods
Has # [Charm] Slots
100%
Legacy of [LegacyOfBismuth|Bismuth]
100%
#% of [Flask|Flask] Recovery applied Instantly
93.3%
All [MagesLegacy|Mage's Legacies] have #% increased effect per duplicate [MagesLegacy|Mage's Legacy] you have
73.3%
Legacy of [LegacyOfQuicksilver|Quicksilver]
46.7%
Legacy of [LegacyOfSapphire|Sapphire]
46.7%
Legacy of [LegacyOfGold|Gold]
33.3%
Legacy of [LegacyOfSilver|Silver]
26.7%
Legacy of [LegacyOfJade|Jade]
20%
# to [Strength|Strength]
13.3%
Main Hand (Set II)
Top Bases / Uniques
Top Explicit Mods
#% increased bonuses gained from Equipped [Quiver]
53.3%
#% increased Cast Speed
26.7%
# to Level of all [Corrupted] [Spell] Skill Gems
20%
# to [Intelligence|Intelligence]
20%
Spells which cost Life [Gain] #% of Damage as [Gain|Extra] [Physical] Damage
20%
# to maximum Mana
13.3%
#% increased maximum Life
13.3%
Gain # Life per enemy killed
13.3%
[Gain] #% of Damage as Extra [Lightning] Damage
13.3%
# to Level of all [Fire|Fire] [Spell|Spell] Skills
6.7%
Offhand (Set II)
Top Explicit Mods
# to maximum Life
53.3%
#% chance to [Pierce|Pierce] an Enemy
53.3%
[Projectile|Projectiles] deal #% increased Damage with [HitDamage|Hits] for each time they have [Pierce|Pierced]
53.3%
[Projectile|Projectiles] have #% increased [Critical|Critical Hit] chance for each time they have [Pierce|Pierced]
53.3%
#% increased [Attack] Speed
46.7%
[Attack] [Projectile|Projectiles] [Return] if they [Pierce|Pierced] at least # times
46.7%
Gain [Deflect|Deflection Rating] equal to #% of [Evasion|Evasion Rating]
33.3%
# to maximum Mana
20%
#% increased [EnergyShield|Energy Shield]
20%
#% to [Resistances|Cold Resistance]
20%
Interactive Meta Heatmap
No Node Selected
Key Notables & Keystones
Pure Energy
(14)93.3%✕ Remove
Instruments of Power
(14)93.3%✕ Remove
Baryanic Leylines
(14)93.3%✕ Remove
Dampening Shield
(13)86.7%✕ Remove
The Fourth Teaching
(13)86.7%✕ Remove
Chaos Inoculation
(13)86.7%✕ Remove
Sacred Rituals
(13)86.7%✕ Remove
Critical Overload
(12)80%✕ Remove
For the Jugular
(12)80%✕ Remove
Enhanced Barrier
(12)80%✕ Remove
Heartbreaking
(11)73.3%✕ Remove
Turn the Clock Forward
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Melding
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Multitasking
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Volatile Catalyst
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Temporal Mastery
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Endless Blizzard
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Distracting Presence
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Throatseeker
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Patient Barrier
(10)66.7%✕ Remove
Shimmering Mirage
(9)60%✕ Remove
Tempered Mind
(9)60%✕ Remove
Harsh Winter
(9)60%✕ Remove
Forthcoming
(9)60%✕ Remove
Cooked
(9)60%✕ Remove
Chakra of Elements
(9)60%✕ Remove
Remnant Attraction
(8)53.3%✕ Remove
Heavy Frost
(8)53.3%✕ Remove
Abasement
(8)53.3%✕ Remove
Thin Ice
(8)53.3%✕ Remove
Mental Alacrity
(7)46.7%✕ Remove
Turn the Clock Back
(7)46.7%✕ Remove
Pure Chaos
(6)40%✕ Remove
Brain Freeze
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
Controlled Chaos
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
Wither Away
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
Inescapable Cold
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
First Principle of the Hollow
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
Invocated Efficiency
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
Thaumaturgic Generator
(5)33.3%✕ Remove
Sanguine Tolerance
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Authority
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Resonance
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Bone Chains
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Invigorating Archon
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
The Hollowkeeper
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Energising Archon
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Brain Storm
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Ice Walls
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
First Teachings of the Keeper
(4)26.7%✕ Remove
Insightfulness
(3)20%✕ Remove
Storm Driven
(3)20%✕ Remove
Dependable Ward
(3)20%✕ Remove
Breaking Point
(3)20%✕ Remove
Rupturing Pins
(3)20%✕ Remove
Dreamcatcher
(3)20%✕ Remove
Deadly Force
(3)20%✕ Remove
Controlling Magic
(3)20%✕ Remove
Puppet Master chance
(3)20%✕ Remove
Ether Flow
(3)20%✕ Remove
Warding Fetish
(3)20%✕ Remove
Haemorrhaging Cuts
(3)20%✕ Remove
Utmost Offering
(3)20%✕ Remove
Warlord Berserker
(3)20%✕ Remove
True Strike
(3)20%✕ Remove
Eldritch Will
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Crystallised Immunities
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Pyromancer
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Efficient Casting
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Rapid Recharge
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Erraticism
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Paragon
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Kite Runner
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Touch the Arcane
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Resurging Archon
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Barya of Navira
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Preservation
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Flurry
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Practiced Signs
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Convalescence
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Stormcharged
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Heartstopping
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Ingenuity
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Energise
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Mind Over Matter
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Elemental Equilibrium
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Barbaric Strength
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Raw Power
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
All Natural
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Enduring Archon
(2)13.3%✕ Remove
Spiral into Depression
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Ancestral Alacrity
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Varashta's Intuition
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Final Barrage
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Raw Mana
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Adverse Growth
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Inspiring Leader
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Shredding Force
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Endurance
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Stand and Deliver
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Dangerous Blossom
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
The Fabled Stag
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Reverberation
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Return to Nature
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Catapult
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Heartstopping Presence
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Repulsion
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Overzealous
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Sudden Escalation
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Strong Chin
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Necrotic Touch
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Asceticism
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Barya of Kelari
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Boundless Growth
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Embodiment of Lightning
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Moment of Truth
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Ruinic Helm
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Arcane Intensity
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Potent Incantation
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Ice Storm
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Glazed Flesh
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Immortal Infamy
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Kelari's Judgment
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Dominion
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
The Power Within
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Archon of the Storm
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Shocking Limit
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Dead can Dance
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Inner Faith
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Entropic Incarnation
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Grip of Evil
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Dread Engineer's Concoction
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Gem Enthusiast
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Conservative Casting
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Cold Coat
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Struck Through
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Empowering Remnants
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Bear's Roar
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Evocational Practitioner
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Glaciation
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Efficient Inscriptions
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Ancestral Reach
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Casting Cascade
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Remorseless
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Ancestral Bond
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Navira's Oasis
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Proliferating Weeds
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Careful Assassin
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Whispers of Doom
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Wildsurge Incantation
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Shattered Crystal
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Frozen Limit
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Spirit Bond
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Soul Bloom
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Lucidity
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Constricting
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Pain Attunement
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Critical Exploit
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Eldritch Battery
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Blood Tearing
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Well of Power
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Sanguimantic Rituals
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Infusion of Power
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Roil
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Lightning Storm
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Infernal Limit
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Battle Fever
(1)6.7%✕ Remove
Flashy Parrying
(1)6.7%✕ Remove