This page requires the browser to support (enable) javascript

Last Epoch, an action RPG from Eleventh Hour Games, offers an array of intricate class and skill systems. Among the many powerful builds, the Machine Gun Elemental Nova Sorcerer stands out as an exciting and fast-paced build. This guide delves deep into the mechanics of this self-casting Elemental Nova Sorcerer, focusing on high-speed, high-damage output while making the most of various synergies between skills and passive abilities.

Overview of the Build

The core of the Machine Gun Elemental Nova Sorcerer revolves around Elemental Nova, which functions as a fast, self-casting AOE spell. Unlike the channeled version of Elemental Nova, which involves a more static casting mechanic, this build opts for a spam-style approach that benefits from high cast speed and no mana costs. The inclusion of Fragment of the Enigma amplifies the effectiveness of Elemental Nova, while skills like Flame Rush, Ice Barrage, and Static Orb help control the battlefield.

At its heart, the build is all about maximized casting speed, rapid area-of-effect (AoE) damage, and ensuring that Spark Charges are consistently applied for both damage scaling and synergistic effects. With Unstable Core as one of the major items, this build is designed to clear screens and deal substantial damage while using Flame Rush to reposition and maintain the Lightning Aegis buff, which boosts the build’s cast speed.

Key Abilities and Mechanics

1. Elemental Nova (Self-Cast):

     Elemental Nova is the backbone of the build. By forgoing the channeled version, this build maximizes damage output by casting it rapidly. The skill itself doesn't consume any mana, which      enables constant usage. With enough cast speed, you can outpace the channeled version, casting Elemental Nova more frequently. At its core, the self-cast version benefits from the Fragment of the Enigma for the additional area damage and explosive effects.

2. Fragment of the Enigma:

     This item plays a significant role in the build's success. When combined with Elemental Nova, Fragment of the Enigma offers a massive area increase, boosting the explosion radius and ensuring that enemies within range are hit. This synergy amplifies the overall AoE damage and is a key reason why the build feels so dynamic.

3. Unstable Core:

     Unstable Core works with Elemental Nova to periodically boost its AoE damage, giving you a 300% increased area of effect with every 6th cast. Given the rapid casting rate of the Nova, this procs frequently, ensuring that every other nova hits enemies in a larger area.

4. Flame Rush:

     Movement is critical in Last Epoch, and Flame Rush allows the Sorcerer to reposition quickly. This skill is not just for mobility—it grants Lightning Aegis, a crucial buff that increases cast speed. The build is all about speed, and Lightning Aegis provides that much-needed boost, ensuring that your Elemental Nova spam is as fast as possible. Additionally, Flame Rush ensures you stay out of harm’s way while maintaining your buffs.

5. Ice Barrage:

     For single-target damage, Ice Barrage is a great tool to have. While your Elemental Nova is ideal for clearing large packs of enemies, Ice Barrage serves as your single-target finisher. This skill also synergizes well with Spark Charges, as it applies them on hit. The Arcane Current mechanic ensures that the more mana-expensive skills, like Ice Barrage and Static Orb, apply Spark Charges, adding another layer to the build's damage.

6.Static Orb:

    Static Orb works as a powerful tool for generating Spark Charges when combined with Flame Rush. The Spark Charges from Static Orb can apply extra damage, especially to tougher enemies. In this build, Static Orb is also leveraged to maintain the Lightning Aegis buff, making it a core part of the build’s synergy.

7. Spark Charges:

     Spark Charges are the ultimate source of scaling damage. By applying them via skills like Ice Barrage, Static Orb, and Elemental Nova, your damage per hit increases substantially. These charges have a delay in their activation, but with the rapid casting rate in this build, the delay is minimal, making them effective even in fast-paced mob clearing.

Skill Trees and Passives

Let’s break down the skill tree for this build, highlighting essential nodes and synergies.

1. Elemental Nova Skill Tree:

  · Range and Spark Charges are vital early points of focus, as they allow you to hit more enemies and apply Spark Charges more consistently.

  · To maximize Elemental Nova's effectiveness, you’ll need to focus on reducing the mana cost to zero and improving damage scaling.

  · In terms of damage, generic damage increases and scaling through nodes like Overcharge should be prioritized. Shattered Nova is also an option to increase the damage over time and additional debuffs.

2. Flame Rush:

  · For Flame Rush, it's important to focus on the Lightning Aegis buff. This buff increases cast speed, which is pivotal in maximizing Elemental Nova's spam.

  · Flame Rush also gives you mobility, allowing you to quickly reposition while maintaining your damage uptime.

3. Static Orb:

  · The primary function of Static Orb is to apply Spark Charges. You'll want to focus on increasing the mana cost of the skill to at least 50 Mana. This ensures that it consistently applies Spark Charges when used in conjunction with Flame Rush.

  · Static Orb also contributes to the Lightning Aegis buff, ensuring that your cast speed remains high.

4. Ice Barrage:

  · Ice Barrage is your single-target damage skill. Make sure you take nodes that increase its damage output while ensuring that it applies Spark Charges reliably.

  · Arcane Current is essential to trigger Spark Charges on hit, while the damage over time nodes will help it scale when combined with Shattered Nova or other debuffs.

5. Spark Charges:

 · The Spark Charges passive tree should focus on increasing damage scaling and reducing delay between charge activations. There are multiple ways to boost the effectiveness of Spark Charges in this build, including the use of generic damage nodes and those that increase the frequency of application.

Gear and Items

As with any build in Last Epoch, the right gear can make or break your effectiveness. Here are some key items and affixes to consider for your Machine Gun Elemental Nova Sorcerer:

1. Fragment of the Enigma:

     This item enhances Elemental Nova, giving it additional AoE and scaling, which works hand-in-hand with the high cast speed focus of the build. Be sure to pick up increased damage and area-of-effect modifiers to maximize its impact.

2. Unstable Core:

     This item gives a huge 300% increased AoE every 6 casts of Elemental Nova. This is incredibly powerful for clearing large packs of enemies and further enhances the build's effectiveness.

3. Mana Regeneration Gear:

     Despite Elemental Nova having no mana cost, you’ll still need to manage your mana for other abilities, like Ice Barrage and Static Orb. Gear with mana regeneration is a good choice to keep up with the demands of the build.

4. Cast Speed and Lightning Damage Affixes:

     High cast speed is crucial in this build. Items that offer cast speed or lightning damage will help you clear faster and increase your damage output. These affixes are essential for keeping your Elemental Nova spam at peak efficiency.

5. Flame Rush Buff Items:

     Any gear that increases movement speed or enhances Flame Rush will be beneficial. It’s important to maintain your mobility while keeping Lightning Aegis up.

Playstyle and Strategy

In terms of playstyle, this build revolves around constant Elemental Nova spam, Flame Rush repositioning, and Ice Barrage for single-target hits. The basic rhythm involves:

  1. Spamming Elemental Nova as often as possible while moving around with Flame Rush to maintain Lightning Aegis.

  2. Using Static Orb to apply Spark Charges to groups of enemies while also benefiting from mana regeneration.

  3. Ice Barrage should be used when facing tough enemies or bosses that require single-target damage.

The main difficulty comes with managing your mana and leeching during rapid combat. Be mindful of taking big hits, as losing your Lightning Aegis will severely affect your casting speed.

Final Thoughts

The Machine Gun Elemental Nova Sorcerer build in Last Epoch is a high-speed, high-damage, self-casting machine that excels in AoE damage. With the right gear, passive nodes, and skill synergy, you can obliterate mobs and boss encounters alike. If you enjoy fast-paced combat, juggling multiple abilities, and scaling AoE damage to insane heights, this build is sure to provide hours of fun!

By the way, do you want to get those gear quickly? Accumulate enough Last Epoch Gold to stay one step ahead in the game. P2Pah offers you the best help. Good luck.