Does the thought of playing a "one-button" build in Path of Exile 2 excite you? How about a build that does not rely on Hammer of the Gods, which has a huge possibility of getting nerfed in PoE 2 Patch 0.2.0? If the answer is yes, then this guide is for you!

In this article, we are going to talk about the Corrupting Cry Warbringer, a build with tremendous potential, especially in the upcoming major update. Let's dive into the mechanics, gearing choices, and playstyle of this powerful setup!

Note: Some of the endgame items for this build can be quite expensive. Fortunately, our PoE 2 Trade Store has everything you need to optimize your build, so be sure to check it out!

Why Play the Corrupting Cry Warbringer?

At first glance, Corrupting Cry might not seem like an obvious choice. You may have used the Uncut Skill Gem but not found Corrupting Cry in the menu. That's because Corrupting Cry is a support gem that can be inserted into a warcry skill. In this build, it synergizes perfectly with Seismic Cry.

Seismic Cry normally empowers your next slam skill, but when paired with Corrupting Cry, it also inflicts Corrupted Blood, a debuff that makes enemies suffer increasing physical damage over time, based on 25% of your total Strength.

The drawback of Seismic Cry is its long 8-second cooldown. However, the Warbringer ascendancy solves this problem!

Warbringer and the Power of Endless Warcries

The Warbringer ascendancy has the Greatwolf's Howl node, which completely removes warcry cooldowns. This allows you to spam Seismic Cry (and Infernal Cry), as long as you have the resources to do so.

While this combination easily melts map monsters, it struggles against rare monsters and bosses. This is where the Ancestral Warrior Totem comes into play.

Core Mechanics and Playstyle

How to Use This Build

• Against Normal and Magic Monsters: Spam Seismic Cry to Apply Corrupted Blood.

• Against Rare Monsters: Drop an Ancestral Warrior Totem socketed with Earthshatter while continuing to spam Seismic Cry.

• Against Bosses:

  o Cast Infernal Cry to gain Rage (via Raging Cry) and apply Daze (via Dazing Cry).

  o Daze makes enemies easier to stun, increasing Seismic Cry and Earthshatter effectiveness.

  o Stand near Earthshatter spikes and continue spamming Seismic Cry to shatter spikes for extra damage.

Defensive Strengths

The Warbringer ascendancy has incredible defensive nodes, making this build highly tanky:

• Renly's Training: Greatly increases your shield's block chance.

• Turtle Charm: Allows you to block damage even when your shield is not raised.

Note: Turtle Charm has a block chance penalty, so you need Increased Block Chance nodes on gear and the passive tree to counteract this.

Ascendancy Order

1. Anvil's Weight (Replace with Warcaller's Bellow when you unlock 2nd Ascendancy)

2. Greatwolf's Howl (Removes warcry cooldowns)

3. Renly's Training (Boosts shield block chance)

4. Turtle Charm (Blocks damage from all hits)

Gear Recommendations

Weapon Choices

• Leveling Phase: Use a two-handed mace for high damage.

• After 2nd Ascendancy: Switch to a sceptre for extra Spirit.

• Why a Sceptre? This build uses Blasphemy, which converts socketed curse skills into auras. To maintain these buffs, you need high Spirit.

• Best Mods: Look for a sceptre with +Spirit, preferably crafted with Arcanist's Etchers.

Shield

• A rare shield with Strength, Life, and Resistance is a good budget option.

• Endgame goal: Svalinn for its "Block Chance is Lucky" mod.

Body Armor

• Budget: Any rare chest with Spirit, Strength, and Life.

• Endgame: Morior Invictus (provides Increased Life and Increased Attributes).

Helmet

• Best-in-slot: Black Sun Crest (15% Increased Strength + high Armor).

Gloves

• Prioritize Strength, Life, and +2 to Level of All Melee Skills.

Boots

• Look for a 30% Increased Movement Speed.

• Optionally, add Increased Item Rarity for farming efficiency.

Amulet

• Early Game: Stellar Amulet with +40 Spirit, Strength, and + to All Attributes.

• Endgame: Astramentis (huge attribute boost).

• Crafting Tip: Use Titanic Instilling (Distilled Despair, Distilled Paranoia, Distilled Guilt) to increase Strength.

Rings

• Must-have Mods: Strength and Attributes.

• Breach Rings are ideal for increased quality and additional buffs.

Belt

• Budget: Heavy Belt (+30% Increased Stun Threshold).

• Endgame: Look for one with Strength, Life, and Resistance.

Final Thoughts

The Corrupting Cry Warbringer build is an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance, high-damage, one-button playstyle in Path of Exile 2. With the right setup, this build excels in mapping, bossing, and high-tier content while maintaining strong defensive layers.

As PoE 2 Patch 0.2.0 approaches, Hammer of the Gods is likely to see nerfs, making this build a fantastic alternative. Be sure to gear up properly, and check out our Path Of Exile 2 Currency Store for essential items to get your build rolling!

Are you ready to dominate with Corrupting Cry Warbringer? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!