Leveling a character intended for an end-game Energy Shield (ES) build in Path of Exile 2 requires a practical approach. During the campaign, focusing solely on ES is inefficient due to limited gear and passive points. The optimal path is to level as a life-based spellcaster, transitioning to ES once essential gear and passive tree routes are in place. This method ensures survivability and speed, delivering a smooth experience from the first zone until the ES switch. For efficiency, lightning skills such as Spark and Arc are recommended, offering strong area coverage with minimal gear investment. They can be supported by Spell Totems for additional damage. Defensively, stacking life and elemental resistances is crucial, treating the build like a standard softcore start. Early progress can be accelerated by leveraging PoE 2 Currency to acquire useful gear upgrades.

Acts 1-3: Building the Core

In the opening acts, focus on establishing a strong damage base and securing reliable skills. Passive points should be allocated into spell damage, elemental damage, and life nodes near the Witch or Templar starting areas.

• Levels 1-12: Begin with Rolling Magma. After completing "Enemy at the Gate," switch to Spark and link it with Pierce Support. Aim for a 3-link (Blue-Blue-Green) setup: Spark - Pierce - Added Lightning Damage. For single-target damage, Stormblast Mine is effective against early bosses.
• Levels 12-28: At level 12, transition to Arc for superior clearing. Arc’s chaining mechanic simplifies targeting and speeds up progression. Secure a 4-link for Arc as soon as possible.

Recommended Gem Links (Acts 2-3):

Gear should prioritize life and resistances. Wands or sceptres with flat added spell damage or increased spell damage are optimal. Use the vendor recipe for a "+1 to Level of Lightning Gems" wand (Magic Wand + Topaz Ring + Orb of Alteration) for a significant damage boost early on.

Acts 4-7: Enhancing Damage and Survivability

Mid-campaign enemies have more health and deal greater damage. This stage solidifies both offense and defense. Introduce Spell Totem Support in Act 4 for supplemental damage and crowd control.

• Main 4-Link (Arc): Arc - Spell Echo Support - Controlled Destruction - Added Lightning Damage (swap to Lightning Penetration for bosses).
• Totem 4-Link: Spell Totem Support - Arc - Multiple Totems Support - Added Lightning Damage.
• Auras: Herald of Thunder and Wrath (once mana reservation allows).
• Utility: Flame Dash, Wave of Conviction for lightning exposure, and a defensive Guard Skill like Steelskin or Molten Shell linked to Cast when Damage Taken.

Passive tree progression should target life wheels, elemental damage clusters, and cast speed nodes. Avoid ES nodes until gear supports the transition. Continue stacking life and resistances. A Tabula Rasa can enable a 6-link Arc setup for faster clearing.

Acts 8-10: Transition Preparation

In the final acts, aim for a 5-link or 6-link chest for Arc. Cap resistances at 75% and push life close to 3,000. Begin collecting ES gear while maintaining survivability. Gear priorities include:

• Helmet, Gloves, Boots: Life, Resistances, Movement Speed (boots).
• Rings & Amulet: Life, Resistances, Cast Speed, Flat Lightning Damage.
• Belt: Life, Resistances, Strength if required for gem requirements.
• Weapons: High Spell Damage, Added Lightning Damage to Spells, Cast Speed, Critical Strike Chance for Spells.

Adjust the passive tree by pathing towards ES clusters without allocating points yet. Secure jewel sockets and seek jewels with Life, Spell Damage, or Cast Speed. After the campaign, with over-capped resistances, begin swapping life gear for high ES gear. Transition to ES-based builds like Chaos Inoculation or low-life only when key uniques such as Shavronne’s Wrappings or high ES Vaal Regalia are acquired, along with sufficient currency for crafting. Following this life-based Arc strategy ensures a fast and safe campaign, setting up perfectly for the endgame ES build while leveraging path of exile 2 currency for smoother gear progression.