One of the most impactful upgrades is Uul-Netol's Embrace. This powerful support eliminates the need for
POE2 Currency armour-breaking modifiers on your weapon, freeing valuable affix space for additional damage and utility.
Advanced versions of the build also incorporate Berserk and optimized rage-generation mechanics, dramatically increasing boss-killing potential.
With the right gear and support setup, the Shield Wall Smith becomes capable of tackling pinnacle bosses while maintaining the durability that defines the build.
The Smith Ascendancy: The Secret Weapon Behind the Build
The Smith Ascendancy is one of the biggest reasons this build performs so well in Return of the Ancients.
Several powerful Ascendancy nodes transform your body armour into a major source of both offense and defense.
Smith's Masterwork provides substantial Armour scaling based on passive tree investment.
Dedication to Kitava converts Armour into Chaos Damage, creating additional offensive scaling.
Flowing Metal adds valuable Elemental Damage bonuses.
Heatproofing grants immunity to dangerous damaging ailments.
Coal Stoker simplifies resistance management by allowing Fire Resistance bonuses to
POE 2 Exalted Orbs benefit Cold and Lightning Resistances as well.