Path of Exile 2: Detailed explanation of Totem and Summoning

In The Road to Exile 2, totem and summons are two distinct mechanisms, although there are some similarities between the two. Many players wonder if the totem is a summoned object because they can attack or cast spells independently. The short answer is: No, the totem is not a summoning object. While both can assist players in fighting, they operate differently in key ways.

The difference between totem and summoned objects

Totem is a structure, while summoning objects are independent creatures. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing skills, passive skills, and equipment.

1. Totem is an extension of player abilities

• Totem uses the player's attributes to cast or attack.
• Unlike the summoning objects of independent action, the totem does not have its own AI.
• Any damage, critical chance or buff that affects the totem comes from the player, not the totem itself.
• If the player increases spell damage, the totem will also benefit, because the totem is actually using the player's skills.

2. The summoning object is an independent individual

• The summoning object has its own basic attributes and is separated from the player attributes.
• They use their own AI to select targets and move independently.
• Summons benefit from the buffs associated with the summons, while totems do not.

For example, buffs like "Add Summoner Damage" will not be applied to totems, but will be applied to zombies, skeletons, ghosts, etc.

Does the totem benefit from the summoning buff?

No, the totem will not benefit from any passive skills, equipment or skills associated with the summoned object. Here is a breakdown of totem gain and non-totem gain:

?Totem Buff Effect:

• Passive skills and equipment designed specifically for totems (e.g., Urden's idol, increasing the number of totems).
• Player attributes such as spell damage, attack speed, and critical hit chance.
• Totem auxiliary gems, such as excess (add 1 totem).
• Certain talents, such as War Messengers, can enhance friendly totems.

?Non-totem gain effect:

• Summoning auxiliary gems (for example, Summoning Damage Assist).
• Summoner key skills and passive skills (e.g., Summoner unstable).
• Enhance the summoned equipment (for example, equipment with "Add Summoned Damage").

Totem quantity limit

By default, you can only activate one totem at a time, but this can be increased by passive skills, gems, and unique items.

Methods to increase the limit on the number of totems:

• Urden's Idol (Tactic): 1 Totem
• Excessive (auxiliary gem): 1 Totem
• Ancestor Crafts (significant passive skill): Attack Totem 1
• Watchtower (significant passive skill): Attack Totem 1

This allows a normal build to have up to 5 attack totems.

Alternatively, the Ancestor Bond Key Skill can remove the totem limit, but will cause each totem to consume spirit.

Conclusion: Is totem a summoning object?

No, totem is not a summoning object. They are structures that use player attributes to cast or attack, while summoning objects are independent individuals with their own AI and attributes.

If you are building around a totem, focus on the totem passive skills, equipment, and auxiliary gems instead of the rewards associated with summons. Understanding this distinction will help you create an efficient totem-based character in Way of Exile 2.

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