5 Best Cast on Critical Builds in Path of Exile 2 (0.4)

Path of Exile 2's 0.4 patch has reshaped the meta for Cast on Critical (CoC) builds, introducing new gem interactions, ascendancy buffs, and gear synergies that turn critical strikes into explosive, automated damage machines. CoC builds thrive on triggering powerful spells with every critical hit, blending speed, burst damage, and hands-off gameplay that appeals to both casual and endgame players.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a league starter or a veteran chasing pinnacle boss kills, these 5 CoC builds stand out in Patch 0.4 for their viability, scalability, and fun factor. Each build leverages unique mechanics, from elemental infusion spam to plant magic loops, ensuring there's a playstyle for every preference. This will allow you to earn more POE 2 Currency and other rewards in the game.

1. Mana Stacking CoC Comet Stormweaver

The Mana Stacking CoC Comet Stormweaver is one of the most visually stunning and effective CoC builds in Patch 0.4, combining endless comet barrages with smooth, low-button gameplay. At its core, this build relies on stacking mana (aim for 3800+ endgame) and capping critical strike chance for its trigger skills to keep comets flying.

The build's core loop is simple: cast Frost Bomb to apply exposure, then spam Ice Nova to land critical hits. Each crit builds energy for the Cast on Critical meta gem, which triggers Comet and Living Bomb once max energy is reached-creating a chain reaction of icy destruction.

Key gems include Frost Darts (single-target trigger), Ice Nova (clear), Frost Bomb (exposure), and Cast on Critical (meta gem). Stormweaver's ascendancy perks, like Refracted Infusion (100% extra infusion chance), amplify damage by keeping elemental buffs active permanently. For gear, prioritize wands with +spell levels, spell crit chance, and mana bonuses, paired with an Effigy of Cruelty for extra damage.

2. Plant CoC Oracle Druid

For players seeking a budget-friendly CoC option that excels at speed farming, the Plant CoC Oracle Druid is a top pick. This build uses Plant Magic skills to trigger CoC effects, offering great mapping speed and solid boss damage-even against stationary pinnacle bosses.

The core rotation involves Thunderstorm, Thrashing Vines, and Entanglement, with CoC triggering additional plant-based bursts. Keystones like Black Flame Covenant and Elemental Equilibrium (paired with the Entwined Realities passive) boost damage without complicating the skill tree.

Support gems like Magnified Area (for Thunderstorm) and Armour Break (for Thrashing Vines) enhance clear and single-target damage. Early-game gear is affordable, focusing on cast speed and spell damage, while endgame upgrades prioritize mana regeneration to sustain longer fights. This build is perfect for players new to CoC, as it's easy to level and scales well with minimal investment.

3. Infinite Damage Loop CoC Oracle

For veterans chasing endgame dominance, the Infinite Damage Loop CoC Oracle is a meta-breaking build that creates unending CoC triggers. This build combines Spark (for consistent crits) with Cast on Critical and Cast on Elemental Ailment to create a self-sustaining damage loop.

The loop relies on igniting and freezing enemies (via Sacred Flame and Heart of the Well) to generate energy for both CoC and Cast on Elemental Ailment. Elemental Weakness (socketed with Doedre's Undoing) increases curse radius, ensuring more hits and faster energy gain-critical for keeping the loop active.

Key upgrades include a level 20+ Cast on Critical gem (corrupted for +1 level if possible) and Sapphire gems with curse area of effect. Lifetap converts mana costs to life, while Mind over Matter turns excess mana into defense, making the build surprisingly tanky for its damage output. This build shines in juiced maps and pinnacle bosses, where the infinite loop deletes enemies before mechanics activate.

4. Cold Cast on Crit Archmage Paintmaster

The Cold Cast on Crit Archmage Paintmaster is a frost-focused CoC build that excels at crowd control and burst damage. Built around Ice Nova and Eye of Winter, this build leverages spell cascade and area damage to clear maps in seconds while melting bosses with focused cold bursts.

Leveling this build is straightforward: start with Frost Darts (paired with Multishot and Considered Casting) for early clear, then transition to Eye of Winter (with Concentrated Area and Inevitable Critical) for single-target dominance. Frost Bomb (with Magnified Area and Potent Exposure) applies critical weakness, boosting crit chance and damage against frozen enemies.

Arctic Armour (supported by Frost Nexus) provides defense, while Siphon Elements (with Harmonic Remnants) sustains elemental infusions. Gear priorities include wands/staves with cold spell damage, crit chance, and cast speed, plus armor with high intelligence and resistances to meet gem requirements. This build is ideal for players who love cold-themed skills and seamless mapping.

5. Spark Stormweaver CoC Sorceress

Patch 0.4 breathed new life into the Spark Stormweaver, turning it into a dominant CoC build thanks to ascendancy buffs and Spark tweaks. This build uses Spark (cold-infused for maximum damage) and Orb of Storms to trigger CoC effects, offering two-button gameplay that carries you from Act 1 to pinnacle bosses.

Stormweaver's Multiplying Squalls (+2 elemental skill limit) lets you spam Orb of Storms, while Refracted Infusion guarantees extra infusions for constant damage boosts. Spark's cold infusion scaling received a buff in 0.4, making it hit like a truck against both packs and bosses.

Core gems include Spark (6-link with Unleash, Overabundance, and Controlled Destruction), Orb of Storms (4-link with Unleash and Increased Area of Effect), and Frost Bomb (for exposure). Passive tree priorities focus on crit chance, cast speed, and infusion sustain, while gear emphasizes spell damage and cold scaling. This build is perfect for players who want fast, fluid gameplay without sacrificing endgame power.

Final Tips for CoC Builds in PoE 2 (0.4)

Regardless of which CoC build you choose, remember these key tips: prioritize critical strike chance (aim for 100% endgame) to maximize triggers, invest in cast speed to boost crit frequency, and balance damage with defense (Arctic Armour and Mind over Matter are great picks).

Cast on Critical meta gems require 100 spirit reservation, so plan your aura and buff setup accordingly-quality on CoC gems increases reservation efficiency and crit chance, making it a worthwhile investment. Finally, experiment with gem links and passive nodes to tailor the build to your playstyle-CoC builds are flexible, and small tweaks can make a big difference in performance. If you want to become stronger faster, you can choose to buy Path of Exile 2 Orbs on mmoexp to help you.

With these 5 builds, you'll be triggering explosive spells and dominating Path of Exile 2's 0.4 patch in no time. Whether you're farming maps, taking down pinnacle bosses, or just having fun with automated damage, CoC builds are some of the most satisfying and powerful options in the game.