If you’ve been watching Season 9 closely, you probably noticed something interesting — poison builds are no longer a joke. For the longest time, Poison Necro was that “maybe someday” build. You’d see it, think about it, and then go back to safer meta picks. But Season 9 flips that completely. With buffs to Poison Nova and the new Incarnation Tree scaling, this build finally hits the point where it doesn’t just work… it melts.
That said, here’s the honest part most guides skip:
This is not a level 1 build. If you try forcing Poison Nova too early, it’s going to feel weak and frustrating.
But if you play it right? The moment it comes online, it feels like someone flipped a switch — entire screens start disappearing.
Let’s walk through it properly, step by step, so you don’t mess up your start.
What Changed in Season 9
Season 9 gave this build exactly what it needed:
- Lower mana cost → smoother casting early
- Higher base damage → better scaling
- Poison Cloud augment buffed heavily → huge overall damage increase
The real game-changer though is the Incarnation Tree:
- Converts your damage into poison (ailment scaling)
- Lets you stack poison multiple times
- Turns the build from “okay” into “insane”
This is why the build feels weak early… and broken later.
Pros & Cons
Why You’ll Love It
- Screen-wide AoE potential
- Built-in teleport (huge for mobility)
- Cheap gear (poison is less contested)
- Strong scaling into endgame
- Can use summons as shields if needed
What You Need to Accept
- Not viable early (don’t force it)
- Needs Hero Level 37 to fully activate
- Mana hungry while leveling
- Slightly gear dependent for smooth transition
Leveling Guide
This is where most people mess up — so keep it simple.
Early Game (Level 1–40) – Use Bone Shred (Teeth)
Forget Poison Nova for now.
- Max Bone Shred immediately
- This skill absolutely destroys bosses (shotgun effect)
- Stand close → all projectiles hit → massive damage
Then:
- Add points into Bone Spear (best synergy)
- Keep scaling projectile damage
This setup will carry you effortlessly through early game.
Mid Game (Level 40+) – Utility Setup Begins
At level 40, things start opening up:
- Put 1 point into Poison Nova → unlock teleport
- Put 1 point into Corpse Explosion → movement speed boost
- Use Meat Bomb → sustain (very underrated)
You’re still playing Bone Shred here — Poison Nova is just utility for now.
When to Switch to Poison Nova
You have 3 options:
- Safe switch → Level 100 + some Hero Levels
- Greedy switch → Around Level 40 (not recommended)
- Optimal switch → Hero Level 37
Why Hero Level 37?
Because of this node:
- Asphyxiating Touch
- Converts 225% damage into poison
- Unlocks true scaling
Plus:
- Extra poison stack node = massive damage boost
This is the moment the build actually becomes “Poison Nova”.
Poison Nova Skill Setup (Endgame Core)
Once you switch, your setup becomes simple:
- Max Poison Nova
- Max all synergies
- 1 point:
- Corpse Explosion (speed)
- Meat Bomb (healing)
- Remaining points → Meat Shield (damage reduction)
Simple, clean, effective.
Sub Skill Tree
This is what transforms your gameplay.
Poison Nova Setup
- Convert Nova into AoE circle around you
- Add Teleport augment for mobility
Bone Shred (While Leveling)
- Increase projectile count
- Max damage scaling
Corpse Explosion
- Turn into aura
- Gain movement speed automatically
Meat Bomb
- More bombs = more healing
- Scales surprisingly well
Attribute Distribution
While Leveling
- 2 Intelligence
- 2 Vitality
- Some Energy (for mana comfort)
Alternative Playstyle
- Full Intelligence = faster clears
- Low HP but everything dies instantly
Endgame
- Mostly Intelligence
- Adjust survivability if needed
Gear Guide
While Leveling
Just look for:
- +Arcane Skills
- +Poison Skills
- Magic Skill Damage
- Mana / Mana on Kill
- Faster Cast Rate
That’s it.
Don’t waste time farming perfect gear early.
Early Endgame (Fresh Level 100)
Goal:
- Survive Hell
- Start farming
Focus on:
- Resistances
- Poison damage scaling
- Basic survivability
Important tip:
- Get Soul Forge Ring → huge XP boost
- XP = power in Season 9
Progression Gear
Key stats to prioritize:
- +Poison Skill Damage
- -Enemy Poison Resistance
- Faster Cast Rate
- Extra Damage vs Poisoned enemies
Strong gear direction:
- Poison-focused weapons
- Resistance + damage armor
- Movement speed boots (or phasing)
Endgame Highlights
- High poison scaling weapons
- Shield with:
- +Resist
- -Poison resistance
- Poison damage gloves (best-in-slot type)
- Strong charms with:
- Poison damage
- Life
- Resistances
Special note:
- Poison Nova charm = massive boost (but comes with movement penalty)
Relics, Potions & Augments
Relics
- Poison Globe
- Orbit Poison
If overcapped:
- Swap to utility relics
Potions
- Poison damage boost potion (huge for bosses)
Chest Augment (Important)
- Corrosion = best choice
Why?
- Increases DoT duration
- Enemies take more damage over time
This is massive for poison builds.
Mercenary Setup
Don’t overthink mercs.
Just do this:
- Stack Magic Find (MF)
- Ignore defensive builds
Why?
More drops = more money = faster progression
Incarnation Tree
Early Path
- Focus on Intelligence scaling
- Grab Magic Skill Damage nodes
Mid Game
- Pick resist node (huge survivability boost)
Core Nodes (Must Have)
- Asphyxiating Touch
- Converts damage to poison
- +1 Poison Stack
- Massive DPS increase
These two define the entire build.