Malediction in EZNPC POE 2 items is one of those deceptively simple mechanics that can transform your gameplay when used strategically. While the basic idea—amplifying curses—is straightforward, the way you use it depends heavily on your build. Whether you’re a melee powerhouse, a spellcaster, or a minion-focused summoner, understanding how to incorporate Malediction can dramatically increase your effectiveness.

Melee Builds and Malediction

Melee builds thrive on sustained attacks and high single-target damage. Malediction fits seamlessly into these builds because it amplifies curses applied with every hit, making bosses and high-health mobs easier to handle.

Strategies for melee builds:

• Apply Malediction first: Before unleashing your strongest combos, ensure Malediction is active on the enemy.

• Use curse-on-hit items: Weapons or gloves with “Curse on Hit” mods synergize perfectly with Malediction. Every swing amplifies your curses.

• Combine with defensive curses: Pair Malediction with curses like Enfeeble or Temporal Chains to reduce incoming damage while maximizing your offensive output.

Example build synergy:

• Saboteur or Gladiator Ascendancy: Take advantage of passive nodes that increase curse effectiveness or enhance your damage over time. By combining these with Malediction, even tanky bosses fall faster.

Spellcaster Builds and Malediction

Spellcasters, particularly those using DoT (Damage over Time) skills or elemental spells, benefit greatly from Malediction. Amplified curses can increase damage taken by enemies, making spells far more effective.

Strategies for spellcasters:

• Time Malediction with AoE spells: Cast Malediction first, then unleash a wide-area spell like Fireball or Storm Call to maximize damage across all enemies.

• Pair with curses that enhance elemental damage: Curses like Flammability or Conductivity synergize perfectly with Malediction, increasing elemental penetration and overall damage.

• Stack curse effectiveness: Use passive tree nodes and gear to increase curse strength; this will compound the benefit of Malediction.

Example build synergy:

• Occultist Ascendancy: Perfect for applying multiple curses while boosting curse effect and duration. When combined with Malediction, your DoT and AoE spells become devastating.

Minion Builds and Malediction

Summoner builds might seem like a special case, but Malediction is surprisingly powerful for minion-focused gameplay. It doesn’t just amplify your curses—it indirectly boosts your minion damage if your minions rely on curses.

Strategies for minion builds:

• Apply Malediction to packs before sending minions in: If your minions cast curses or deal elemental damage affected by curses, the amplified debuff ensures higher damage output.

• Use curse-on-hit minions: Some minions naturally curse enemies. Activating Malediction beforehand makes them far more effective.

• Leverage aura interactions: Many summoner builds benefit from auras that enhance minion abilities; combining these with Malediction creates layered amplification.

Example build synergy:

• Necromancer Ascendancy: Perfect for minion-heavy builds, the Necromancer can leverage curse-amplifying Malediction to make each minion strike more devastating.

Hybrid Builds

Some players prefer hybrid builds, mixing melee, spells, and minions. Malediction fits naturally into hybrid setups because it amplifies any curse regardless of the damage source.

Strategies for hybrids:

• Coordinate curses across damage types: Use Malediction to boost both your spells and melee attacks simultaneously.

• Timing is crucial: Ensure Malediction is applied just before your high-damage rotations, whether from spells, attacks, or minion waves.

• Gear synergy: Items that grant Malediction on hit or when casting spells allow for flexible hybrid strategies.

General Tips Across All Builds

1. Know the duration: Always track how long Malediction lasts; reapply as needed to maintain maximum curse amplification.

2. Combine with curse effectiveness: Stack nodes, gear, and auras that boost curse potency. This significantly increases the power of Malediction.

3. Think strategically in parties: In group play, timing Malediction benefits everyone applying curses, not just you. Communicate and coordinate for maximum damage.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring the timing: Casting a curse before Malediction is applied wastes its amplification potential.

• Over-reliance on a single source: Combining skills, items, and passives ensures Malediction is applied reliably.

• Neglecting synergy: Malediction works best when paired with curses that match your damage type. A mismatch can reduce its impact.

Conclusion

Malediction is a versatile and powerful debuff in Path of Exile. While it may seem niche, its ability to amplify curses makes it a must-have for nearly every build type. Whether you are swinging a sword, casting destructive spells, or commanding an army of minions, Malediction can dramatically increase your damage output and control over the battlefield. Mastering its use across different playstyles is the hallmark of a skilled PoE player.