PoE 3.25 Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye Build

Are you tired of dying when you play a PoE Deadeye build? Yes, we understand how you feel. In fact, we share the same sentiment as you because who wants to die while you are mapping or completing Forbidden Sanctum runs?

The good news is that Path of Exile Necro Settlers League is chock full of skills, support gems, and items that can help you survive. If you are interested in a build that uses a Ranger class, all without getting killed on the battlefield, then we have the right one for you!

In this PoE build guide, we will discuss the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye. All we can say about this is that it is a league starter that is great at killing enemies even on budget gear. So, without delay, onto the guide!

Why Choose the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye?

In the majority of Path of Exile builds in Patch 3.25, players often use the base versions of skill gems. This is probably because they love the original mechanics more than their transfigured counterparts. However, the Icicle Mine of Fanning provides a stronger case as to why it should be considered than the PoE Icicle Mine.

Sure, Icicle Mine unleashes more projectiles but these are not concentrated on your intended target. If anything, this skill gem was likely made with only good map-clear in mind.

The Transfigured Gem, Icicle Mine of Fanning, fires fewer projectiles than the original. However, what makes the said skill better is that the icy projectiles actually go in the direction of a specific enemy, which means that nothing goes to waste. You will still use PoE Icicle Mine, though, especially if you start the Necro Settlers League with this particular build.

The Trickster ascendancy class is quite popular in Path of Exile: Settlers of Kalguur, and although we do not dispute that fact, you are actually going to select the Deadeye. This is due to one simple reason: Enhancing projectiles!

When the PoE Icicle Mine skill is detonated, it unleashes several projectiles, which are improved in various ways by the Deadeye’s ascendancy nodes. Ricochet, for example, enables the icy projectiles to chain an additional time, particularly when they collide with terrain.

You can also take advantage of Far Shot—a notable ascendancy passive skill that essentially grants 30% more damage with projectiles that travel farther from their initial position.

Of course, who could forget Endless Munitions? This is the main reason why the PoE Deadeye ascendancy is the go-to for projectile builds. This allows all of your mines to fire two additional projectiles, and since you can put as many as 20 mines on the field, you can just imagine the sheer damage that is coming the enemy’s way.

While you can go pure offense on this PoE Deadeye build, you do have the option of choosing Wind Ward over Ricochet. Wind Ward toughens you up by making you take up to 40% less damage, which is quite useful in level 80+ Sanctums, for example.

Here is the rundown for the notable ascendancy passive skills for the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye:

• Offense

  1. Far Shot
  2. Gathering Winds
  3. Endless Munitions
  4. Ricochet

• Defense

  1. Gathering Winds
  2. Far Shot
  3. Endless Munitions
  4. Wind Ward

This Icicle Mine PoE build excels at “no-hit” Sanctum runs. So, if you are tired of playing the Hexblast Miner to engage in this type of content, this is an absolutely awesome alternative that we’re sure you will never regret!

Here are the different modifiers to look for when it comes to Icicle Mine of Fanning damage scaling:

• Added Cold Damage to Spells
• Increased Cold Damage
• +1 to Level of Cold Spell Skill Gems
• +1 to Level of Spell Skill Gems
• + to Critical Strike Multiplier
• Increased Mine-throwing Speed
• Increased Trap/Mine Damage
• + to Critical Strike Multiplier with Traps/Mines
• Trap/Mine Damage Penetrates % Elemental Resistances
• Increased Spell Critical Strike Chance
• Increased Projectile Damage

Playstyle

With the introduction of Automation a couple of leagues ago, you do not have to press so many buttons anymore when playing Path of Exile mine builds. Because of this, all that’s required is to throw the Icicle Mines on the ground, and the aforementioned support gem will handle the process of detonation for you!

Shield Charge coupled with Frostblink work really well together. Basically, use Frostblink a second after Shield Charge to cover a pretty wide area quickly. Faster Attacks Support is linked to ensure that charging forward feels smooth.

If you intend on completing Forbidden Sanctum runs with this PoE build, make sure to use Arcanist Brand and Bear Trap when taking on bosses. These two will weaken the enemy’s defenses, making them take significantly more damage from your Mine Skill.

Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye Build Recommendations

Starting a new character in Path of Exile Necro Settlers League anytime soon? If so, we are pleased to inform you that this PoE Icicle Mine build is an incredible league starter that can function properly with budget gear.

There is no complicated crafting that needs to be done here, but in case you need some guidance, we have a dedicated crafting guide for your perusal.

Take note that the version that we will discuss in this Path of Exile build guide is only the more balanced variant. If you want to go for pure offense, you can go for the Annihilating Light and call it a day.

While you can start with budget items, some of the upgrades could require you to invest in the range of 50 to 100 Divine Orbs or more. If you need some help with this, visit our PoE Store. We are happy to serve you!

Weapon

Before anything, the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye is often considered an “off-meta” build. Despite its lack of popularity (which we definitely do not agree with), it can be seen as a good thing, especially when it comes to gearing. That’s because the items that this build uses are quite affordable and cost only Chaos Orbs, for the most part at least.

That said, the Bitterdream is an excellent sceptre that you can start using as early as level 32. This is best known for amplifying the damage of socketed skills by giving them the effects of several support gems.

The suite of cold damage support gems makes the Icicle Mine PoE skill more devastating even in the early stages of the Necro Settlers League!

Another unique item that you can purchase for a Divine Orb, The Dark Seer is the perfect endgame weapon for the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye. It increases the level of your Mine Skill by two, which definitely factors into its damage scaling. But more importantly, the added life based on your current level will help you get the most out of your shield.

Shield

When you have The Dark Seer on your main hand weapon, it is usually paired with the Rathpith Globe. As we have touched upon earlier, this PoE Deadeye build is quite tanky, and this unique shield is partly responsible for that.

The increase in spell critical strike chance and spell damage enable the icy projectiles unleashed by your mines to rip enemies to shreds. Defensively, you are able to block spells more often despite what the POB says.

Although the 10% life that you need to sacrifice when throwing mines is alarming, this downside is negated by a special jewel that will be discussed later, so keep on reading.

If you cannot afford the Rathpith Globe yet, you can get an ilvl 82+ Chiming Spirit Shield for the time being. Head to the Horticrafting Station in your hideout and utilize Harvest Reforge Cold to get “+1 to Level of All Cold Spell Skill Gems.”

Body Armor

On the topic of budget gear, go for the Carnal Armour. Make sure that its item level is at least 82 so you can roll T3 or T2 modifiers. Having said that, use Harvest Reforge Lightning until you get elemental resistance, spell suppression, and life.

One of the things we love about this Icicle Mine Deadeye build is that it does not need a six-linked body armor to work. In fact, you can just have four gem sockets on this piece of gear and you’re going to be fine for the rest of the league!

This paves the way for you to wear something unique. In this case, we recommend the Shroud of the Lightless, specifically the version that comes with two abyssal sockets. This body armor has a special property that allows you to be immune to physical damage for a few seconds via Shade Form.

The Shroud of the Lightless also boosts your damage by providing you with some elemental penetration. Just make sure to insert as many abyss jewels as possible to maximize this effect.

Helmet

We were saddened by GGG’s seemingly heavy-handed nerf to the Heatshiver in the previous Path of Exile leagues. However, this unique helmet still holds a place among PoE builds that deal cold damage, primarily because of that extra fire damage mod.

Monsters in Path of Exile are affected by elemental ailments like Freeze when they are hit by a critical strike. That is why it is imperative that you focus on improving your spell crit first if you are going to wear the Heatshiver.

You cannot gain its unique effect consistently early on because you do not have enough critical strike chance yet. But, believe us when we say that it will feel a lot better in the endgame, especially when the empowered projectiles can pierce through the hearts of your enemies.

Gloves

You look at the equipment we have recommended thus far and you might think that this PoE build relies solely on unique items. However, that is not the case. Although it certainly utilizes at least several of them, there is some space for crafted pieces of gear, so there’s nothing to worry about.

In fact, you can grab a pair of gloves that have evasion on them and utilize your Harvest Bench to add any modifier that you need. Do not forget to spam Eldritch Currencies, specifically Eldritch Ichor and Eldritch Ember, to get cold exposure on hit and a chance to unnerve enemies, respectively.

Since your Mine Skill destroys monsters with cold damage, you might as well lean into that by getting some gloves that have the Alva Temple Mod, which states “30-50% Increased Damage with Hits Against Chilled Enemies.”

These gloves are a bit expensive early on in the league, but they should drop down in price a couple of days after. Be sure to visit PoE Trade often to get a good deal!

Oftentimes, the Alva Temple mod is fractured by using the appropriate PoE Currency. If you’re a Path of Exile beginner, fractured modifiers cannot be altered even if you use items such as the Chaos Orb or the Essence of Delirium.

Boots

When you press the Alt key, you will find that the Icicle Mine of Fanning has the “aura” tag on it. This is actually an innate property of Mine Skills in PoE, where each one has a unique aura to tell them apart. For the aforementioned skill gem, enemies near the Icicle Mine are more susceptible to critical strikes.

The said aura tag is actually a good thing because it lets you use items that have “+ to Level of Aura Gems.” Because we are talking about boots in this subsection, you might already have an idea of what we’re going to recommend.

But, in case you don’t have an inkling, that is the March of the Legion. The plus five to the level of aura gems that these boots have is already pretty good. However, wait until you corrupt the boots with Vaal Orbs for a chance to obtain another similar modifier as an implicit!

Amulet

As a league starter, you will have to make do with the items that are available to you. Thankfully, an Onyx Amulet with a relatively high item level is sufficient enough for your needs, at least in the beginning. Use Harvest Reforge Cold and wait till you get “+1 to Level of All Cold Skill Gems.”

Due to the crafted amulet being a rare item, you can continue using Harvest Reforge Cold to get other modifiers that your PoE Deadeye build needs.

Wear the crafted amulet until you have enough PoE Currency to obtain the Replica Dragonfang’s Flight. This unique item stands out because of its unique modifier that raises the level of a particular skill gem. 

With so many skills in Path of Exile, make sure that you buy a Replica Dragonfang’s Flight that explicitly states: “+3 to Level of All Icicle Mine Gems.”

Rings

There is one particular ring that you need to get for this PoE Icicle Mine Deadeye build and that is the Mark of the Shaper. Yes, it is a unique ring and we acknowledge that it’s difficult to obtain the first day into a new league. However, acquiring it is a must to boost your spell damage by a huge amount, particularly when you have an Elder-influenced ring on the other slot.

Speaking of which, the item base type does not matter so long as the ring has the Elder influence. Since we are on the topic of boosting damage as high as possible, why not use the Essence of Hatred to guarantee the percentage cold damage mod? Another good thing about the Elder-influenced ring is that it can roll the global crit multiplier naturally, so you can hit two birds with one stone.

Belt

In the previous subsection of this PoE Icicle Mine build guide, we said that the best body armor that you can wear is the Shroud of the Lightless because of its well-balanced modifiers. The effect of some of its mods can be enhanced by placing as many abyssal jewels as you can.

Aside from the empty jewel sockets on the passive tree, you can insert one abyssal jewel inside the Stygian Vise, so that’s what you’re going to use. Grab an ilvl 85+ Redeemer-influenced Stygian Vise and spam the Essence of Zeal to increase your mine-throwing speed.

Spend the necessary amount of the said essence to acquire a similar mod on your endgame gloves, such as the one shown in the image below:

Flasks

• Diamond Flask
• Bismuth Flask
• Silver Flask
• Quicksilver Flask
• Atziri’s Promise OR Taste of Hate

Flask Mods

• 55% Increased Critical Strike Chance (of Incision)
• 20% Additional Elemental Resistances (of the Rainbow)
• 60% Increased Evasion (of the Impala)
• Corrupted Blood Immunity (of Assuaging)

Jewels

The Deadeye ascendancy in PoE is not particularly known for having a high amount of HP. That’s why the downside of the Rathpith Globe, where you sacrifice 10% of your life when using a skill, is definitely a no-no.

Fortunately, that negative effect can be easily rectified by inserting Dissolution of the Flesh into one of your jewel sockets. You see, the Dissolution of the Flesh has a unique property that causes you to reserve life when you take damage. And, since the life sacrifice of Rathpith Globe does not count as “taking damage,” you do not lose HP even when you’re throwing mines like a madman!

Abyssal jewels have a huge impact on the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye due to Shroud of the Lightless. Because you only have access to four jewel sockets on the right side of the passive tree, you have to incorporate at least a couple of Medium Cluster Jewels.

Having said that, get Medium Cluster Jewels that boost trap/mine damage and use Harvest Reforge Critical to acquire Surprise Sabotage and Guerilla Tactics.

As for the abyssal jewels, look for the following modifiers:

• +% to Global Critical Strike Multiplier
• + to Maximum Life
• Adds # to # Cold Damage to Spells

Do you have some PoE Currency left? If you are willing to spend a bit more, purchase the small ring Thread of Hope and insert it in the slot beside Eldritch Battery. Doing so gives you the opportunity to allocate Winter’s Embrace, Glacial Cage, Throatseeker, and Whispers of Doom without spending a ton of skill points.

Tattoos

• Tattoo of the Arohongui Warrior
  • 5% Increased Cold Damage
• Tattoo of the Ramako Sniper
  • 5% Increased Projectile Speed
• Tattoo of the Tasalio Scout
  • 4% Increased Effect of Your Marks

Skill Gems Setup

Boots

• Icicle Mine of Fanning
• Trap and Mine Damage
• Charged Mines
• Minefield Support

Body Armor

• Detonate Mines
• Automation
• Steelskin
• Enhance Support

Gloves

• Clarity (lvl 10)
• Arrogance
• Precision (lvl 1-5)
• Zealotry

Helmet

• Assassin’s Mark
• Frostbite
• Arcanist Brand
• Bear Trap
• Do not link with the first three

Weapon

• Summon Skitterbots
• Awakened Unbound Ailments
• Bonechill Support

Shield

• Shield Charge
• Faster Attacks Support
• Frostblink

Pantheons

• Major God: Soul of the Brine King
• Minor God: Soul of Abberrath

Passive Skill Tree

As is customary for Path of Exile mine builds, you have to take a few notable passive skills to improve the damage of Icicle Mine of Fanning. With this in mind, Explosive Elements, Devastating Devices, and Successive Detonations all contribute to the demise of your foes.

Even though you are not technically below 50% of life all the time, you can still find great value in the Pain Attunement keystone passive. This will surely come in handy in your fight against the uber bosses in Path of Exile: Settlers of Kalguur.

You do have some spell suppression on this PoE build, but it would be difficult to achieve 100% without making some compromises. Thus, you will take the spell suppression mastery that says “Chance to Suppress Spell Damage is Lucky” to mitigate spell damage more often than not.

Other nifty Masteries you can take for the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye include:

• Mine Mastery
  • Each Mine Applies 2% Increased Damage Taken to Enemies Near It, up to 10%
• Critical Mastery
  • +25% to Critical Strike Multiplier
• Elemental Mastery
  • Hits Have a 25% Chance to Treat Enemy Monster Elemental Resistance Values as Inverted

Tips and Strategies

• Take the Notable Ascendancy Passives as You See Fit: The trifecta of projectile nodes on the Deadeye ascendancy tree is all about bringing pain. However, do not be restricted to these nodes only. If you need a bit more defense, replace Ricochet and Endless Munitions with Wind Ward and Focal Point.
• Go for Pure Offense: Mine builds in Path of Exile are mostly utilized as Forbidden Sanctum runners. If this is what you want to do, you could go for pure offense by equipping The Annihilating Light. Take note that your defensive capabilities suffer as a result, so think hard before making the change.
• The Light of Meaning: This new unique gem in Patch 3.25 provides a ton of value to this Icicle Mine PoE build. That said, get one that specifically states “6% Increased Cold Damage” to maximize your damage.

POB

Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye

Final Thoughts

It is a bit shocking that the Icicle Mine of Fanning Deadeye is not as popular as it needs to be. But hey, being an off-meta build is actually a good thing, especially if you are looking for a PoE character that can work well on a budget.

This particular variant of the Icicle Mine build puts a spotlight on offense and defense by providing you with a set of well-balanced gear. The combination of the Dissolution of the Flesh and Rathpith Globe, for example, is a great way of throwing mines without worrying about survivability!

With the Necro Settlers League underway, are you going to play this PoE Icicle Mine build? If so, what are the things that you particularly like about it and why? Let us know in the comments!

PROS

• Does not need a six-linked body armor
• Amazing league starter that utilizes a Mine Skill capable of launching an avalanche of icy projectiles
• A competent and cheaper alternative to the Hexblast Miner

CONS

• Struggles to finish maps with the “no life regeneration” mod
• Weak against damage over time
• Hard to cap chaos resistance without making some sacrifices