Question

Whats the best Proficiency for the Soulhexer Rod?
Explain the choices on each stage (If needed)

Answer 1

Hello Trululu!

This is rather an interesting question, specially when you need to take account of that each choice has different impacts depending on the hunt, your magic level and your wheel of destiny + gem atelier. So please understand that this guide below may help you decide on what to use but you may adapt whenever you see the possibility.

Level 1: 3% life leech --> Since this is the only option, there is not even a topic to argue with

Level 2:

+ 7,5% critical extra damage for ice spells and runes: Your first option when you're on a hunt that you'll use mostly ice damage. Even better if you have any modifier that amplifies your critical hit chance (e.g. gem atelier, avatar, legs tier or another modifiers on soulhexer)

+ 1 magic level: Your option if: 

- Your hunt blocks you from using ice spells and runes

- You are not using critical imbue on your soulhexer

- The hunt is so hard on you that you'd rather count on a little, flat benefit, than damage peaks that goes randomly

Level 3:

+ 10% life leech for ice burst: This is probably your worst option. Your ulus will only be possible to use after 22/18/14 seconds (depending on how many points on your wheel you got on. Assuming you'll probably change your soulhexer on a sanguine rod on higher levels, we may assume you'll use only one ulus each 22 seconds. You may consider using this perk if you do not need extra mana leech nor are hunting inkborn creatures, and have ulus on your wheel of destiny.

+2% mana leech: This is the most general use of the level 3 perks and'll be probably your choice.  Even though 2% mana leech doesn't seem a lot, it is a helpful perk to help maintain your mana levels.


+3% damage against inkborn: This is an alternative perk to use when you're hunting on inkborn creatures and you're controlling quite well your mana. This helps improve your damage and, therefore, your xp and profit. A good perk that depends on which hunt you're going on.

Level 4:

+1% critical hit chance for ice spells and runes:  Usually your first option if you're on hunts that you may use ice spells and runes, especially if you combo it with your level 2 perk of 7,5% extra critical hit damage. Skip this if your hunt prevents you from using ice damage a lot.

+5% mana leech for ice burst: This perk is similar to 10% life leech on ice burst. Assuming you won't be using this spell very often, it may not be your first or second choice since it is a less dependable perk than the other two. You may consider use this if you got a Tier 3+ helmet and have at least level 2 ulus, but usually just skip this perk.

+1% critical hit chance for offensive runes: This is your second option when you are on a hunt that you'll use mostly runes (e.g. a hunt that you want to use fire, energy or earth damage). Avoid this if you can use both your ice and earth spells. Alternative use: When going on bosses that you'll use only SD it may be a good option

Level 5:

+2 ice magic level: This should be your first option if you're focusing on damage and are on a hunt that relies on ice damage a lot. 

+1 magic level: Even though this sounds worse than the first option, remember that your sio and mas res also depends on magic level, not only your damage. So this may be your first choice if you are on a hunt that you depends a lot on your healing (self or others). If you do not need a lot of healing on your hunt/boss, you still may choose this option if your damage is not ice based.

Level 6:

+5% life leech: This is a defensive perk, so you may find it useful when you're sensing that you're negativating a lot. Avoid using this option if you can control your life quite well. Alternative use: On hunts that you'd rather use elemental imbue instead of a life leech imbue. 

+2% mana leech: Another defensive perk. Only use it if you're finding too hard to keep your mana high.

+12% critical extra damage for offensive runes: Your best option by far. It may improve even more the perk of 1% critical hit chance on level 4. Avoid this only if you ultimately need life or mana leech and/or are not using any offensive runes.

Level 7: +1% critical hit chance: Since you don't have any other options, there is no other choice.  But keep reminded that this perk improves every other offensive perk, so when you unlock this perk you may be more incited to use the offensive perks  on another levels.