Hey all curious what people are building on their ES warlocks post nerf?

I've seen a lot of conflicting info so just figured id ask.

The three im considering is ebotd warpike, fort thunder maul, void dagger

Obsession / Hex Purge is a good one that provides a lot of QOL

Obsession also works for fire lock and taint lock if you’re playing single player or want to try out different builds

Can use anything with +skills really like an Ondals


Void will do the most damage, as the best version of the build is magic damage now. And you can go abyss with it or prebuff bow lock with an abyss

This post was edited by ahyp on Jul 12 2026 05:11am

thanks have seen a bit of obsession discussion, how is obsession not just flat out better than void? at a quick glance it looks like it. i guess technically you could get a +5 hex purge and +5 eldritch with a crazy base

I get void if youre playing abyss, but for ES I dont see how obsession just isnt flat out better. my only concern would be the low dmg for ml/ll and i'd need to run a dual leech ring, which is why ebotd looks attractive

I use Ecv Insight..

Works like magic.. Allows me to put a dreadfang on my Act V Bash Merc for Amp Dmg..

Bind a Hephesto..

You're sorted..

Magic damage skill increase as well on void, same reason hammerdin now uses it. That’s super min max tho, you won’t notice much of a difference. Obsession much better qol especially when not buying your gear or just starting out.

This post was edited by ahyp on Jul 12 2026 06:44am

ya ive seen this a bit but was planning on insighting the merc, the dreadfang is a nice touch though



ah i read over the skill damage, makes sense then. how is the life leech/mana leech with obsession? i asumme you do very little phys dmg / leeching

You don’t leech with that build like last patches broken ES physical lock, but you do get to use cure prayer meditation merc which will allow your mana and health to go up slowly

If you want a physical build, it performs worse but maybe better with budget gear p1, insight into fortitude/botd is good

Id prob run a fort on physical and save zod for obsession or void, unless you’re buying the gear

Mirrored Blades on bosses takes advantage of crushing blow but breaks eth weapons, your choice, obedience is a great budget option too if you put insight on Merc you just lose fcr

This post was edited by ahyp on Jul 12 2026 07:00am

I thought Energy Shield lock was kinda bad since post nerf. Is it still really good?

es troll...

get a book, not a shield

This post was edited by Zunka on Jul 12 2026 09:46am