The Hermit of Doom build in Outward Definitive Edition is a powerhouse that revolves around lightning damage, high mobility, and consistent buffs. Designed to make you feel like Elat himself, this build focuses on lightning-infused attacks that decimate enemies quickly, even the most challenging ones like Immaculates.

The core of this build is the ability to deal an astonishing 74 lightning damage per spear thrust when fully buffed, not including raw or physical damage. This guide will walk you through every step of the build, from skill trees to equipment, ensuring you harness the full potential of the Hermit of Doom.

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Step 1: Acquiring Simeon’s Gambit

Start by talking to Boot Rack before leaving town if you have a spear-type weapon equipped. This NPC teaches you Simeon’s Gambit, a counter skill dealing massive damage if timed correctly. Even if you miss the counter, it still inflicts damage—making it one of the most forgiving and potent skills for spear users.

Strategy Tip: Mastering the timing of Simeon’s Gambit can save you in tough battles by staggering enemies and creating attack openings. Combine this with the spear’s range to safely poke at enemies without taking damage.

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Step 2: Mana Management

Head to any of the two Ley Lines in the game and invest three points into mana, granting 60 Mana. Upon completing your faction quest, you’ll receive the Peacemaker’s Elixir for an additional 20 mana, bringing the total to 80 Mana. While not excessive, it’s sufficient when combined with mana cost reduction from gear.

Strategy Tip: The Master Desert Veil helmet reduces mana costs by 15%, ensuring that your spells and skills remain sustainable throughout long fights.

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Step 3: Choosing the Right Faction

For this lightning-based build, the Holy Mission faction is the clear choice, offering significant boosts to lightning damage and survivability.

Key Benefits:

• Infuse Light: A skill that adds lightning damage to your weapon.
• Purified: Grants +20 Decay resistance, mitigating one of your primary weaknesses.
• Divine Assistance: Reduces both mana and stamina costs by 10%, making your abilities more spam-friendly.

Strategy Tip: The combination of lightning damage boosts and defensive perks makes the Holy Mission an optimal faction choice.

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Step 4: Skill Trees

1. Cabal Hermit

Located just beyond Ghost Pass, this skill tree is vital for maximizing lightning damage.

• Wind Sigil: Deals massive lightning damage with Spark.
• Conjure: Pairs with Lightning Sigil to deal over 200 damage in a single cast.
• Weather Tolerance: Increases decay resistance and weather defense.

Strategy Tip: Unlock this tree early for access to Wind Sigil, which can clear mobs effortlessly.

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2. Rogue Engineer

Found in Levant, this tree is optional but highly recommended.

• Feather Dodge: Allows unimpeded dodges with any backpack and reduces dodge stamina cost by 50%.
• Sweep Kick: Efficient for knocking down confused enemies.

Strategy Tip: The Feather Dodge skill is a game-changer, turning Outward’s dodge system into something reminiscent of Souls games.

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3. Warrior Monk

Located in Monsoon, this is a staple tree for most builds.

• Brace: A powerful block skill that restores the Discipline Boon.
• Perfect Strike: Ignores enemy resistances and inflicts Pain.
• Flash Onslaught: High damage and inflicts Confusion.

Strategy Tip: Use Brace after every Flash Onslaught to regain the Discipline Boon, ensuring consistent high-damage attacks.

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Step 5: Optimal Gear and Enchantments

Weapon: Whirligig Spear

• Lightning Damage: Fast attacks combined with high lightning damage make this spear ideal.
• Enchantment: Poltergeist to convert physical to raw damage, bypassing enemy resistances.

Strategy Tip: This spear shreds through most enemies, making it the centerpiece of the build.

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Armor Set

• Helmet: Master Desert Veil (Enchanted with Aegis) for reduced mana costs.
• Chest: Silver Armor (Enchanted with Spirit of Monsoon) for +25% lightning damage.
• Boots: Orichalcum Boots (Enchanted with Flux) for added lightning damage.

Strategy Tip: This setup maximizes lightning damage while maintaining respectable defense.

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Step 6: Combat Strategy

1. Pre-Buff: Use Infuse Light, Blessed Boon, and Discipline Boon.
2. Engage: Start with Perfect Strike and immediately follow up with Flash Onslaught.
3. Control: Use Sweep Kick to capitalize on the Confusion status.
4. Finish: Draw enemies into Wind Sigil and spam Spark for massive AoE damage.

Strategy Tip: Always keep your distance with spear’s reach and manage your stamina effectively using Feather Dodge.

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Conclusion

The Hermit of Doom build in Outward Definitive Edition is a lightning powerhouse designed to clear enemies swiftly and efficiently. By focusing on lightning damage, mobility, and strategic buffs, this build offers a balanced mix of offense and defense.

If you’re looking to decimate your foes with a storm of lightning, this build is your path to dominance. Equip your spear, charge up your sigils, and let the world of Aurai tremble at your power!

Good luck, adventurer—go forth and become the Hermit of Doom!