Elemental Invocation is a Meta Spirit Gem in Path of Exile 2 that opens up dynamic build potential for spellcasters who specialize in elemental ailments like Shock, Freeze, and Ignite. Whether you're building a Frozen Explosion Sorcerer or another ailment-based caster, this gem can significantly boost your damage output with devastating combo effects.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get Elemental Invocation, how it functions, and how to optimize its use for maximum efficiency.

What Is Elemental Invocation?

Elemental Invocation is a Meta Spirit Gem, which means it doesn't deal damage or cast spells directly. Instead, it acts as a trigger gem that stores Energy and then unleashes pre-slotted spells once certain conditions are met. The key trigger condition here is the application of elemental ailments - Shock, Freeze, or Ignite - to enemies.

This makes it a must-have for characters built around ailment proliferation, elemental status stacking, or crowd control through elemental effects.

How to Get Elemental Invocation

To obtain Elemental Invocation, you'll need to cut a Spirit Gem that's at least level 8.

Here's how to do it:

Open your inventory and select any Spirit Gem that has reached Level 8 or higher.

This will bring up the Gemcutting Menu.

Navigate to the Monk tree in the interface.

Scroll to the Level VIII tier, where Elemental Invocation should be listed.

Select Elemental Invocation and click Engrave.

The gem will be cut and placed in your inventory, ready for use.

Keep in mind, you need to be leveling your Spirit Gems actively to access this tier, so make sure you're keeping your gems equipped as you play.

How to Use Elemental Invocation

Once you've obtained the Elemental Invocation gem, here's how to integrate it into your build and start wreaking havoc:

1. Equip and Socket the Gem

Drag the Elemental Invocation gem into your Skills menu.

It has sockets of its own, similar to traditional skill setups.

Socket one or two spells directly into Elemental Invocation.

If desired, also socket Support Gems into its remaining slots to augment those spells.

For example:

Slot in Frost Spear and Flame Surge for a chilling + burning combo.

Use Support Gems like Increased Area of Effect or Elemental Proliferation to scale the effects.

2. Build Energy via Elemental Ailments

With Elemental Invocation equipped, you'll start building Energy each time you inflict Shock, Freeze, or Ignite on enemies. This passive accumulation makes it an ideal companion for ailment-heavy builds.

The amount of Energy required depends on the Cast Time of the slotted spell(s):

Formula: You need 10 Energy for every 0.1 seconds of the spell's base Cast Time.

For a 1.0s cast spell, you'd need 100 Energy.

If two spells are slotted, you must collect enough Energy to trigger both at once.

Once you've collected enough Energy, the skill icon in your action bar will visually indicate readiness. Press the assigned button to trigger the spell(s) instantly.

3. Timing Your Invocations

Because Elemental Invocation is manually triggered, it adds an extra layer of timing and strategy:

Preload Damage: Save up Energy before a boss fight and unleash high-powered spells right at the start.

Crowd Control: Use spells like Cold Snap or Shock Nova to freeze or stun groups of enemies at once.

Elemental Chains: Chain elemental ailments for maximum Energy generation - e.g., freeze with Cold Snap, then ignite with Fireball.

Advanced Tips and Build Ideas

1. Ailment Stacking

To maximize Energy gain, use multiple ailments in your build. Spells that apply multiple elemental statuses at once are ideal. For example, Lightning Tendrils can both shock and ignite if modified properly.

2. Scaling Cast Time

Remember that faster spells require less Energy, so spells with low cast times are more energy-efficient. However, slower, high-damage spells like Meteor are great for burst windows once you've stored up enough.

3. Cooldown Reduction and Support Scaling

Support Gems that reduce cast cost or increase casting efficiency can lower the Energy requirement. Consider these supports:

Efficient Casting

Reduced Cost

Overchanneling (if compatible with your skill)

4. Synergy with Other Spirit Gems

Elemental Invocation works great alongside Spirit Bursts, Totems, or other automated triggers. Let your main rotation apply ailments while your invocation delivers the heavy payload.

Why Use Elemental Invocation?

Massive Burst Damage: Store powerful spells and release them when needed most.

Flexible Trigger System: Customize the gem with different spells and support setups.

Great for Crowd Control: Stack shocks and freezes to lock down large enemy packs.

Resource Efficiency: Let you cast powerful spells without using mana or cast time during the heat of battle.

It's particularly effective in situations where uptime and control are critical - boss phases, ambushes, or elite encounters. Combined with a strong pool of Path of Exile 2 currency and gear, Elemental Invocation gives ailment-based casters an edge in both offense and survivability.

Final Thoughts

Elemental Invocation is a powerful tool that adds flexibility and punch to any elemental caster build in Path of Exile 2. By mastering its mechanics - from Energy buildup to precise triggering - you can unleash devastating combos that melt bosses and freeze mobs in their tracks. Just make sure to keep your ailments up, slot the right support gems, and get creative with your spell pairings.

If you already have Path of Exile 2 currency and Path of Exile 2 items, this is a prime time to build around Elemental Invocation - it's powerful, flashy, and can clear both mobs and bosses in seconds when properly optimized.