In this episode of Build, we are introduced to one of the strangest - and POE orbs most entertaining - concepts Path of Exile has to offer: a shapeshifting Oracle suffering from the worst acid reflux imaginable. Popularized by Pants, this chaos-focused setup leverages lineage support gems to summon a volatile, barfing lizard that weaponizes chaos damage in spectacular fashion. Beneath the humor lies a surprisingly effective build that blends accessibility, strong clear speed, and thematic flair.

This guide breaks down how the build works, why it's effective, and who should consider playing it.

Build Concept Overview: Chaos Through Shapeshifting

At its core, this build revolves around a shapeshifter Oracle that transforms into a chaos-powered entity capable of spewing corrosive devastation across the battlefield. The "barfing lizard" imagery is not just for laughs - it reflects the build's reliance on repeated chaos-based hits that overwhelm enemies through damage over time, poison scaling, and rapid application.

The key innovation here is the use of lineage support gems, which significantly enhance summoned or transformed abilities by adding scaling vectors normally unavailable to standard skill setups. This allows the build to punch far above its apparent simplicity.

Key Mechanics: Lineage Support Gems Explained

Lineage support gems are the backbone of this build. Instead of merely increasing raw damage, they modify how the shapeshifted form behaves:

Damage Conversion and Scaling: Physical and elemental components are converted into chaos, enabling full investment into chaos multipliers.

Repeat and Volatility Effects: The lizard's attacks trigger overlapping chaos zones, amplifying clear speed.

Synergy with Poison and Chaos DoT: Each "vomit" tick stacks additional damage over time, melting both packs and bosses.

Because lineage gems scale exceptionally well with gem levels rather than gear alone, the build remains effective even on a modest budget.

Gameplay Loop: Simple, Aggressive, Effective

The gameplay loop is intentionally straightforward, making this an excellent option for players who want power without excessive mechanical complexity.

Engage and Shapeshift - Enter combat and activate your shapeshift ability.

Position Aggressively - The build rewards being close enough to ensure full chaos overlap.

Maintain Buffs and Debuffs - Keep chaos exposure and wither stacks active.

Let the Lizard Work - Once set up, enemies rapidly dissolve under sustained chaos output.

This makes mapping fast and fluid, while boss fights emphasize uptime rather than burst windows.

Strengths of the Build

This build shines in several areas:

Excellent Clear Speed: Overlapping chaos effects erase packs quickly.

Strong Thematic Identity: Few builds feel as distinct or memorable.

Budget-Friendly Scaling: Power comes from gem levels and chaos investment, not expensive uniques.

Beginner-Approachable: Simple rotation and forgiving positioning.

For players tired of traditional hit-based or crit-focused builds, this chaos-centric approach feels refreshingly different.

Weaknesses and Considerations

Despite its strengths, there are limitations to keep in mind:

Visual Clutter: The chaos effects can obscure enemy telegraphs.

Damage Ramp Time: Damage over time means bosses may not instantly explode.

Chaos Resistance Scaling: Endgame enemies with high chaos resistance require proper debuff management.

These drawbacks are manageable, but they reward players who understand chaos mechanics and resistance shredding.

Who Should Play This Build?

This build is ideal for players who:

Enjoy unconventional, humorous concepts.

Prefer damage-over-time playstyles.

Want a league-viable build without extreme currency investment.

Appreciate strong synergy-driven mechanics over raw stat stacking.

Veterans will enjoy optimizing lineage interactions, while newer players will appreciate the clear direction and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Pants' volatile shapeshifter Oracle build is a perfect example of Path of Exile's creative depth. What begins as a joke about a barfing lizard with acid reflux evolves into a legitimate chaos powerhouse fueled by lineage support gems and smart scaling. It is fun, functional, and buy POE orbs unmistakably PoE.

If you're looking to melt enemies in a pool of corrosive chaos while laughing your way through maps, this is a build well worth checking out.