In the dark and perilous world of Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), a game renowned for its intricate mechanics and deep customization, body armour plays a pivotal role in shaping a character's survivability and build identity. Among the myriad of armour types available, the Plated Raiment stands out as a unique-only body armour base type, reserved exclusively for powerful unique items like the Vis Mortis. This article delves into the significance of the Plated Raiment, its stats, its role in the game, and how it integrates into the broader ecosystem of PoE 2.

What is the Plated Raiment?

The Plated Raiment is a body armour base type in Path of Exile 2 that cannot be obtained as a non-unique item, meaning it exists solely as a foundation for unique body armours, with the Vis Mortis being the most prominent example. Unlike other base types such as Scale Mail or Silk Robe, which can drop as common, magic, or rare items, the Plated Raiment is designed to deliver specific, build-defining effects through its unique variant. This exclusivity makes it a highly sought-after item for players aiming to craft specialized builds, particularly those centered around energy shield and intelligence-based mechanics.

The Plated Raiment requires a high level of investment, with a level requirement of 58 and an Intelligence requirement of 120, positioning it as a late-game item tailored for advanced caster builds. Its base stats include 117 Energy Shield and a 3% reduction in movement speed, reflecting its focus on providing substantial defensive capabilities for spellcasters at the cost of slight mobility. The Plated Raiment's unique-only status ensures that it is always associated with powerful modifiers that can significantly alter a build's playstyle.

The Vis Mortis: A Showcase of Plated Raiment's Power

The most iconic unique item built on the Plated Raiment base is the Vis Mortis, a body armour that has become a staple for minion-based builds in Path of Exile 2. The Vis Mortis offers a suite of modifiers that enhance minion performance while providing substantial defensive and utility benefits. Its fixed modifiers include:

70–100% increased Energy Shield: Boosts the base energy shield, making it ideal for characters relying on energy shield as their primary defensive layer.

+70–100 to maximum Mana: Enhances mana pools, supporting mana-intensive builds or those utilizing the Mind Over Matter keystone.

Minions have 50% reduced maximum Life: A trade-off that reduces minion durability but is offset by other modifiers.

Minions have Unholy Might: Grants minions additional chaos damage, significantly boosting their offensive output.

These modifiers make the Vis Mortis a cornerstone for necromancer-style builds, particularly those focusing on summoning minions to deal chaos damage. The Plated Raiment's high energy shield and intelligence requirements align perfectly with the Vis Mortis's design, catering to intelligence-based characters who prioritize spellcasting and minion management.

How to Obtain the Plated Raiment (Vis Mortis)

Acquiring a Plated Raiment in the form of the Vis Mortis is no small feat, as its unique-only nature means it cannot be crafted or found as a base item. Instead, players have two primary methods to obtain it:

Random Enemy Drops: The Vis Mortis has a chance to drop from enemies, particularly in higher-difficulty areas such as the Cruel difficulty after completing Act 3. Farming in zones with monster levels equal to or higher than the item's level requirement (58) increases the likelihood of obtaining it. High-density maps or areas with increased unique drop rates are ideal for farming.

Orb of Chance: Players can attempt to create a Vis Mortis by using an Orb of Chance on a Plated Raiment base. However, since the Plated Raiment is unique-only, this method is not applicable in the traditional sense, as the base itself does not drop. Instead, players may need to rely on trading or other unique items being converted through specific mechanics. This process is risky and not guaranteed, as it may destroy the item or yield a different unique.

Given the rarity and value of the Vis Mortis, many players turn to the Trading Market on the official Path of Exile 2 website to purchase it directly. Trading requires POE 2 Currency, such as Chaos Orbs or Divine Orbs, which are essential for acquiring high-value items like the Vis Mortis.

The Role of Plated Raiment in Builds

The Plated Raiment, through the Vis Mortis, is a game-changer for minion builds, particularly those leveraging the Necromancer ascendancy or similar mechanics. The combination of increased energy shield, maximum mana, and minion-specific modifiers makes it a perfect fit for characters who summon hordes of minions to overwhelm enemies. The Unholy Might modifier, in particular, synergizes with chaos damage-focused builds, allowing minions to deal devastating blows while the player remains protected by a robust energy shield pool.

Beyond minion builds, the Plated Raiment's high energy shield makes it a viable option for any intelligence-based caster build that prioritizes survivability. For example, players using the Mind Over Matter keystone can leverage the Vis Mortis's mana bonuses to absorb damage, creating a hybrid defensive layer that combines energy shield and mana. The slight movement speed penalty is a minor drawback, easily mitigated by boots or passives that boost mobility.

Economic Impact and Trading

In Path of Exile 2's player-driven economy, unique items like the Vis Mortis are highly coveted, driving significant demand on the Trading Market. The Plated Raiment's unique-only status increases its rarity, making it a valuable commodity for traders. Players who secure a Vis Mortis can sell it for a substantial amount of POE 2 Currency, particularly if it has desirable rolls (e.g., high energy shield or mana values). Conversely, those looking to acquire it may need to invest heavily in Chaos Orbs, Divine Orbs, or other currencies.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Plated Raiment (Vis Mortis) is a powerhouse for minion builds, it comes with challenges. The 50% reduced minion life modifier requires careful management, as minions become more fragile and may need additional support from passives or gear that boost their survivability. Additionally, the high Intelligence requirement (120) and level requirement (58) make it inaccessible for early-game characters, positioning it as a late-game investment.

Players must also consider the movement speed penalty, which can hinder kiting or repositioning in fast-paced encounters. To counter this, pairing the Vis Mortis with boots that provide movement speed or skills like Blink can maintain mobility. Finally, the cost of acquiring a Vis Mortis, whether through drops or trading, can be steep, requiring a significant investment of POE 2 Currency.

Conclusion

The Plated Raiment, as a unique-only body armour base type in Path of Exile 2, represents the pinnacle of specialized gear design. Through the Vis Mortis, it offers unparalleled support for minion-based builds while providing robust defensive stats for intelligence-based casters. Its exclusivity, high requirements, and powerful modifiers make it a coveted item in the game's economy, driving demand for POE 2 Currency and encouraging players to buy POE 2 Orbs to secure it. Whether you're raising an army of chaos-wielding minions or building a mana-focused tank, the Plated Raiment is a testament to PoE 2's depth and complexity, rewarding players who invest in its potential with a truly unique playstyle.