Kripp's Calcinator Mak Build

Core Synergies

• Calcinator is a one-item win condition that can defeat the opponent with just 1-2 casts (once scaled enough).
• • You generally need to find it by Day 1 or 2, or else it's not worth the commitment.
  • Retort plays essentially the exact same (albeit slower), meaning you can use it instead, or alongside Calcinator.
  • Upgrade these items ASAP to drastically improve your rate of scaling, along with your Economy (via Chunk of Gold).
• Philosopher's Stone goes hand-in-hand with this archetype, allowing you to build up a powerful Regen item over time.
• • If you're able to upgrade it early on, it's strong enough to justify including on your final board.

Tips & Tricks

• Buy every single Small Reagent that's available, assuming you can afford it (and have the space).
• It's absolutely vital that you find a Catalyst generator (or two) ASAP. Aludel and Mortar & Pestle are the first available options.
• • If you can't find enough generators or Reagents early on, don't be afraid to drop the strategy and pivot to another build entirely.
  • Sometimes things don't line up, so if you're lacking reliable Transforms by Day 4-5, abandon ship.
• Fungal Spores is a great pickup to obtain extra Catalysts. Potion Potion as well if your Economy can afford it.
• Peacewrought is a Mak staple Economy item, although less necessary once you're reliably Transforming Chunk of Lead into Chunk of Gold.

Common Filler Items

Unlike most builds, what matters most is having a well-stacked Calcinator (and/or Retort). You can effectively use whatever you like to fill in the gaps, but try to prioritize items that speed up the build or disrupt your opponent.

Core Synergies

• Potion Distillery absolutely makes or breaks the build, despite not being an actual board inclusion.
• • It's hands down the most reliable source of Transforms, allowing you to continuously scale Calcinator and/or Retort to incredible heights.
  • Once found, you can replace your Catalyst generators with Reagent spawners.
• Strength Potion is a key item that effectively doubles the build's output. This is what enables a single Calcinator activation to win the fight.
• • It is extremely important that Strength Potion goes off before Calcinator (or Retort).
  • Knowing this, pay close attention to all sources of Haste and Cooldown Reduction. Randomly applied Haste effects can actually hinder your build.
• Hourglass is a great way to fix the build's timing and improve its speed.
• • Silver-tier can be rather underwhelming (and skippable) later on, but Gold/Diamond is well worth including.

Tips & Tricks

• Continue buying as many Small Reagents as possible to fuel Potion Distillery.
• • Be mindful of pathing, as you're going to want to visit more vendors instead of events.
• Apothecary and The Tome of Yyahan are useful Reagent spawners, but do occupy a lot of space.
• Cellar and Sifting Pan are optional Catalyst generators, though by the time they show up you usually shouldn't need them.
• Excavation Tools and Quicksilver are two more instant-buys for spare Catalysts.
• If you happen to find Virus, you can use it in PvE Encounters alongside Reagents for bonus scaling!

Core Synergies

• Library is an excellent supporting piece for the build thanks to its flat Cooldown Reduction.
• • Startup time is Calcinator's main weakness in the late game, so this is a great way to level the playing field.
  • Laboratory fulfills a similar role to Library, assuming your key items are enchanted.
  • Scales works too if you can enable the balanced positioning.
• Foul Mushroom acts as a fantastic deterrent that can completely debilitate many builds.
• • The downside is negligible, as you usually win with just 1-2 casts.
• Fire Claw can be Calcinator #2 if you're looking for even more offense.
• Energy Potion, Invulnerability Potion, and Vitality Potion are optional utility inclusions.

Tips & Tricks

• Prioritize startup time in the late game. While Calcinator's clock ticks fast, you really want to get off the ground within ~4 seconds.
• Distilled Sunlight is always worth grabbing if you can afford it. However, don't waste multiple Transforms trying to reroll it.