As someone who’s sunk countless hours into Divinity Original Sin 2, I can tell you that building Lohse correctly can make or break your playthrough. After experimenting with every possible combination across multiple playthroughs, I’m here to share my ultimate guide to making this mysterious bard absolutely shine in combat.
Lohse isn’t just another origin character – she’s a walking paradox with a demon living inside her head. This unique backstory actually translates into some incredible gameplay opportunities that many players overlook. Her natural affinity for magic combined with her hidden dark side makes her one of the most versatile characters in the game.
What really sets Lohse apart is her default Enchanter class, which gives her immediate access to both Hydrosophist and Aerotheurge skills. But here’s the thing – don’t let this limit your thinking. I’ve discovered that Lohse can excel in literally any role you want her to play, from frontline tank to backline nuker.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking this seemingly innocent bard and transforming her into a powerhouse that can both heal your party and decimate enemies. My favorite moment was when I built her as a Polymorph/Warfare hybrid – watching her sprout spider legs while charging into battle with a massive two-handed axe never gets old.
The real beauty of Lohse is how her character development mirrors your build choices. As you progress through her personal quest and uncover more about the entity inside her, you can lean into different playstyles that reflect her internal struggle. It’s this narrative-gameplay synergy that makes building Lohse so rewarding.
After extensive testing, I’ve identified the absolute best builds for Lohse that work across all difficulty levels. Let me break them down from most recommended to most specialized.
This is my personal favorite and what I consider the “canon” Lohse build. It maximizes her natural talents while keeping her safe in the backline.
Early Game (Levels 1-8):
Mid Game (Levels 9-16):
Late Game (Levels 17+):
Pro Tips:
For those who want to subvert expectations and make Lohse a frontline powerhouse, this build is absolutely devastating.
Stat Priority:
Skill Progression:
Key Abilities:
This stealth-based build turns Lohse into an assassin that can eliminate key targets before they even get a turn.
Essential Skills:
Equipment Focus:
After helping countless players optimize their Lohse builds, I’ve noticed some common issues that keep coming up. Let me address these head-on.
Problem: “My Lohse keeps dying in combat” Solution: You’re probably neglecting Constitution. Even mages need some survivability. I recommend putting at least 10-15 points into Constitution by mid-game, regardless of your build.
Problem: “I run out of Source Points too quickly” Solution: Focus on skills that don’t consume Source Points for regular combat. Save your Source abilities for boss fights or emergency situations.
Problem: “My damage falls off in late game” Solution: This usually happens when you spread your points too thin. Pick one primary damage stat and stick with it until it’s maxed out.
One thing most guides overlook is how equipment needs change throughout the game. Here’s my breakdown:
Levels 1-8: Focus on basic stat gear. Don’t worry about unique items yet – just get the highest Intelligence/Strength/Finesse items you can find.
Levels 9-16: Start looking for gear with +Critical Chance and +All Skills. This is when build synergies really start to matter.
Levels 17+: Unique items become crucial. Look for gear that complements your specific build, like the Vulture Armor for summoners or Contamination Armor for necromancers.
Your Lohse build should always consider your party composition. Here are my recommendations:
With Physical-Damage Parties: Build Lohse as a magic damage dealer or support. The mixed damage type prevents enemies from stacking one armor type.
With Magic-Damage Parties: Consider a physical Lohse build or focus on support/healing abilities.
Solo Builds: Go with a hybrid approach that can handle both damage and self-sustain.
After hundreds of hours with Lohse, I’ve discovered some tricks that aren’t obvious from just reading skill descriptions:
Elemental Combo Mastery: Learn to chain Rain → Electric Discharge → Hail Strike for massive crowd control. This combo can freeze entire groups of enemies.
Source Point Management: Don’t use Source Points on regular enemies. Save them for bosses or when you’re overwhelmed.
Positioning is Everything: Even as a mage, Lohse benefits from high ground. The extra accuracy and range make a huge difference.
Talent Timing: Some talents like Executioner are only valuable late game. Don’t waste early talent points on abilities that won’t shine until level 15+.
A: Not necessarily. While her default class suggests a pure mage build, Lohse actually excels in hybrid builds that combine magic with physical damage or support abilities.
A: I recommend the Stormcaller build (Aero/Hydro). It’s forgiving, powerful, and teaches important game mechanics like elemental combos.
A: Absolutely! Lohse has one of the most compelling personal stories in the game, and her versatility makes her perfect for any playstyle.
A: Definitely! I recommend respeccing around level 10 once you understand the game mechanics better. The respec mirror in Fort Joy is your best friend.
Building Lohse effectively is about understanding her unique strengths and embracing her versatility. Whether you want to lean into her magical nature or subvert expectations with a physical build, she can handle anything you throw at her.
The key is to pick a direction early and stick with it, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to your party’s needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s what makes Divinity Original Sin 2 so replayable.
Have you tried any of these builds? Drop a comment below with your favorite Lohse setup or any questions you might have! I’d love to hear about your experiences with this amazing character.
