Minion builds in Path of Exile 2 can play very differently depending on how much control the player wants over summoned creatures. For players who enjoy actively commanding their minions, Kurgal's Leash is a support gem worth investigating. Among the available POE2 Items, it stands out because its effect activates when you command a supported minion, rewarding players who participate directly in their minions' attacks instead of simply summoning creatures and waiting.

Why Kurgal's Leash Is Different

Many minion-focused support choices are designed around improving the minion itself. Kurgal's Leash takes a different approach. When you command a compatible minion, the effect grants Unholy Might to both the player and the supported minion for 15 seconds. This creates a shared offensive benefit and makes the command action an important part of your combat routine.

The gem is classified as Lineage, Minion, and Chaos, with a 120% cost and reservation multiplier. It requires level 25 and +5 Intelligence. These requirements are relatively manageable for many characters once they reach the appropriate stage of progression, although the gem's support restrictions remain the most important consideration.

Which Builds Benefit Most?

Kurgal's Leash naturally favors active summoner builds. If your character frequently commands Skeletons, Djinns, or other compatible minions, you can activate the buff as part of normal gameplay. A command-based build can therefore gain offensive value without adding an entirely separate buff-maintenance skill.

Physical minions are particularly interesting because Unholy Might adds Chaos Damage based on Physical Damage. A minion that already hits hard with physical attacks can therefore convert part of that damage into additional Chaos Damage while the buff is active.

The same principle can benefit the player. If your character also deals Physical Damage, the Unholy Might effect can improve personal damage during the same 15-second period. This makes Kurgal's Leash more appealing for hybrid characters that fight alongside their minions rather than relying exclusively on summons.

Building Around Command Timing

The key to getting value from Kurgal's Leash is understanding when to issue commands. You do not necessarily need to command a minion every few seconds because the current effect lasts 15 seconds. Instead, use commands at important moments.

For example, you can enter a large enemy pack, command your minion, and then use the buff window to clear enemies. Against bosses, command the minion shortly before beginning your primary damage sequence. This helps ensure that both you and your supported minion have Unholy Might while the target is vulnerable.

The extended duration also makes positioning easier. You can command your minion, move away from dangerous attacks, reposition, and continue fighting without immediately losing the offensive benefit. The change from five seconds to 15 seconds in version 0.4.0 significantly improved this aspect of the gem.

Kurgal's Leash and Other Supports

Kurgal's Leash should not automatically replace every other minion support. Its usefulness depends heavily on your build's priorities. If your minion requires defensive scaling, attack speed, area coverage, or another specialized mechanic, sacrificing that support slot for Kurgal's Leash may not always produce the best result.

Instead, consider it part of an offensive package. If your minion already has sufficient survivability and reliable damage, Kurgal's Leash can provide another layer of offensive scaling. You should also consider how often you actually issue commands. A support that requires an active command is much less effective if your gameplay style rarely uses command abilities.

How to Obtain It

Current PoE 2 database information identifies Large Abyssal Troves at the end of an Abyssal Depths as the acquisition source for Kurgal's Leash. Therefore, players looking for the gem should pay attention to Abyssal content and its associated rewards.

Because acquisition sources and league mechanics can change, always verify the current version before committing to a farming route.

Final Thoughts

Kurgal's Leash is best viewed as a specialized offensive support for active minion builds. Its ability to give both the player and commanded minions 15 seconds of Unholy Might creates a useful connection between character damage and minion damage. If you enjoy controlling your summons and want a support that rewards deliberate command timing, it can be a strong addition.

For players assembling a complete summoner setup, combining Kurgal's Leash with carefully selected equipment and complementary gems is the best approach. If you need additional gear to finish your setup, you can buy POE 2 Jeweller's Orb and build around the strengths of your chosen minions.