In "Path of Exile," the amount of life you should aim for on the passive skill tree depends on your character's level, build, and intended content. Generally, as a guideline, players often aim to have around 150% to 200% increased maximum life from the passive skill tree by the time they reach endgame (level 90+). This percentage includes both flat life increases and increased life bonuses.
Here are some key points to consider:
Base Life: At lower levels, you might prioritize picking up life nodes that provide flat life increases since your base life pool will be relatively low.
Increased Maximum Life: As you progress and reach higher levels, you'll want to focus on increasing the percentage of your maximum life. Increased maximum life nodes will scale your life pool effectively, especially when combined with flat life increases.
Defense vs. Offense: Balancing damage and survivability is crucial. While investing heavily in damage nodes can boost your damage output, having enough life is essential for survival, especially in challenging content like endgame bosses, Delve encounters, or the Labyrinth.
Energy Shield and Mind Over Matter (MoM): If you are using energy shield or MoM as part of your defense, the ratio of life to energy shield or mana becomes a consideration. For MoM builds, having a larger mana pool becomes essential to effectively mitigate damage.
Gear and Other Defenses: Life from gear, jewels, and other sources can significantly contribute to your overall life pool. Additionally, using other defensive mechanics, such as block, evasion, armor, or resistances, can complement your life pool and enhance survivability.
Remember that achieving a healthy life pool is just one aspect of building a strong character in "Path of Exile." Properly allocating skill points, understanding your character's strengths and weaknesses, and using effective defensive mechanics are all crucial elements to create a well-rounded and powerful build.
Ultimately, the ideal amount of life from the passive skill tree will vary based on your build and playstyle. Consider experimenting and adjusting your passive tree as needed to find the right balance between offense and defense for your character's specific needs.