Damage from a different support gem

by using the multi-totem gem, we lose the chance to use a damage gem (~40%)

we get a 30% less multiplier (likely at level 20) from multi-totem gem (speculation)

Totems Grantes by Gem

we gain 2 extra totems

Max Totems (without Gems)

Relative DPS no multi TOTEMS

Relative DPS: multi TOTEMS

Understanding Multiple Totems

BLUE = damage without multiple totems support

RED = damage with multiple totems support

Multiple totems is a curious gem.

It's main strength lies in consistency, utility and clear speed, NOT in increasing damage

Not only do you get a LESS damage modifier, but you also lose the opportunity to use a different daamge gem in the same spot

As you can see it actually only provides bonus damage with (normal) max totems of 1 or 2 and LESS damage than usually if you're having 3 or more totems

However, you do gain clearspeed, consistency and it can be used for utility purposes as well such as wither or corpse generation.

So overall it's more of a QOL gem that also opens new options for utility, which is a good thing

Consideration: You can clone this sheet and play with the numbers if you want. This depends on what supports are available for you. Some builds may lose more or less damage

Consideration: This obviously asumes that there's no direct synergy between the totems. Things like "gain 10% increased damage per totem" are not considered in this chart

Consideration: The damage multiplier from multiple totems mightt be -20% or -30% at level 20. That's hard to tell for now

Consideration: It's of great benefit to have 1/4 totems total WITHOUT multiple totems support. That allows you to get all totems up with 1/2 casts without any overkill (which is obviously a big advantage, since you save a lot of time)