Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) is already being hailed as one of the best ARPGs ever made, even in its early access state. However, with the depth of the game, newcomers and experienced players alike may encounter some hurdles.
This guide will help you navigate those challenges, covering key topics such as using weapon sets and allocation points, utilizing both controller and mouse simultaneously, building a strength/block character, and maximizing your time in trade, downtime, and town.
Weapon Sets, Controls, Strength Builds, and Trading Guide
Weapon Swapping and Allocation Points: The Ultimate Guide
Weapon sets in POE 2 add a layer of strategy, allowing you to customize your playstyle with different weapons for different skills. Here’s everything you need to know to master weapon swapping and allocation points in POE 2.
How to Swap Weapons
To swap weapons seamlessly, follow these steps:
- Press “O” to Assign Skill Inputs: This is where you configure your input buttons for each skill.
- Assign Skills to Weapon Sets: Press “G” and click the arrow next to a skill. A new window will appear, displaying checkboxes for weapon sets. Uncheck the box for the weapon set you aren’t using for that skill.
- Customize Your Inputs: Once you have your skills assigned to specific weapon sets, left-click the squares in the lower right corner to assign each skill to its corresponding button.
Allocating Weapon Set Points
Weapon set allocations require both skill points and weapon set points. Here’s how to allocate them:
- Check Your Available Points: Press “P” to open the passive tree, where you’ll find your skill points in the top right corner. Below that, you’ll see your weapon set allocation points.
- Allocate Points: You can only allocate weapon set points if you have both skill points and weapon set allocations available. To assign weapon set points, left-click the arrow next to the words “weapon set” on the passive tree and select a passive node.
Important Note: Weapon set allocations cannot be used to allocate jewel socket nodes. These are the empty-looking nodes where you slot jewel items to gain extra stats.
Using a Controller and Mouse Simultaneously in POE 2
Playing POE 2 with a controller can improve movement and dodging, but the game also benefits from using a mouse for targeting and inventory management. If you’re playing on Steam, there’s a hidden control method that allows you to use both a controller and mouse simultaneously, giving you the best of both worlds.
How to Set Up Controller and Mouse Simultaneously:
- Select WASD Controls: In the POE 2 settings, choose the WASD input method.
- Activate Steam’s Hidden Controller Layout: Alt-tab out of POE 2, then open your Steam Library. Under POE 2’s banner image, you’ll find a controller button. Click it to override the default control scheme.
- Choose the “Keyboard (WASD) and Mouse” Layout: Under “Recommended Layouts,” select this option. Then, remap your Left Trigger to the Space Bar to enable dodge rolls in the game.
- Final Setup: After completing this setup, your controller will act as an extension of the keyboard/mouse. The left joystick controls movement, while the left trigger lets you dodge roll, while you still use the mouse for aiming and activating skills.
By using this setup, you can move and dodge with your controller, while managing your inventory and using skills with the mouse without needing to constantly swap between control types.
Building a Strength/Block Character: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building a strength/block character in POE 2 is a popular choice for players who want to tank damage while dishing out powerful blows. Below is a step-by-step guide to crafting your character’s passive skill tree and recommended skills/gear.
Passive Skill Tree:
- Search and Path to Key Nodes:
- From the Warrior or Mercenary starting area, use the search box to find “Giant’s Blood.”
- Path to “Cruel Methods” and “Pile On,” then go towards “Colossal Weapon.”
- Move from “Colossal Weapon” to “Unexpected Finesse,” and then to “Polymathy” and “Iron Reflexes.”
- Strength and Block Nodes:
- Search for “Strength” and the path to the glowing nodes in the southwest section of the skill tree.
- Do the same for “Block,” making sure to focus on the strength and block-enhancing nodes.
Skills and Gear:
- Skills:
- Left Click: Use Armor Breaker, linked with Armor Explosion, Demolisher, and Martial Tempo.
- Right Click: Use Sunder, linked with Heavy Swing, Heft, and Super Critical.
- Gear:
- Hat/Gloves/Belt: Prioritize resistance, life, and strength.
- Body Armor: Focus on high armor/strength and resistance.
- Rings/Amulet: Look for resistance, life/strength, and at least one with 5% mana leech.
- Weapon: Use a Cultist Greathammer with added physical damage or % damage bonuses.
- Shield: Opt for armor and Life gained when you Block or Recover % Life on Block stats.
- Boots: Look for movement speed and resistance.
Maximizing POE 2 Trade Time, Down Time, and Town Time
When you’re not in combat, POE 2 provides valuable downtime that you can make the most of to upgrade your gear, trade items, and prepare for your next adventure.
Managing Respec Costs:
As you level up, the cost of respeccing increases, so it’s essential to keep some gold on hand to respec multiple points without breaking the bank.
Salvaging Items for Currency:
- Pick Up Items with Quality or Sockets: Even if the items are not useful, they can be salvaged later for shards that are useful for upgrading gear or trading.
- Disenchanting Items: If you find a rare item, head to the NPC in town to “disenchant” it. This will turn it into Regal Orb shards. For unique items, “disenchanting” turns them into Chance Shards, but it’s often better to save unique items for trading with other players.
Trade with Other Players:
- Currency Exchange: Use the currency exchange market to upgrade your items and gear for your builds. If you’re working on a strength/block build, search for gear with the “Strength” stat filter.
- Using Premium Stash Tabs: Once you purchase a currency tab and a premium quad tab from the shop, you can use the premium tabs for player-to-player trades. Right-click to make the tab public, then list your items for sale.
Parting Words
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to tackle Path of Exile 2’s complexities. Whether you’re swapping weapons seamlessly, using both a controller and mouse, building a powerhouse strength/block character, or maximizing your downtime with efficient trading, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and become a true Exile expert.
Good luck, Exile!
Last Updated on December 20, 2024
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