U4GM - PoE 2’s Weapon Types: A Guide to Choosing the Right Weapon for Your Build
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) brings a host of exciting changes, and one of the most significant elements of the game is the vast array of weapon types available for your character. Selecting the right weapon for your build is essential for optimizing your performance in combat. In this guide, we will go over the various weapon types in PoE 2 and how to choose the perfect weapon for your character, ensuring you make the most out of your PoE 2 currency and maximize your effectiveness in the game.
1. One-Handed Weapons
One-handed weapons are versatile and commonly used in many builds. These weapons are lightweight and allow you to equip a shield or another one-handed weapon for dual-wielding. If you prefer a flexible, balanced playstyle, one-handed weapons are a great option.
Swords: These are fast and efficient, making them ideal for builds that require speed and agility. They work particularly well with critical hit-based builds.
Axes: Known for their high damage output, axes are great for builds that focus on raw damage. They are slower than swords but can deliver devastating blows when used correctly.
Maces: Maces tend to have higher base damage and are good for builds that focus on blunt force. They’re excellent for crushing enemies and benefit from the additional modifiers they can roll.
2. Two-Handed Weapons
Two-handed weapons are powerful but slower compared to one-handed options. These weapons offer a significant damage boost, making them ideal for builds focused on heavy hits and raw power.
Greatswords: These weapons offer a good balance between damage and speed. They are perfect for builds that require both strength and dexterity.
Warhammers: Known for their devastating blows, warhammers are the go-to weapon for builds that prioritize damage over speed. They are typically slower but pack a punch.
Staves: Ideal for spellcaster builds, staves provide bonus energy shield and can be used to deal elemental damage through spells. They are a great choice for hybrid builds that rely on both magic and melee attacks.
3. Bows
Bows are a popular choice for ranged builds in PoE 2. They offer high accuracy and the ability to attack from a distance, keeping you safe from harm while dealing damage. The versatility of bows allows for a variety of builds, including critical hit-based and elemental damage builds.
Short Bows: These are faster and more agile than longbows, making them ideal for dexterity-based builds. Short bows often have better attack speed, allowing for rapid fire.
Long Bows: Longbows offer greater range and damage but at the cost of attack speed. They are perfect for builds that focus on powerful, long-range shots.
Composite Bows: These are a good all-around option, offering a balance between attack speed and damage output. They are ideal for builds that require flexibility.
4. Claws and Daggers
Claws and daggers are quick, one-handed weapons designed for high-speed attacks. These weapons are typically used in builds focused on evasion and critical hits.
Claws: Known for their fast attack speed, claws are ideal for builds that focus on poison or bleeding damage. They’re also great for dual-wielding, allowing for fast and efficient attacks.
Daggers: These are another fast weapon type, ideal for critical hit and evasion-based builds. They offer excellent damage output when used with proper skill gems and are perfect for dexterity-based characters.
5. Sceptres
Sceptres are a versatile weapon type often used by spellcasters or hybrid builds. They provide a mix of damage, elemental effects, and defensive bonuses, making them an excellent choice for players who want to combine physical and magical damage.
Crusader Sceptres: These are designed for builds that require both physical and elemental damage. They offer good damage scaling and are perfect for hybrid playstyles.
Divine Sceptres: Often used by characters who focus on magic, divine sceptres provide bonuses to energy shield, making them ideal for more defensive builds.
Choosing the Right Weapon for Your Build
The key to choosing the right weapon in PoE 2 is understanding the synergy between your weapon and your build. Each weapon type offers different benefits, so you'll want to pick a weapon that complements your chosen skills and attributes. For instance, if you're running a critical strike build, swords or daggers may be the best option due to their fast attack speed. If you're focusing on raw damage, axes or warhammers will likely be more suitable.
How PoE 2 Currency Affects Weapon Choice
PoE 2 currency plays an essential role in upgrading and customizing your weapons. Depending on the weapon type you choose, you may need to invest PoE 2 currency into crafting, trading, or purchasing the necessary modifiers to enhance your weapon. For example, upgrading a warhammer or sceptre with additional elemental damage or attack speed could be a game-changer for your build. Always consider your PoE 2 currency carefully to ensure that your weapon choice is both effective and sustainable for your long-term strategy.
In conclusion, selecting the right weapon in PoE 2 is crucial for optimizing your build and ensuring you can take on the toughest challenges. Whether you prefer the speed of daggers, the power of two-handed swords, or the range of bows, each weapon type has its advantages. By understanding your character’s strengths and investing wisely in your PoE 2 currency, you can ensure that your weapon choice helps you dominate the battlefield.