Elemental Equilibrium: What Does It Mean in Game?
Elemental Equilibrium is a notable passive skill in Path of Exile 2 that provides a unique mechanic for manipulating elemental resistances of enemies. This mechanic allows players to strategically alter the resistances of enemies by hitting them with different elemental types.
Mechanics
Elemental Equilibrium works by reducing the elemental resistance of an enemy to elements different from the one they were last hit with, while increasing their resistance to the element they were hit with. This provides a strategic advantage in builds that utilize multiple elements, allowing players to exploit the vulnerabilities of enemies effectively.
- When an enemy is hit with a specific element, such as Ice Strike, their resistance to that element increases.
- Conversely, their resistance to other elements, like fire or lightning, decreases, making them more susceptible to attacks from those elements.
- This effect encourages the use of a combination of skills or party members that can alternate between elemental damage types.
Strategies
Players can incorporate Elemental Equilibrium into their builds to maximize damage output by strategically planning their attacks. Here are some strategies:
- Skill Synergy: Pair skills that deal different elemental damage types. For instance, using Lightning Strike followed by a Ice Shot can effectively lower an enemy's resistance to ice, maximizing the damage.
- Group Play: In party settings, coordinate with teammates to exploit Elemental Equilibrium by having different players focus on alternating elemental damage types.
- Support Gems: Use support gems that convert damage types, such as Awakened Elemental Damage with Attacks, to enhance the effectiveness of Elemental Equilibrium.
Considerations
While Elemental Equilibrium offers significant advantages, players must be mindful of its potential drawbacks:
- Single Element Builds: Builds focusing on a single element might not benefit from Elemental Equilibrium, as it could inadvertently increase enemy resistance to the primary element.
- Skill Choice: Carefully choose skills and support gems to ensure optimal use of Elemental Equilibrium in different combat scenarios.
- Enemy Types: Be aware of enemy resistances and immunities to avoid inadvertently strengthening them against your attacks.
For a more comprehensive understanding of elemental skills and strategies, players can explore related skills such as Ice Spear and Vaal Ice Nova.