Explosive Arrow: What Does It Mean in Path of Exile 2?
Explosive Arrow is a skill gem in Path of Exile 2 that allows players to deal significant area damage by firing arrows that explode upon impact. This skill is particularly useful for characters that focus on ranged attacks and can be used to clear groups of enemies efficiently.
Mechanics
The Explosive Arrow skill works by attaching up to five explosive charges to a target. When the duration ends or the target dies, the charges explode, dealing fire damage to nearby enemies. The more charges attached, the more damage is dealt. This makes Explosive Arrow a powerful tool for both single-target and group encounters.
- Duration: The charges have a fixed duration before they explode automatically.
- Damage Type: The explosion deals fire damage, which can be modified by increases to elemental or fire damage.
- Area of Effect: The explosion affects all enemies within a certain radius.
Strategies
Using Explosive Arrow effectively requires strategic positioning and timing, especially in high-density enemy areas. Here are some strategies to maximize its potential:
- Stacking Charges: Aim to stack as many charges as possible on a primary target to take advantage of increased explosion damage. Using speed and attack speed enhancements can help achieve this quickly.
- Synergizing with Support Gems: Combine Explosive Arrow with support gems such as Increased Area of Effect or Elemental Damage with Attacks to enhance its damage and coverage.
- Positioning: Position yourself to ensure that the explosion hits multiple enemies, maximizing the skill's effectiveness in crowd control situations.
Build Considerations
When building a character around Explosive Arrow, consider the following:
- Elemental Damage: Focus on increasing elemental and fire damage through passive skills and gear to fully capitalize on the explosion's fire damage.
- Attack Speed: Increasing attack speed allows for more charges to be applied in a shorter time, enhancing overall damage output.
- Survivability: As Explosive Arrow requires some time to reach its full potential, ensure your character has sufficient defenses to withstand enemy attacks during this period.
For more detailed guides and community discussions, check out the official Path of Exile forums.