Fortify Support: What Does It Mean in Path of Exile 2?
The Fortify Support is a versatile support gem in Path of Exile 2 that enhances melee attack skills by granting defensive capabilities. This support gem is especially useful for players who prefer close combat and seek additional survival mechanisms.
Mechanics and Effects
When linked to a melee skill, the Fortify Support gem provides the following benefits:
- Fortify Buff: Grants the player the Fortify buff upon hitting an enemy with a supported melee attack. This buff reduces the damage taken from hits by a percentage, increasing the player's durability in combat.
- Increased Melee Damage: Fortify Support also increases the melee damage of supported skills, making it an excellent choice for enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Usage Strategies
To maximize the benefits of Fortify Support, consider the following strategies:
- Linking with Primary Attack Skills: Fortify Support is most effective when linked to your primary melee attack skills. Skills like Ground Slam or Cyclone can benefit greatly from the fortification and damage boost.
- Incorporating with Defensive Builds: Fortify Support is ideal for tanky, defensive builds that prioritize survival. Consider combining it with skills and passives that further enhance damage mitigation.
- Balancing Offense and Defense: While Fortify Support adds to your defense, it also boosts your damage output. Balance your build to take advantage of both aspects, ensuring you can withstand enemy attacks while dealing significant damage.
Gem Interactions and Recommendations
Fortify Support can be paired with various other support gems for enhanced effects:
- Melee Physical Damage Support: Boosts the physical damage of your attacks, synergizing well with Fortify's damage increase.
- Faster Attacks Support: Increases the attack speed, allowing for more frequent application of the Fortify buff.
- Increased Area of Effect Support: If linked to area skills like Ground Slam, it can extend the reach of your attacks, ensuring more enemies are hit and fortified.
Overall, the Fortify Support gem is a cornerstone for melee builds in Path of Exile 2, offering a perfect blend of offense and defense that is crucial for surviving the game's challenging encounters.