Fortify Support: What Does It Mean in Path of Exile 2?

Fortify Support (Path of Exile 2)

The Fortify Support is a versatile support gem 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

• 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 durability in combat.
• Increased Melee Damage: Fortify Support also increases the melee damage of supported skills, boosting both offense and defense.

Usage Strategies

• Linking with Primary Attack Skills: Most effective when linked to your main melee attacks like Ground Slam or Cyclone, ensuring frequent fortification and damage boosts.
• Incorporating with Defensive Builds: Ideal for tanky builds that prioritize survival, especially when combined with passives that increase damage mitigation.
• Balancing Offense and Defense: While it strengthens defenses, it also boosts damage output. Build around both aspects to endure attacks while dealing significant damage.

Gem Interactions and Recommendations

• Melee Physical Damage Support: Synergizes perfectly by amplifying physical damage of melee attacks alongside Fortify’s benefits.
• Faster Attacks Support: Increases attack speed, allowing for more frequent application of the Fortify buff.
• Increased Area of Effect Support: Especially useful with area skills like Ground Slam, letting you hit more enemies and sustain fortification.

Conclusion

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 most challenging encounters.