Gathering Storm in Path of Exile 2: What Does It Mean?
The Gathering Storm is a passive skill in Path of Exile 2 that offers players unique advantages, particularly for characters focusing on lightning damage. This skill enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities through its interaction with the lightning elements. Understanding how to effectively utilize the Gathering Storm can significantly boost your character's performance in the game.
Mechanics of Gathering Storm
Gathering Storm primarily influences lightning-based attacks and skills. Players who choose this passive skill can expect to see improvements in several areas:
- Increased Lightning Damage: Gathering Storm boosts the damage output of all lightning skills, making it a crucial choice for characters specializing in lightning magic.
- Shock Effectiveness: The skill enhances the shock effect, increasing the damage enemies receive after being shocked.
- Lightning Resistance: Characters gain increased resistance to incoming lightning damage, providing a defensive edge in battle.
Strategies for Using Gathering Storm
Implementing Gathering Storm effectively in your build can lead to a successful and powerful character. Here are some strategies:
- Pair with Lightning Skills: Choose skills like Lightning Strike or Arc to maximize the damage benefits provided by Gathering Storm.
- Focus on Shock: Use skills and items that apply shock to enemies frequently, taking full advantage of the increased shock effectiveness.
- Balance Offense and Defense: While Gathering Storm boosts damage, its defensive benefits should not be overlooked, especially in lightning-heavy encounters.
Build Synergies and Considerations
When planning a character build around Gathering Storm, consider the following:
- Compatible Ascendancies: Ascendancy classes that benefit from elemental or lightning damage, such as the Witch, are ideal partners for Gathering Storm.
- Itemization: Equip items that enhance lightning damage or grant additional shock effects. Look for gear with modifiers to elemental damage.
- Support Gems: Utilize support gems that boost lightning damage or enhance shock effects to complement the Gathering Storm.
Mastering the Gathering Storm passive skill can transform your character into a formidable force in Path of Exile 2, especially when combined with a well-thought-out build and strategy.