What Changed?
Key Adjustment: Explosions now require a direct hit from a supported ability to trigger and no longer overlap in radius for multiple explosions from a single hit.
Impact on Build Performance
The nerf has undoubtedly reduced the effectiveness of Armor Explosions in high-density scenarios. Here are the main areas affected:
- Clearing Power: No longer can you wipe the screen with a single explosion chain. The damage is more localized, and higher-density content requires more strategic engagement.
- Shotgunning: Rare mobs surrounded by packs are less likely to trigger overlapping explosions, reducing burst potential.
- Gear Dependency: Lower gear setups feel the nerf more acutely, as damage thresholds for effective clearing are now higher.
That said, the build is far from dead. The difference is less noticeable for typical mapping, and single-target capabilities remain strong.
Adapting the Build
Skill Setup
Given the reduced reliance on explosions, we can optimize our supported abilities for clear and single-target damage. Here’s the updated POE 2 items:
- Stampede: Supported by Armor Explosion, Fire Penetration, Elemental Focus, and Magnified Effect.
- Perfect Strike: Linked with Eternal Flame, Fire Infusion, Primal Armament, and Concentrated Effect for bossing.
These adjustments prioritize consistent damage output over chain reactions, ensuring reliable performance in all scenarios.
Passive Tree Adjustments
Focus on fire damage nodes, critical strike enhancements, and scaling single-target effectiveness. Nodes that previously emphasized explosive chain reactions can be repurposed into survivability or raw damage boosts.
Playstyle Changes
Engage packs more strategically, aligning with their movement to maximize Stampede efficiency. Avoid charging directly into packs to mitigate the risk of being surrounded by surviving mobs.
Experimental Weapon Swap Strategy
An interesting way to adapt involves using a dual-spec weapon swap setup:
- Primary Weapon: Optimized for clearing with AoE enhancements and supportive gems.
- Secondary Weapon: Focused on bossing with concentrated damage supports and fire conversion.
Remember to swap your default attack and corresponding gems when switching weapon sets.
Gearing Up
Upgrading gear is more crucial than ever to compensate for the reduced explosive clearing power. Prioritize the following:
- Weapons: High fire damage scaling, increased critical chance, and attack speed modifiers.
- Armour: Focus on life, elemental resistances, and fire damage boosts.
- Accessories: Rings and amulets with fire penetration and damage multipliers.
Additionally, overlap your resistances and invest in high-quality flasks for survivability.
While the Armor Explosions nerf is a significant change, it’s not the end of the build. With thoughtful adjustments to skills, gear, and strategy, players can continue to enjoy powerful and effective gameplay. Experiment with setups and share your findings with the community to refine this build further.
