Achieving 100% chance to block attack damage in Path of Exile is not possible through conventional means due to an inherent cap on block chance. The base maximum block chance is 75%, which can be increased to a maximum of 90% through specific modifiers.
Here’s a breakdown of the blocking mechanics in PoE:
Base Block Chance: 0% (characters don’t have inherent block chance)
Maximum Block Chance: 75% (default cap)
Increaseable Cap: Up to 90% with specific modifiers like:
Glancing Blows: Grants 15% more Block Chance, but also allows enemies to bypass 15% of your Block amount.
Passive Skills: Some Ascendancy classes and passive skills offer increased block chance or ways to bypass the cap.
Unique Items: Certain unique items like The Surrender shield provide high block chance and other defensive bonuses.
It’s important to remember that even with maxed-out block chance, there are ways for enemies to bypass your block:
Glancing Blows: As mentioned earlier, this keystone passive allows enemies to bypass a portion of your block amount.
Crits: Critical hits have a chance to ignore block entirely.
Debuffs: Some enemy debuffs can reduce your block chance or effectiveness.
While achieving 100% block chance isn’t achievable, focusing on a high block chance in combination with other defensive layers like Evasion, Energy Shield, and life regeneration can make your character incredibly tanky.
Here are some tips for maximizing your block chance:
Use a shield: Shields inherently grant block chance and attack block value.
Invest in block chance nodes: Look for passive skills that offer increased block chance on the passive tree.
Craft or acquire gear with block chance: Many items, especially shields and body armor, can roll with block chance modifiers.
Consider Glancing Blows: This keystone can be a powerful defensive option, but be mindful of its drawbacks.
Remember, a well-rounded defensive strategy is more important than just achieving a high block chance. By considering all your options and tailoring your build to your playstyle, you can create a character that can survive even the toughest challenges in Path of Exile.