PoE 2 Handed Axe Build

Two-handed Axe builds in Path of Exile (POE) offer a unique blend of high physical damage, area of effect, and a distinct playstyle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting a strong 2-handed Axe build:

Build Archetypes:

  • Physical Damage Builds:

    • Focus: Prioritizes raw physical damage output, attack speed, and life leech.
    • Skills: Cyclone (popular choice), Ground Slam, Earthshatter, Cleave.
    • Ascendancy: Slayer (increased damage, leech, area of effect), Berserker (warcries, damage during rage), Juggernaut (high survivability, endurance charges).

  • Elemental Damage Builds:

    • Focus: Scales elemental damage (Fire, Cold, or Lightning) with attack skills that benefit from the weapon’s high base damage.
    • Skills: Molten Strike (Fire), Lightning Strike (Lightning), Frost Blades (Cold).
    • Ascendancy: Elementalist (increased elemental damage, penetration), Raider (attack speed, frenzy charges), Deadeye (projectiles, accuracy).

Resources for Build Research:

  • Official Path of Exile Forums: Search for "2-handed axe build" threads specific to the desired playstyle (physical or elemental damage).
  • Build Websites:
  • YouTube Channels: Many Path of Exile content creators showcase 2-handed Axe builds and provide detailed explanations.

Example Build:

Here’s a brief overview of a popular Cyclone Physical Damage Slayer build:

  • Skills: Cyclone (main attack skill), Leap Slam (movement), Fortify (defense), auras (depending on preference).
  • Gear: High physical damage 2-handed Axe with increased attack speed, life regeneration gear, high armor or evasion for defense.
  • Ascendancy: Slayer (focus on Ascendancy nodes that enhance damage, leech, area of effect).

Important Note: Build guides are subject to change due to balance adjustments in Path of Exile updates. Refer to the latest information and adapt the build accordingly.

Additional Tips:

  • Understanding Mechanics: Grasp core mechanics like damage scaling, area of effect, critical strike mechanics (optional for some builds), attack speed, life sustain, and accuracy (for projectile skills).
  • Passive Skill Tree: Allocate points efficiently to maximize physical or elemental damage (depending on your build), area of effect, attack speed, and survivability.
  • Link Setup: Link your main attack skill with support gems that enhance its damage, area of effect, attack speed, or other desired aspects.

Here are some additional considerations for a successful 2-handed Axe build:

  • Weapon Choice: Look for 2-handed axes with a high physical damage base and consider crafting options to further enhance its stats.
  • Survivability: Due to the 2-handed nature, these builds often lack the ability to use a shield. Prioritize high life regeneration, armor, or evasion on gear and passive tree allocation.
  • Ascendancy Selection: Choose an Ascendancy class that complements your desired playstyle. Slayer offers a well-rounded approach for physical damage builds, while Elementalist specializes in elemental damage scaling.

Advanced Crafting Techniques (Optional):

  • Currency Crafting: Utilize Orbs like Deafening Essences or Exalted Orbs to craft specific prefixes and suffixes onto your 2-handed axe, aiming for high physical damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance (if applicable).
  • Fracturing Orbs: For experienced players, this advanced technique allows locking a specific prefix or suffix, enabling targeted crafting with other orbs.

Remember: Crafting a powerful 2-handed Axe and building a successful character around it requires knowledge, strategic planning, and potentially significant investment. Utilize the resources mentioned, understand the core mechanics, and explore different options to create a character that suits your preferred playstyle in Path of Exile.

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