Weapon sets are probably the biggest topic people ask about regarding Path of Exile 2. The struggle lies in understanding how passives apply to your weapon sets between Weapon Set One and Weapon Set Two. Additionally, weapon sets can be crucial when calibrating different skills, helping you determine which skills are tied to which weapon set. However, the key lies in observing how everything interacts visually, as outlined in the following sections. Hopefully, this explanation is concise enough to keep your focus as you work through the details. So, here’s how to use and assign Weapon Set Passives and Skill Points in Path Of Exile 2.
How To Use Weapon Set Passives in Path of Exile 2
Think of the weapon set passives as a system where, rather than additional passives that are allocated on top of the maximum amount, these passives are allocated to one weapon set versus the other, and you can swap them. For example, if four passive points are available and applied to one weapon set, switching to the other weapon set allows you to allocate those four points differently. However, this does not provide additional passives; it is inherently tied to reallocating the existing points. This mechanic can be confusing and is best understood in action in Path of Exile 2.
How To Assign Weapon Sets & Skills in Path of Exile 2
In addition to this, you can toggle the ability to use one weapon set or another with specific skills in POE2. By pressing ‘G’ to open the skill tab, you’ll find an arrow near the DPS label. Clicking this arrow reveals a menu with checkboxes for each weapon set, enabling you to assign skills to a specific set. For instance, a two-handed weapon could be assigned to one skill, while a one-handed weapon could handle another. Similarly, elemental weapons can be configured to handle different elements per weapon set.
How To Allocate Passive Skill Points To Weapon Set 1 & Weapon Set 2 in Path of Exile 2
To illustrate, consider a scenario in POE2 where four passive skill points are available. These points can be invested in any direction within the passive tree. Each weapon set (1 and 2) displays a notation indicating the maximum number of points available for allocation. Allocating points to one weapon set reduces the points available for the other. Switching between weapon sets allows for different configurations but does not grant additional points.
For example, allocating two points to weapon set 1 and two to weapon set 2 in Path of Exile 2 grays out the points in the opposite set. If points are allocated to the main branch of the passive tree, they become unavailable for weapon set-specific allocation. This system is mutually exclusive; points are either allocated to the main branch or a specific weapon set.
Once points are allocated, the configuration is locked, and the branch associated with the active weapon set becomes solid, while the inactive set remains grayed out. Switching between weapon sets using the toggle mechanism enables the configured passives for the active set. Additional points can be allocated to customize the setup further.
This system, while nuanced, can feel overly complex during the leveling process. It is recommended to ignore this mechanic unless following a specific guide or until reaching the endgame.
For most players, focusing on leveling up gear and ignoring weapon set passives until more is understood about the system is advisable. This mechanic may become more practical as more clarity emerges on how passive skill points integrate with weapon set specialization points. Until then, the best course of action is to rely on established guides and ignore the system during early progression.
How To Manage Weapon Set Skills in Path of Exile 2
Weapon sets can be influenced or used on individual weapons to maximize their utility and power. To manage your weapon sets and skills, press G to bring up the skills menu. On the left side of the screen, you’ll see information about the current weapon set, marked with indicators like “1 1 1,” which represent the active weapon set for the equipped weapon. For example, switching to Rolling Slam might show different numbers, such as “106” for weapon set one and “155” for Bone Shatter. This can help determine whether using a second weapon set provides any significant advantage.
To toggle weapon set options, use the button at the bottom of the skills menu. You can enable “Always attack without moving” or choose to assign specific skills to either weapon set one or two. By default, these are typically pre-configured, but adjustments can be made based on personal preference or play style. For instance, a warrior might alternate between a one-handed mace and a two-handed mace, but the utility of this feature varies across classes. Monks or sorceresses, who switch between elemental abilities or specific builds, might benefit more from leveraging different weapon sets.
When swapping weapon sets, note the delay in skill activation. For example, using a one-handed weapon is generally faster than transitioning to a two-handed weapon, which introduces a noticeable delay. This delay can leave you vulnerable, particularly in combat scenarios where every second counts. Proper planning and understanding of your weapons’ damage outputs and activation times are crucial. For instance, while a two-handed weapon may offer higher damage, the swap time might make it less practical in fast-paced situations.
Conclusion
The weapon set system also allows mid-action flexibility. Swapping weapons can occur seamlessly, although the animation cannot be canceled. You’ll need to strategize around these mechanics to optimize performance. When using the system, note that active weapon sets are highlighted, while inactive ones appear grayed out. For instance, if weapon set two is active with a two-handed weapon, it will be visibly filled in on the interface.
However, the passive mechanics tied to weapon sets can be complex and costly to adjust. Refunds for weapon set passives require a significant amount of currency, so experimenting with them early on might deplete resources quickly. It’s advisable to delay investing heavily in these passives until you have a clear understanding of their impact on your build. This is particularly relevant if you plan to incorporate multiple skill trees or elements into your character’s setup.
The system’s true potential may only become evident at higher levels when skill points and passives are fully realized. For now, it’s best to experiment cautiously and focus on understanding how the weapon sets align with your play style.
