Completing the Boneshatter Warbringer in Path of Exile 2

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Path of Exile 2 offers a diverse range of mechanics, allowing players to create various character builds centered around these mechanics. Each build can take a unique approach, leading to a vast array of character possibilities within the game, with some builds sharing concepts while others stand out on their own.

One of the mechanics that lends itself well to multiple builds is Boneshatter, which serves as a core focus for both the Titan and Warbringer builds. While these two builds have several overlaps, the distinctions between them become clearer as players progress beyond the initial Acts.

Act One

In Act One, you can begin to utilize Boneshatter relatively early, as it can be your first skill. This early acquisition allows you to develop the muscle memory needed for your build, enabling you to expand on that mechanic quickly.

Equipment

For this build, it’s advisable to include a shield due to the Ascendancy skills you will pick up. You can decide between a one-handed mace paired with a shield or a two-handed mace alongside the Giant’s Blood passive skill. However, incorporating a shield will significantly enhance your chances of survival.

While the Titan build using Boneshatter can function without a shield, this is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between the two styles.

In terms of gear, focus on stacking armor as much as possible, with health regeneration being a secondary priority. Ensure you gather various equipment pieces for different damage types, as this will be vital when facing tougher bosses.

Skills in Act One

Most of your essential skills will become available by the end of Act One. Key skills to acquire include:

Support Gems

You’ll have a lot to do with Support Gems in this Act. Don’t worry if you don’t acquire all the necessary ones; just continue to follow this section as more will be available in Act Two. Some Support Gems are more essential than others, so feel free to experiment while keeping in mind which ones are critical.

Support Gem	Skill Modified	Effect
Impact Shockwave	Boneshatter	Provides a buff to Boneshatter, enhancing its AoE damage.
Magnified Effect	Boneshatter	Expands the area of effect for Boneshatter.
Overpower	Mace Strike	Increases the Stun effect of Mace Strike.
Ruthless	Mace Strike	Every fifth strike deals increased Stun damage.
Martial Tempo	Shockwave Totem	Boosts damage output of the Shockwave Totem.
Jagged Ground	Shockwave Totem	Creates more instances of Jagged Ground for additional damage.
Execute	Perfect Strike	Deals extra damage to enemies below 35% health.
Window of Opportunity	Perfect Strike	Improves Perfect Strike but requires good timing.
Raging Cry	Infernal Cry	Provides Rage for each enemy around, enhancing damage temporarily.
Life Thief	Mace Strike	Heals a portion of damage dealt, useful against bosses.

Skill Rotation

Focus on building up the Stun effect on your enemies quickly. You can start with Mace Strike or Earthquake > Shockwave Totem. Typically, your rotation will be Mace Strike > Earthquake > Shockwave Totem > Boneshatter as needed.

Infernal Cry can be used when you’re surrounded or need extra damage, and Perfect Strike is best reserved for tougher enemies with more health.

Act Two

During Act Two, things will slow down, but a particularly impactful skill will make its way into your rotation. This Act is mainly about enhancing your existing skills and mastering their timing.

Skills in Act Two

The primary skill to grab in this Act is Leap Slam, which lets you jump into a group of enemies, inflicting damage and Stun upon landing. This skill becomes essential for presenting enemies for Boneshatter and will be further effective once upgraded.

Try not to over-level Leap Slam; keeping it at an optimal level is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness in priming enemies for Boneshatter.

Support Gems

You might find you lack enough Support Gems to fill out all the slots from Act One. Leap Slam’s best Support Gem won’t be available until Act Three, so there’s not much to prioritize for now. Feel free to try out various options, especially those that enhance AoE effects, to improve your single-target damage against bosses.

Act Three and Beyond

Act Three offers limited new active skills but features a significant opportunity to swap Support Gems for enhanced benefits. As you progress into the Cruel Acts, new skills will open up for your build.

Skills in Cruel Acts

You can expect to gain some powerful skills in the Cruel Acts:

Hammer of the Gods
Seismic Cry

These skills will contribute to a new combo, effectively dealing with groups of enemies that withstand your Boneshatter onslaught.

Passive Skills and Ascendancy

As you level up, you’ll gain passive skills and Ascendancy points for completing various trials. These will greatly influence your build, particularly focusing on enhancing survivability.

Passive Skills

You must specialize in Strength, which is crucial for your gear and increases your overall health. Here are some recommended passive skills to consider:

Skull Crusher: Increases damage against Heavy Stunned enemies.
Smash: Boosts melee damage and further increases damage against Heavy Stunned foes.
Brutal: Enhances all Stun infliction abilities and melee damage.
Sturdy Metal and Relentless: Improve armor and health regeneration respectively.

You can reset passive skill points for gold at The Hooded One, so don’t hesitate to experiment.

Ascendancy

Opt for the Warbringer Ascendancy for your build, primarily for enhanced survivability. Melee combat will subject you to damage, making the Turtle Charm a valuable asset for bolstering your shield’s effectiveness. Moving through the bottom tree will strengthen your Warcries, improving the impact of both Seismic Cry and Infernal Cry. Alternatively, you can enhance your ability to penetrate enemy armor by exploring the top tree.

Thus, with careful planning and development, your character in Path of Exile 2 can become a formidable force capable of taking on challenging foes and mastering the game’s mechanics.