U4GM - PoE 2’s Quarterstaves: Building for Crowd Control and Damage
In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), quarterstaves are an intriguing weapon choice that offers a unique combination of crowd control and damage potential. For players looking to balance both offense and defense, quarterstaves are an excellent choice, providing significant benefits in both single-target damage and controlling large packs of enemies. In this article, we'll explore how to build a quarterstaff-focused character, enhancing both crowd control and damage output.
Understanding Quarterstaves in PoE 2
Quarterstaves are versatile, two-handed weapons that have gained popularity in PoE 2 for their ability to deal consistent damage while offering crowd control capabilities. They are often chosen by players who prefer to engage in close combat while maintaining a certain level of mobility and defense. Their inherent bonuses to physical damage and their ability to utilize specific skill gems make them a strong choice for players focused on both clearing packs of monsters and taking down bosses efficiently.
Key Skills and Support Gems for Quarterstaff Builds
When building a character around quarterstaves, it’s essential to focus on skills that can take advantage of their high physical damage output while simultaneously managing large groups of enemies. Some key skills to consider for crowd control and damage include:
Cyclone - Cyclone is one of the most effective crowd control skills, as it allows you to move through enemies while dealing continuous physical damage. Combined with quarterstaves' natural bonus to physical damage, Cyclone can quickly clear crowds and provide a reliable source of damage.
Vaal Ground Slam - Ground Slam is another solid skill for quarterstaff users, and when you use the Vaal version, it has the added benefit of generating a shockwave that can stun enemies in an area. This makes it incredibly effective for controlling large crowds and reducing incoming damage, while still dishing out considerable physical damage.
Impale - Quarterstaves can easily support Impale-based builds, where you focus on applying the Impale debuff to enemies. This increases the amount of physical damage they take, making it a potent option for boosting damage output, especially against tougher enemies or bosses.
Leap Slam - Leap Slam is a mobility skill that can quickly close the gap between you and enemies, allowing you to control engagements and deliver solid damage while staying mobile. This skill is particularly useful in avoiding damage while maintaining offensive pressure on enemies.
Passive Skill Tree Focus for Quarterstaff Builds
The PoE 2 passive skill tree offers numerous ways to optimize quarterstaff builds for both crowd control and damage. Key nodes to focus on include:
Physical Damage - Quarterstaves thrive on physical damage, so nodes that increase physical damage and related stats like attack speed are crucial. This will help you maximize the raw damage output of your attacks.
Stun and Knockback - Stun and knockback nodes are particularly effective for crowd control. Quarterstaves have natural stun potential, and investing in these nodes will allow you to keep enemies at bay, reducing the threat of being overwhelmed.
Area of Effect - As quarterstaves are most effective when dealing with groups of enemies, prioritizing area of effect (AoE) damage on the tree will help you clear packs more effectively. Combining AoE nodes with skills like Cyclone or Ground Slam can greatly enhance your efficiency in both clearing and boss fights.
Life and Defense - Balancing offense with defense is key to surviving in PoE 2’s challenging content. Look for life nodes, armor, and evasion increases to ensure you can sustain yourself during longer fights. A solid defense will allow you to stay close to enemies without constantly worrying about dying.
Equipment and PoE 2 Currency Considerations
When focusing on a quarterstaff build, your equipment plays a crucial role in optimizing both damage and crowd control. Look for items that provide:
Increased Physical Damage
Bonus to Stun Duration
Added Physical Damage to Attacks
Increased Area of Effect
Additionally, the market for PoE 2 currency can be leveraged to purchase high-tier quarterstaves or unique items that augment your build. Players can use PoE 2 currency to acquire rare items with perfect rolls, allowing for a more optimized build that maximizes your effectiveness in both clearing maps and defeating bosses. Consider trading for items like The Green Nightmare or Kaom's Way to increase your damage potential and survivability.
Quarterstaves in PoE 2 offer a powerful and versatile playstyle, perfect for players who want to build for both crowd control and high damage. With the right skills, passive tree, and equipment, you can clear maps with ease while dealing significant damage to bosses. By investing wisely in PoE 2 currency and gear, you can build a character that thrives in both offensive and defensive roles, making quarterstaves a fantastic weapon choice in the game.