Path of Exile 2 Armor Mechanics Explained

Time: 2025-01-19 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: POE2 Divines

Path of Exile 2 ushers in a new era of gameplay mechanics, and with it, a reevaluation of how defence works, specifically armor. In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of armour in PoE2, compare it to its predecessor, and discuss how these changes affect gameplay strategy and character builds.

Background: Armour in Path of Exile vs. Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 1, armour was a cornerstone for melee characters, providing significant physical damage mitigation based on a formula where higher armour values offered diminishing returns but substantial protection against minor hits. However, Path of Exile 2 has tweaked this formula, with significant implications for character survival and build planning.

The new armour formula in Path of Exile 2

It was previously thought that the armour mechanics in PoE2 would be very similar to those in PoE1. However, community testing, most notably by user Blue_55 on Reddit, has revealed a different reality:

Formula comparison:

PoE1: Armour / (Armour + 5) * Damage

PoE2: Armour / (Armour + 12) * Damage

This adjustment from 5 to 12 in the denominator means that armour is significantly less effective in PoE2, especially against the high-damage hits that are more common from bosses or elite enemies.

Effect analysis

Against small hits: Armour can still be somewhat effective against the many small hits from trash mobs, providing decent mitigation if you stack a lot of armour. However, this isn't where the real danger lies.

Against bosses: Armour becomes almost useless. For example, a hit that would be considered 5,000 damage in PoE1 terms now behaves like 12,000 damage due to the formula change, drastically reducing the percentage of damage mitigated.

Overwhelm mechanics: Mechanics such as Overwhelm, where damage bypasses some of the armour, further reduce effectiveness, making armour an inefficient choice for endgame content where bosses can deal massive damage.

Practical implications for players

Equipment choices:

Cloak of Flame: This unique item, which converts physical damage into elemental damage, becomes even more valuable in PoE2. It's arguably the best slot for any armour-based build due to its superior conversion mechanics compared to raw armour.

Build Strategy:

Melee characters: Traditional armour stacking for melee builds is now less viable. Players will need to look at other defensive layers such as Evasion, Energy Shield, or Dodge mechanics, which have not seen this level of nerf.

Passive tree: Nodes that increase armour are less appealing unless complemented by other defensive mechanisms. The passive tree in PoE2 requires careful planning, possibly prioritising health, elemental resistances, or alternative damage mitigation methods.

Gameplay Adjustments:

Boss fights: Players will need to adapt by focusing on dodging or using other mitigation methods such as block or elemental conversion rather than relying on armour.

Comparison to PoE1 and potential future changes

PoE1's effective use of armour: In PoE1, players were able to use multiple systems such as fortification, stamina charges, and small physical damage conversions to make armour worthwhile. PoE2 lacks these additional systems, highlighting the current weakness of armour.

Community feedback and developer response: Given the community reaction, it's likely that Grinding Gear Games will revisit the mechanics of armour. It is hoped that a balanced approach will be taken, rather than the band-aid solutions seen in PoE1, where numerous mechanics had to be stacked to make armour viable.

Strategies for armour in PoE2

Mix defences: Combine armour with energy shield, dodge, or block for a more rounded defence.

Focus on conversion: Items or passives that convert physical damage to elemental types can complement armour stacks by taking advantage of what the armour mitigates.

Temporary Buffs: Use buffs or temporary defensive mechanisms during boss fights or difficult encounters, such as flasks or skills that provide additional defence.

Thanks for Reading

The armour in Path of Exile 2 is currently in a precarious state where it's significantly less effective than expected. This change necessitates a re-evaluation of how players approach defence, especially for those who prefer melee archetypes. While armour isn't entirely obsolete, its use requires a nuanced understanding of the game's mechanics, pushing players towards more diverse defensive strategies.