PoE 2: Body Armour Guide & Types

Time: 2025-01-30 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: PoE 2 Body Armour Guide

The importance of armour

In the vast world of Path of Exile 2, armour is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any character, providing essential defensive stats that can dramatically affect your survival and combat effectiveness. Here's a detailed look at how armour works in the game.

Body armour in Path of Exile 2 isn't just about covering your character's torso; it's about defining your defensive strategy. Each type of armour is tailored to specific attributes and will affect your character's build, whether you prioritise brute strength, agility or magical prowess.

Types of armou

Armour (Strength-based)

Function: Focused on reducing physical damage taken, armour is the choice for those who want to withstand the most powerful blows.

Examples:

Plate armour: Provides significant physical damage reduction at the expense of movement speed and evasion.

Full Plate: Provides even greater armour, but is heavy and limits your agility.

Evasion (Agility-based):

Function: Evasion armour increases your ability to dodge attacks, making it ideal for characters who prefer a more agile, hit-and-run style of combat.

Examples:

Leather armour: Lightweight, promotes agility with good evasion stats.

Quilted jacket: Provides a balance between evasion and protection from minor hits.

Energy Shield (Intelligence-based):

Function: Instead of reducing damage, the Energy Shield acts as a secondary health pool, absorbing damage before it reaches your health. Perfect for casters or those who focus on spellcasting.

Examples:

Silk Robe: Lightweight, focusing on energy shielding for those who want to maintain mobility while casting.

Occultist Robe: Known for higher Energy shield pools, ideal for builds that rely heavily on not getting hit directly.

Hybrid (combination of attributes):

Function: Hybrid armour combines the benefits of different defensive types, allowing for more versatile builds that do not rely entirely on one attribute.

Examples include

Armour/Evasion:

Brigandine: Combines the physical protection of armour with the evasive capabilities of dodge, suitable for characters who need both toughness and agility.

Choosing the right armour

Build synergy: Choose your armour based on your character's primary attribute (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence) and the mechanics of your build. A melee character might benefit more from Armour or Armour/Evasion, while a spellcaster would look towards Energy Shield.

Endgame considerations: As you progress, consider not only the base stats, but also the potential for enchantments, sockets, and affixes. High-level areas and bosses may require an armour piece that can adapt to different types of damage or provide unique effects.

Crafting and upgrades: Armour can be upgraded through crafting, where you can aim to increase specific stats such as resistances, extra health, or even offensive bonuses such as increased damage.

Thank you for reading

In Path of Exile 2, your choice of armour is a fundamental decision that shapes how you approach the game's challenges. Whether you're tanking hits, dodging through enemy lines, or absorbing magical damage with an energy shield, your armour is your first line of defence. Understanding the nuances of each type will not only improve your chances of survival, but will also enhance your play style, making each encounter a tailored experience. Remember, in the endgame, your armour could be the difference between victory and defeat.