PoE 2 Cluster Grenade – Path of Exile 2

Cluster Grenade

Unlike Guy Fawkes, the Mercenary detonates his explosives every time! Cluster Grenade packs quite a punch by default, but we can take it even further by adding support gems like Multiple Projectiles and Faster Projectiles. I wonder if we can make them detonate faster.

It is a Skill Gem.

Attack
AoE, Projectile, Fire, Duration
Tier: 13 (Mercenary)
Level: 13
Cost: 59 Mana
Cooldown Time: 10.00 sec
Attack Speed: 75% of base
Attack Damage: 155%
Requires: Level 52, 66 Str, 66 Dex
Requires: Crossbow

Fire a bouncing grenade that explodes when its fuse expires, throwing out a nova of smaller grenades that also explode after a further duration.

• Converts 20% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage
• Explosion radius is 2.5 metres
• Fuse duration is 2 seconds

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Path of Exile 2: New Mercenary Skill – Cluster Grenade

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Cluster Grenade is a Skill Gem in Path of Exile 2 that provides devastating AoE (Area of Effect) damage using projectiles and Fire damage. Designed for Mercenary builds, this gem allows players to launch a bouncing grenade that explodes, causing a chain reaction of smaller grenades that continue to deal damage. Ideal for Crossbow users, Cluster Grenade excels in crowd control and AoE damage through a series of explosions that leave a lasting impact on groups of enemies.

Key Details of Cluster Grenade

• Gem Type: Skill Gem
• Skill Type: Attack, AoE, Projectile, Fire, Duration
• Level Requirement: 13
• Tier: 13 (Mercenary)
• Cost: 59 Mana
• Cooldown Time: 10 seconds
• Attack Speed: 75% of base
• Attack Damage: 155%
• Required Attributes:
  • Level 52
  • 66 Strength
  • 66 Dexterity
• Weapon Requirement: Crossbow
• Explosion Radius: 2.5 meters
• Fuse Duration: 2 seconds
• Damage Conversion: Converts 20% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage

How Cluster Grenade Works

Cluster Grenade is an explosive projectile skill that utilizes a bouncing grenade with a time fuse. The key mechanics of the skill revolve around the following steps:

1. Firing the Grenade:
   Upon activation, the Cluster Grenade is fired from your Crossbow, bouncing across the ground or obstacles. This grenade has a 2-second fuse duration, during which time it can bounce off surfaces or enemies before it detonates. This allows you to strategically place the grenade in an optimal location, taking advantage of the environment or enemy positioning.

2. Explosion and Nova Effect:
   Once the grenade’s fuse expires, it detonates, causing a primary explosion. However, the damage does not stop there. The primary explosion spawns a nova of smaller grenades, each of which has its own fuse duration. These secondary grenades then explode after a further duration, dealing additional AoE Fire damage to nearby enemies. This creates a chain reaction, allowing Cluster Grenade to clear large groups of enemies effectively.

3. Fire Damage:
   One of the key features of Cluster Grenade is its ability to convert 20% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage, making it particularly useful for builds that emphasize Fire damage or that benefit from Fire-specific modifiers, such as Fire damage over time or burning effects.

4. Explosion Radius:
   The radius of the explosions is 2.5 meters, which is fairly large for an AoE skill, allowing you to hit multiple targets at once. The secondary nova explosions also have the same radius, ensuring that the damage spread remains potent even as the initial grenade triggers the smaller grenades.

5. Cooldown:
   Cluster Grenade has a cooldown of 10 seconds, meaning that you cannot continuously spam the skill. However, this cooldown is balanced by the devastating chain reaction of explosions and the large area of effect, making it more impactful when used at the right time, especially in crowd control scenarios.

Synergies with Other Skills and Builds

Cluster Grenade is a powerful skill for Mercenary builds focused on crossbows, projectile damage, or Fire damage. Here are some ways to maximize the potential of this explosive skill:

1. Projectile Damage Scaling:
   Since Cluster Grenade is a projectile-based skill, you can boost its damage by focusing on projectile damage passives or support gems that enhance projectile effects. Skills such as Greater Projectile Damage or Pierce will make the skill even more effective, as it can hit multiple enemies along its trajectory.

2. Fire Damage Modifiers:
   The Fire aspect of Cluster Grenade can be further amplified by Fire damage nodes on the passive skill tree or by using items that increase Fire damage or burning effects. Combining this skill with Fire Damage over Time (e.g., Burning Damage) can create a high sustain damage output, as enemies affected by the explosions will continue to take damage over time.

3. Area of Effect (AoE) Scaling:
   Enhancing the AoE radius of Cluster Grenade can allow you to affect more enemies with the grenade explosions and the subsequent nova. You can combine this with AoE support gems or passive tree nodes to ensure that even large mobs of enemies are caught in the blast.

4. Cooldown Reduction:
   With a 10-second cooldown, Cluster Grenade is not a spamable skill. However, there are various ways to reduce the cooldown or make up for the downtime between casts. Cooldown reduction from gear or passive nodes can help you get more use out of the skill in a shorter period.

5. Physical to Fire Conversion:
   As Cluster Grenade converts 20% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage, it works especially well in builds that deal large amounts of Physical Damage. If your build is focused on Physical-based attacks or physical damage scaling, you can convert some of that damage into Fire damage for more AoE damage. This synergy works particularly well in Mercenary or hybrid builds that rely on both Physical and Fire damage.

Pros and Cons of Cluster Grenade

Pros:

• Chain Explosions: The skill creates multiple explosions from one grenade, dealing massive AoE damage to large groups of enemies.
• Fire and Physical Synergy: Converts Physical damage into Fire damage, allowing for synergy with Fire-based or Physical-to-Fire builds.
• AoE Potential: Large explosion radius and secondary nova effect make it effective for clearing large packs of enemies.
• Projectile Mechanic: Bouncing grenade allows for strategic placement and hitting enemies behind cover or at a distance.

Cons:

• Cooldown: A 10-second cooldown limits the frequency of use, requiring careful timing to get the most damage output.
• Limited Control Over Explosion Timing: The explosions occur based on the grenade’s fuse and the subsequent nova, which may sometimes be less predictable in fast-paced combat.
• High Mana Cost: At 59 Mana, this skill requires a decent amount of resources to use, which may be restrictive for low-mana builds.
• Positioning Dependent: The bouncing mechanic requires you to aim and position the grenade carefully to maximize its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Cluster Grenade is a powerful skill for Mercenary builds, providing high AoE damage and a chain of explosive effects that deal significant Fire damage to enemies. It is particularly effective in crowd control scenarios where you need to clear large groups of enemies quickly and efficiently. The projectile-based nature of the skill, combined with its Fire damage and the secondary nova explosions, makes it a versatile and impactful addition to any Crossbow-focused build. While the 10-second cooldown and mana cost may limit its use, with the right scaling and synergies, Cluster Grenade can become an essential part of your explosive arsenal in Path of Exile 2.