PoE More Than Skill Ascendancy – Path of Exile

PoE More Than Skill Ascendancy

The More Than Skill Ascendancy Passive Skill causes your chance to Block Attack or Spell Damage to be Lucky if you’ve Blocked Recently. Requires Determined Survivor. The small Passive prior provides 5% increased Attack Speed and +3% Chance to Block Attack Damage.

• Chance to Block Attack or Spell Damage is Lucky if you've Blocked Recently
• (Lucky things are rolled twice and the best result used)
• (Recently refers to the past 4 seconds)

AI Guides

The Gladiator Ascendancy class in Path of Exile (PoE) has always been renowned for its resilience and versatility. With the recent rework, Gladiators can now explore new and powerful passive skills that enhance their defensive capabilities. One such skill is the More Than Skill Ascendancy Passive, which significantly boosts the Gladiator’s ability to block attacks and spells. This article explores the mechanics, benefits, and strategic applications of More Than Skill, showcasing how it can make your Gladiator an unyielding force on the battlefield.

Gladiator Ascendancy: An Overview

The Gladiator Ascendancy has long been a favorite for players who appreciate a mix of offense and defense. With the rework, Gladiators retain their strengths in bleeding and blocking while gaining access to new passive skills and a unique branch dedicated to Retaliation Skills. These skills allow Gladiators to unleash powerful counterattacks under specific conditions, adding a fresh layer of strategy to their playstyle.

More Than Skill: Key Features

More Than Skill is a standout passive skill in the reworked Gladiator Ascendancy, providing substantial defensive benefits. Here’s a detailed look at its features:

• Lucky Block Chance: More Than Skill makes your chance to block attack or spell damage "Lucky" if you’ve blocked recently. In PoE, "Lucky" means that the block chance is rolled twice, and the better result is used. This mechanic significantly increases the reliability of your blocks.
• Recently Condition: The effect of More Than Skill applies if you’ve blocked within the past 4 seconds, making it crucial to maintain a steady flow of blocks in combat.
• Prerequisite Passive: The small passive skill leading up to More Than Skill provides a 5% increase in attack speed and a +3% chance to block attack damage. These bonuses enhance both your offensive and defensive capabilities.

Strategic Applications of More Than Skill

The More Than Skill passive skill shines in scenarios where blocking is essential for survival. Here are some key strategies to maximize its potential:

1. Enhancing Block Builds:

   • Block Focus: Builds that prioritize blocking will benefit immensely from More Than Skill’s Lucky block mechanic. Skills and gear that increase block chance and block effectiveness will complement this passive.
   • Gear and Passives: Invest in gear and passive skills that further enhance block chance and recovery. Shields with high block chance, along with passives that boost block effectiveness, will maximize the benefits of More Than Skill.

2. Maintaining Block Flow:

   • Consistent Blocking: To keep the Lucky block chance active, ensure that you are blocking frequently. Skills like Riposte and Reckoning, which trigger when you block, can help maintain a steady flow of blocks.
   • Cooldown Management: Be aware of the 4-second window for the "Recently" condition. Engage in combat strategies that keep you in close proximity to enemies, ensuring regular blocks.

3. Synergy with Retaliation Skills:

   • Retaliation Skills: The new branch of Retaliation Skills in the Gladiator Ascendancy offers powerful counterattacks when certain conditions are met. These skills can synergize with More Than Skill, allowing you to unleash devastating damage when blocking.
   • Counterattacks: Skills like Vengeance and Reckoning, which activate on block, can take full advantage of the Lucky block mechanic, providing both offensive and defensive benefits.

4. Balancing Offense and Defense:

   • Attack Speed: The increased attack speed from the prerequisite passive skill enhances your offensive capabilities, making you more efficient in combat.
   • Defense: The +3% chance to block attack damage improves your overall survivability, ensuring you can withstand prolonged engagements.

Maximizing More Than Skill

To fully harness the power of More Than Skill, consider the following build strategies:

• Shield and Gear Selection: Choose shields and gear that offer high block chance and block effectiveness. Prioritize items that enhance both attack speed and block chance to balance offense and defense.
• Passive Skill Tree: Invest in passives that increase block chance, block recovery, and attack speed. This will ensure you maintain a steady flow of blocks while maximizing your damage output.
• Skill Selection: Utilize skills that benefit from frequent blocking, such as Riposte, Reckoning, and Vengeance. These skills will help maintain the Lucky block chance while providing additional damage output.

Conclusion

The More Than Skill Ascendancy Passive Skill brings a powerful and strategic dimension to the Gladiator class in Path of Exile. By making your block chance Lucky if you’ve blocked recently, it significantly enhances your defensive capabilities. Combined with the reworked Gladiator’s bleeding and blocking mechanics, as well as the innovative Retaliation Skills, More Than Skill provides a versatile and potent tool for any Gladiator looking to excel in Wraeclast. Embrace the rework, master the mechanics, and let your impenetrable defense turn the tide in your favor.