PoE Point Blank — Path of Exile

Point Blank is a keystone passive skill in Path of Exile that modifies the damage dealt by projectile attacks based on the distance the projectile has traveled. This keystone is particularly useful for characters focusing on close-range projectile attacks, allowing them to deal significantly more damage when their projectiles hit targets early in their flight path.

PoE Point Blank

Mechanics

  • Damage Scaling: Point Blank increases the damage of projectile attacks by up to 30% more at the start of their travel, within the first 10 units. As the projectile continues to travel, the damage gradually decreases. At 35 units, the damage scales down to no increase or decrease (0% damage modifier), and beyond 35 units, the damage further decreases, reaching up to 30% less damage at 120 units.
  • Distance Measurement: The damage scaling is based on the total distance the projectile has traveled, not its current distance from the point of origin. This means that if a projectile changes direction — such as with skills like Spectral Throw — the distance continues to accumulate, affecting the damage accordingly. Projectiles that travel in multiple segments (e.g., Arrow Nova Support) also include the distance of each segment when calculating the damage penalty.
  • Projectile Types: Point Blank applies only to projectile attacks, including projectile portions of melee weapon attacks like Lightning Strike and Molten Strike. It does not affect spell projectiles, which are governed by different mechanics.
  • Interaction with Fork, Pierce, and Chain: When a projectile pierces, chains, or forks, it is still considered the same projectile, and its total travel distance is used to determine the damage modifier. This means that even after forking or chaining, the projectile’s damage will continue to scale according to the distance it has traveled.
  • Close-Range Damage Stacking: Point Blank’s close-range damage bonus is distinct from other close-range bonuses, such as those provided by Chin Sol. These bonuses can stack multiplicatively, further increasing damage at close range.

Skill Gem and Passive Skill Interactions

  • Point Blank Support: The Point Blank keystone passive skill does not stack with the Point Blank Support gem. A skill either benefits from Point Blank or it does not, so using both the passive and the support gem does not provide any additional damage bonuses.
  • Projectile Speed: The speed at which a projectile travels does not impact the distances at which Point Blank’s damage modifiers take effect. The scaling is purely based on distance traveled, regardless of how fast the projectile covers that distance.
  • Far Shot: Far Shot, another keystone passive skill, works multiplicatively with Point Blank. Far Shot increases damage based on distance, which can counteract Point Blank’s damage penalties at long range, making damage more consistent across different distances.

Example Use Cases

  1. Close-Range Projectile Builds: Characters that focus on short-range projectile attacks, such as Explosive Arrow or Lightning Strike, can benefit greatly from Point Blank. By staying close to their targets, they maximize the damage output from their projectile attacks.
  2. Melee Projectile Builds: Skills like Molten Strike and Lightning Strike, which combine melee and projectile attacks, can utilize Point Blank to significantly increase their damage when used in close quarters.
  3. Dual-Playstyle Builds: Combining Point Blank with Far Shot allows for a versatile playstyle where the character can deal consistent damage at both close and long ranges, making it easier to adapt to different combat situations.

PoE Point Blank Build

Classes:

  • Juggernaut: 52%
  • Trickster: 12%
  • Slayer: 12%
  • Deadeye: 10%
  • Warden: 6%
  • Hierophant: 3%
  • Ascendant: 3%
  • Chieftain: 1%
  • Berserker: 0.4%
  • Champion: 0.4%
  • Pathfinder: 0.3%
  • Gladiator: 0.1%
  • Necromancer: 0.1%
  • Assassin: 0.0%
  • Inquisitor: 0.0%
  • Elementalist: 0.0%
  • Occultist: 0.0%
  • Saboteur: 0%
  • Guardian: 0%
  • Shadow: 0%

Main Skills:

  • Molten Strike of the Zenith: 47%
  • Leap Slam: 30%
  • Lightning Strike: 28%
  • Vaal Lightning Strike: 24%
  • Molten Strike: 8%
  • Vaal Molten Strike: 4%
  • Lightning Strike of Arcing: 4%
  • Blood Rage: 4%
  • Frenzy: 3%
  • Splitting Steel: 3%
  • Immortal Call: 2%
  • Siege Ballista: 2%
  • Withering Step: 2%

Masteries:

  • 15% increased maximum Life if there are no Life Modifiers on Equipped Body Armour: 56%
  • Non-Vaal Strike Skills target 1 additional nearby Enemy: 47%
  • 5% increased Attributes: 46%
  • +1 Armour per 2 Strength: 45%
  • 12% increased Mana Reservation Efficiency of Skills: 42%
  • +0.3 metres to Melee Strike Range with Swords: 36%
  • 10% of Leech is Instant: 30%
  • Hits have 25% chance to treat Enemy Monster Elemental Resistance values as inverted: 24%
  • 10% chance to gain a Frenzy Charge when you Hit your Marked Enemy: 20%
  • 8% increased Damage for each of your Aura or Herald Skills affecting you: 16%
  • Skills Supported by Nightblade have 40% increased Effect of Elusive: 15%
  • Auras from your Skills have 10% increased Effect on you: 15%
  • Corrupted Blood cannot be inflicted on you: 12%

Summary

  • Point Blank Effect: Increases damage of projectile attacks by up to 30% more at close range, with damage scaling down as the projectile travels farther.
  • Compatibility: Works with any projectile-based attack but not with projectile spells.
  • Optimal Use: Best suited for close-range projectile builds, melee projectile builds, and dual-playstyle builds that utilize both close and long-range combat.

Point Blank is a powerful keystone for characters that can stay close to their enemies or need to maximize damage output in a specific range. Its interactions with other skills and passives offer a wide range of build possibilities, making it a versatile choice for many projectile-based characters.

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