PoE 2 Armour Piercing Rounds – Path of Exile 2

PoE 2 Armour Piercing Rounds

It is a Skill Gem.

Ammunition
Attack, AoE, Projectile, Physical
Tier: 1 (Mercenary)
Level: 5
Cost: 15 Mana
Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex
Requires: Crossbow

Load your Crossbow with a clip of bolts that can be fired rapidly and Break enemy Armour. Using this skill again reloads the clip.

  • Attack Speed: 425% of base
  • Attack Damage: 28%
  • Hits Break 7 Armour
  • Knocks Back Enemies
  • Can fire 14 Bolts before reloading

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

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Armour Piercing Rounds is a Skill Gem in Path of Exile 2 designed for Mercenary-class builds focusing on ranged combat using a Crossbow. This skill fires a series of bolts that can break enemy armour while also dealing Physical damage. Perfect for players who enjoy high-speed projectile attacks, crowd control, and dealing with armoured enemies, Armour Piercing Rounds offers both damage and utility in one package.

Key Details of Armour Piercing Rounds

  • Gem Type: Skill Gem
  • Skill Type: Ammunition, Attack, AoE, Projectile, Physical
  • Level Requirement: Level 14, 20 Strength, 20 Dexterity
  • Mana Cost: 15 Mana
  • Requires: Crossbow
  • Attack Speed: 425% of base attack speed
  • Attack Damage: 28% of base attack damage
  • Hits Break: 7 Armour
  • Knocks Back Enemies
  • Number of Bolts Fired: Can fire 14 bolts before reloading

Core Mechanics of Armour Piercing Rounds

  1. Rapid-Fire Crossbow Attack:

    • Armour Piercing Rounds allows you to rapidly fire bolts from your Crossbow. With an attack speed of 425% of base, you can quickly unleash a barrage of projectiles that pierce through enemies and break their defences. This high-speed, AoE skill lets you deal with groups of enemies efficiently.

  2. Armour Break Mechanic:

    • One of the standout features of Armour Piercing Rounds is its ability to break enemy armour. Each hit from the projectiles breaks 7 Armour, significantly reducing the target’s defences and making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks. This makes the skill especially effective against high-armour enemies or bosses that rely on their armour for defence.

  3. Projectile AoE (Area of Effect):

    • Since Armour Piercing Rounds is a Projectile skill, the bolts fired will hit multiple enemies in their path, making it an ideal skill for crowd control. This AoE feature ensures that you can damage multiple enemies at once while still benefiting from the Armour breaking effect.

  4. Knockback Effect:

    • The skill also includes a knockback effect, pushing enemies away from you when hit. This is valuable for maintaining distance between you and enemies, especially in high-pressure situations. The knockback can also be used to disrupt enemy formations or force them into environmental hazards.

  5. Reload Mechanic:

    • After firing 14 bolts, the skill requires you to reload by using it again. This reloading mechanic adds an interesting dynamic to the skill, as you must manage your ammunition carefully. While this can be seen as a slight drawback in terms of continuity of fire, it also provides an opportunity to plan your attacks strategically by considering the reload timing.

How to Maximize Armour Piercing Rounds’ Effectiveness

  1. Increase Attack Speed:

    • Given Armour Piercing Rounds‘ high attack speed of 425%, increasing your attack speed further will allow you to fire bolts even more rapidly, increasing the total damage output of the skill. Using Attack Speed support gems or gear modifiers that boost attack speed will significantly enhance the performance of this skill.

  2. Leverage Armour Penetration:

    • In addition to the Armour break provided by Armour Piercing Rounds, consider pairing the skill with other Armour Penetration effects. Using penetration modifiers will allow you to deal more damage to enemies by bypassing their armour altogether, further amplifying the skill’s effectiveness.

  3. Enhance Projectile Damage:

    • Increasing your Projectile Damage and Physical Damage will have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the Armour Piercing Rounds skill. Focus on Projectile Damage support gems, or choose gear with increased Physical Damage to ensure that each bolt deals significant damage, even while breaking armour.

  4. Managing the Reload Mechanic:

    • While the reload mechanic requires a little more management than simple spam skills, this reload period can be used to reposition or set up your next set of attacks. Consider pairing this skill with other abilities that can help you close gaps or control crowds while you reload.

  5. Enhance AoE:

    • As an AoE skill, Armour Piercing Rounds can benefit from Area of Effect scaling. Consider using AoE support gems or gear with AoE modifiers to increase the skill’s range, allowing you to hit even more enemies with each volley of bolts.

How to Use Armour Piercing Rounds Effectively

  1. Use in High-Density Fights:

    • Armour Piercing Rounds excels in crowd control situations. Use it in high-density fights where you need to damage multiple enemies at once. The AoE nature of the skill, combined with armour breaking and knockback, makes it an excellent choice for group encounters or when facing armoured mobs.

  2. Strategic Reloading:

    • Since the skill can fire 14 bolts before needing a reload, use that time wisely to maximize your damage output. Once you’ve fired off all your bolts, reload to continue your assault. Remember, the reload also provides a brief window for you to reposition, making it an opportunity to avoid damage or set up for your next series of attacks.

  3. Target Armoured Enemies:

    • The armour-breaking mechanic makes Armour Piercing Rounds particularly useful against enemies with high Armour. Target bosses or elite enemies who rely on their armour to mitigate damage. Breaking their Armour will greatly increase your overall damage output, allowing you and your allies to hit them harder.

  4. Maintain Distance:

    • Take advantage of the knockback effect to maintain distance from enemies. If you’re facing melee opponents, the knockback can keep them at bay, allowing you to continue your ranged assault. This gives you time to reload and plan your next moves.

Pros and Cons of Armour Piercing Rounds

Pros:

  • Rapid-Fire ability allows for quick, successive attacks.
  • Armour break feature is invaluable against armoured enemies and bosses.
  • Knockback effect helps maintain distance and disrupt enemy positions.
  • Projectile AoE damage hits multiple enemies, enhancing crowd control.
  • Effective against dense packs of enemies and armoured units.

Cons:

  • Reloading mechanic requires strategic timing and planning.
  • Limited number of bolts (14) before reloading, which may require you to pause your assault.
  • Mana cost of 15 Mana per use, which can become significant during prolonged combat.
  • Requires Crossbow, restricting its usage to certain weapon types.

Conclusion

Armour Piercing Rounds is a highly effective skill for Mercenary-focused builds that specialize in Crossbow combat. With its rapid-fire nature, ability to break armour, and AoE damage, this skill is ideal for dealing with armoured enemies, crowd control, and boss fights. Although the reload mechanic adds a layer of complexity, Armour Piercing Rounds excels in both offensive and defensive capabilities when used effectively.

By focusing on attack speed, armour penetration, and AoE scaling, Armour Piercing Rounds can become a cornerstone of your ranged attack strategy. Whether you’re clearing packs of enemies or boss encounters, this skill is a must-have for Mercenary-based builds that utilize Crossbows in Path of Exile 2.

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