It is a Support Gem.
Support
Attack, Strike
Tier: 1
Requires: Level 1
Support Reqirements: +5 Dex
Supports Melee Attacks you use yourself. Supported Skills cannot be used until enough Combo has been built up, but deal massively more damage. Cannot support skills which already Combo.
Place into a Skill’s Support Gem socket in the Skills menu to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple copies of the same Support Gem socketed at the same time.
The Combo Finisher Support Gem introduces an exciting new mechanic for melee attack builds in Path of Exile 2, offering a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. This Tier 1 Support Gem empowers melee attacks by requiring you to build up Combo before unleashing devastating attacks. Supported skills cannot be used until enough Combo has been generated, but once activated, they deal a significant 50% more damage. This makes it a fantastic option for players who enjoy dynamic, skill-based gameplay that rewards preparation and timing.
The Combo Finisher Support Gem introduces a new Combo mechanic that builds up with each attack. Supported skills cannot be used until you have accumulated enough Combo, but when you do, they deal a massive 50% more damage. This feature creates a highly strategic approach to combat, requiring careful management of your Combo counter to ensure you can unleash powerful attacks when needed.
Combo Requirement: Supported skills require 5 Combo to be used. You must build up Combo by landing basic attacks or using specific abilities that generate Combo.
Damage Boost: Once you’ve accumulated the required Combo, supported skills will deal 50% more damage. This bonus is substantial and can turn a seemingly ordinary strike into a devastating attack.
Combo Reset: If you do not generate Combo for 8 seconds, you will lose your current Combo, forcing you to build it back up. This ensures that you must keep a steady rhythm in combat to maintain the damage bonus.
Cannot Support Combo Skills: The Combo Finisher gem cannot support skills that already generate Combo themselves, ensuring that it only interacts with skills that benefit from the Combo mechanic.
The Combo Finisher gem is ideal for builds that focus on high burst damage and reward a tactical approach to combat. The skill is most effective when paired with attack-based builds, especially those focused on melee strikes and high-damage finishers.
Melee Strikes: If you’re using single-hit or multi-hit melee skills, the Combo Finisher gem is a perfect choice. Combining it with skill stacking and attack speed allows you to build Combo quickly and deliver powerful finishers with each use.
Strike Skills: Skills like Heavy Strike, Infernal Blow, or Cyclone that benefit from big burst damage once Combo is triggered are great partners for Combo Finisher.
Combo Build Synergy: When paired with other skills that generate Combo or attack speed, you can create a highly efficient setup that builds Combo rapidly and delivers devastating blows at key moments.
The biggest challenge when using Combo Finisher is maintaining the Combo. Since supported skills require 5 Combo to be used and Combo is lost after 8 seconds of inactivity, you’ll need to build up Combo consistently through other means, such as regular attacks or combos generated by specific skills.
Regular Attacks: Use basic attacks to build Combo over time. Speeding up your attacks (with increased attack speed or multi-strike mechanics) will help you quickly accumulate enough Combo to unleash your powerful finisher.
Combo-Generating Skills: Use other skills that generate Combo in a controlled manner. Since Combo Finisher doesn’t support skills that already use Combo, you’ll need to manage your attack rotation carefully to build Combo while waiting for the perfect moment to trigger the finisher.
Weapon Choices: Weapons that increase attack speed or have modifiers that boost Combo generation are excellent for enhancing the effectiveness of the Combo Finisher gem.
Time Your Attacks: Make sure you generate Combo consistently and wait for the optimal moment to unleash your 50% damage bonus. Rushing into the fight without building Combo could lead to missed opportunities for massive damage.
Incorporate Combo-Boosting Skills: Use combo-generating attacks or abilities that allow you to quickly build up the necessary Combo. Attack Speed can help you build Combo faster, so look for gear that increases your attack speed.
Weapon Choices: Choose fast-melee weapons (like daggers, claws, or swords) to ensure that you can quickly generate Combo with multiple attacks.
Avoid Losing Combo: Maintain a steady rhythm of attack to ensure you don’t lose Combo before you get the chance to use it. Critical hits or damage-over-time effects can help you keep Combo up while you build toward the big finisher.
The Combo Finisher Support Gem introduces an exciting tactical element to melee attack builds in Path of Exile 2. By requiring you to build up Combo before you can unleash a 50% more damage attack, it adds both challenge and reward to your combat rotations. While it can be tricky to manage the Combo mechanic and requires timing and preparation, it offers powerful rewards for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Whether you’re looking to enhance melee strikes, build burst damage, or add depth to your combo-based combat style, Combo Finisher can be the key to turning the tide in your favor. With the right setup, this gem can make your melee attacks both devastating and satisfying.