It is a Skill Gem.
Attack
Melee, Strike, AoE
Level: 6
Cost: 11 Mana
Attack Speed: 45% of base
Attack Damage: 96%
Requires: Level 15, 39 Dex
Requires: Spear
Performs a series of fast stabs.
Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.
In Path of Exile 2, Rapid Assault is a skill gem that gives players the ability to perform a rapid series of stabs, making it a powerful melee strike for those wielding a spear. This skill is designed for swift, consecutive attacks, ideal for dealing with enemies in quick succession and taking advantage of the spear’s reach. Let’s dive into the mechanics, effectiveness, and strategic uses of the Rapid Assault skill.
Rapid Assault is a melee attack skill that performs a series of quick stabs with a spear. The focus of this skill is speed and efficiency, allowing the user to rapidly strike enemies in a small area. While it has lower individual attack damage compared to some other melee skills, the ability to hit multiple times in quick succession makes it particularly effective in combat situations where you need to deal with multiple smaller enemies or quickly chip away at tougher targets.
Series of Fast Stabs: The hallmark of Rapid Assault is the rapid series of stabs, which allows you to hit enemies more than once in quick succession. This makes the skill ideal for dealing with groups of enemies or for applying consistent pressure on a single target over a short period.
Attack Speed: With an attack speed of 45% of the base attack speed, Rapid Assault may seem slower than some other melee skills at first glance. However, the skill’s quick stabs make it effective when used in combination with increased attack speed or other support gems that enhance speed, making it even more devastating when combined with faster melee builds.
Melee Strike Range: The +6 to melee strike range is a notable benefit, as it increases the effective range of your attacks. This is especially useful when using a spear, as it allows you to hit enemies from a longer distance, keeping you out of their reach while still landing hits. The extra range enhances your ability to control spacing in combat, enabling you to strike enemies without exposing yourself to too much danger.
Area of Effect (AoE): Rapid Assault has an inherent AoE component, which means you can hit multiple enemies standing close to each other. This makes it highly effective for clearing out groups of enemies in tight spaces. The skill’s AoE nature ensures that even if you’re surrounded, you can strike several foes at once, allowing you to deal damage to multiple targets in a short time.
Quick Strikes: The main feature of Rapid Assault is the ability to perform a fast series of stabs. Each individual stab has a low attack damage value, but the rapid succession of attacks compensates for this, especially against groups of enemies. This makes it a good choice for builds that focus on speed and applying multiple hits quickly.
Spear Requirement: To use Rapid Assault, you must wield a spear. Spears offer significant attack range and mobility, and the added melee strike range bonus from Rapid Assault further complements the spear’s natural advantages. If you’re building a spear-focused character, this skill fits seamlessly into your arsenal.
Melee Strike Range Bonus: The +6 melee strike range provided by Rapid Assault gives you additional leeway to land hits from further away. This is a valuable asset, as it allows you to avoid getting too close to dangerous enemies while still dealing damage. It also makes it easier to keep enemies at a distance, giving you an advantage when navigating through crowded or chaotic fights.
Multi-Target Damage: Rapid Assault excels in scenarios where you need to deal with multiple enemies at once. Since it performs multiple strikes in rapid succession and covers an AoE area, you can clear mobs quickly and efficiently. This makes the skill ideal for clearing trash mobs in dense combat situations.
Speed and Precision: Rapid Assault is particularly effective when used in conjunction with high attack speed or buffs that increase your movement speed, as it allows you to rapidly deliver multiple strikes. Pair it with a build that increases your attack speed, and the skill will become even more lethal, allowing you to dish out significant damage in no time.
Control the Distance: The bonus to melee strike range is key to maintaining control over your combat distance. Using a spear with Rapid Assault allows you to poke and jab from a safe distance while still being able to hit multiple enemies. This makes the skill a solid choice for players who prefer to engage from a distance and avoid taking hits themselves.
Perfect for Spear Builds: If you’re already running a spear-focused build, Rapid Assault is a natural fit. It amplifies the range and attack speed of your spear, making it easier to hit multiple enemies. Additionally, the AoE and fast attack sequence help you build combos and manage mobs more effectively.
Increased Attack Speed: Support gems that enhance attack speed, such as Faster Attacks, Multistrike, or Attack Speed Support, are excellent choices to complement Rapid Assault, as they make the fast stabs even faster, increasing your damage output and allowing you to take full advantage of the series of attacks.
Physical Damage Support: Since Rapid Assault deals physical damage, linking it with support gems like Physical Damage, Brutality, or Melee Physical Damage can significantly increase its overall damage output, allowing each strike to deal more damage.
Area of Effect (AoE) Support: You can enhance Rapid Assault’s AoE by using gems like Increased Area of Effect or Concentrated Effect, making it even more effective for clearing groups of enemies.
Bleeding or Poison: Since Rapid Assault is a physical damage skill, it can be paired with support gems that apply Bleeding or Poison, like Bleeding Support or Unleash, allowing you to add extra damage over time effects to each of your rapid strikes.
Rapid Assault is a dynamic and fast-paced melee skill that thrives in situations where you need to deal with multiple enemies or rapidly apply pressure to a single target. Its quick strikes, extended melee range, and AoE properties make it an excellent choice for spear-focused builds, especially those who value speed and efficiency in combat.
With its synergistic effects, Rapid Assault allows players to clear mobs, control spacing, and maintain consistent damage output in the heat of battle. By focusing on attack speed, physical damage, and AoE support, players can amplify Rapid Assault’s potential and dominate their enemies with lightning-fast strikes. Whether you’re clearing trash mobs or cutting down elite enemies, Rapid Assault delivers the perfect combination of speed, range, and damage for any spear-wielding adventurer.