PoE 2 Stormblast Bolts – Path of Exile 2

PoE 2 Stormblast Bolts

It is a Skill Gem.

Ammunition
Attack, AoE, Projectile, Lightning
Tier: 9 (Mercenary)
Level: 9
Cost: 24 Mana
Attack Speed: 50% of base
Requires: Level 33, 40 Str, 40 Dex
Requires: Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with charged bolts that land around the target location and explode if hit by a Detonator Skill. Using this skill again reloads the clip.

  • Attack Damage: 36%
  • Converts 60% of Physical Damage to Lightning Damage
  • Can fire 3 bolts before reloading
  • Impact radius is 0.8 metres
  • Charged Bolt duration is 8 seconds
  • Fires 3 Bolts

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

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The Stormblast Bolts skill gem in Path of Exile 2 offers a unique and powerful lightning-based projectile mechanic for Mercenary builds wielding crossbows. This Tier 9 skill fires charged bolts that land around a target location, creating zones of potential destruction. The bolts can explode upon interaction with Detonator Skills, providing strategic synergy and massive burst damage potential. With its lightning damage conversion and multi-bolt firing capability, Stormblast Bolts is a versatile skill for both crowd control and single-target damage.

Skill Gem Details

  • Category: Ammunition, Attack, AoE, Projectile, Lightning
  • Tier: 9 (Mercenary)
  • Level Requirement: 9
  • Mana Cost: 24 Mana
  • Attack Speed: 50% of base
  • Attributes Required: Level 33, 40 Strength, 40 Dexterity
  • Weapon Requirement: Crossbow

Stormblast Bolts combines lightning-based AoE damage with ammunition management, requiring players to reload the skill after firing its clip.

Skill Mechanics

  1. Charged Bolts:

    • Fires 3 bolts that land around a target location, dealing 36% of base Attack Damage.
    • Bolts persist for 8 seconds and detonate when hit by a Detonator Skill, dealing additional damage in a 0.8-metre radius.

  2. Physical-to-Lightning Conversion:

    • Converts 60% of Physical Damage to Lightning Damage, making the skill ideal for hybrid scaling builds.

  3. Reload Mechanic:

    • The skill can fire 3 bolts before requiring a reload. Casting the skill again reloads the crossbow’s clip.
    • Efficient management of the reload mechanic ensures consistent damage output.

Build Highlights

Stormblast Bolts shines in builds that utilize lightning damage scaling and precise targeting. Its detonation mechanic allows for strategic gameplay, especially when paired with complementary skills.

  1. Lightning Damage Scaling:

    • Maximize the skill’s potential by investing in passives and gear that enhance Lightning Damage, Elemental Damage, and Projectile Damage.

  2. Detonator Skill Synergy:

    • Pair Stormblast Bolts with Detonator Skills to capitalize on their explosive interactions for massive burst damage.

  3. Ammunition Management:

    • Learn to balance firing and reloading to maintain consistent DPS during combat.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strategic Gameplay: Detonator interactions add an extra layer of depth and synergy.
  • Hybrid Damage Potential: Physical-to-Lightning conversion allows scaling from multiple sources.
  • Persistent Bolts: Bolts remain for 8 seconds, offering opportunities for delayed detonation.
  • Multi-Bolt Mechanic: Fires 3 bolts in quick succession for strong AoE potential.

Cons

  • Reload Requirement: Managing the reload mechanic requires attention and timing.
  • Small Explosion Radius: The 0.8-metre radius limits AoE potential without additional scaling.
  • Limited Attack Speed: At 50% of base, it may feel slow without investment in attack speed.

Gameplay Tips

  1. Position Bolts Strategically:

    • Place bolts in clusters of enemies or around chokepoints to maximize the detonation effect.

  2. Combine with Detonator Skills:

    • Pair with skills like Blast Wave or similar abilities that can trigger bolt explosions for massive damage.

  3. Optimize Reload Timing:

    • Fire all 3 bolts before reloading to maximize efficiency and uptime during combat.

  4. Scale Lightning Damage:

    • Invest in gear and passives that enhance lightning and elemental damage for stronger detonation effects.

Support and Passive Recommendations

  • Support Gems:

    • Added Lightning Damage: Boosts the lightning damage of both the bolts and detonations.
    • Faster Attacks: Increases the firing speed to compensate for the skill’s low attack speed.
    • Increased Area of Effect: Expands the explosion radius of detonated bolts for better crowd control.
    • Elemental Damage with Attacks: Amplifies the elemental portion of the damage.

  • Passive Tree:

    • Focus on nodes that enhance Projectile Damage, Lightning Damage, Attack Speed, and Critical Strike Chance.
    • Look for passives that improve ammunition-based skills or reduce skill cooldowns.

  • Gear:

    • Equip crossbows with high physical damage or lightning modifiers to scale both components of the skill.
    • Seek gear with bonuses to Projectile Speed, Elemental Damage, or Lightning Penetration.

How to Use

The Stormblast Bolts skill can be assigned and managed in the Skills Panel, where players can configure it to fit their build. Proper management of its bolts and detonation timing is key to maximizing its effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Stormblast Bolts skill gem is a versatile and rewarding option for Mercenary crossbow builds in Path of Exile 2. Its combination of multi-bolt firing, lightning-based AoE damage, and detonation mechanics provides a unique and strategic playstyle. Whether clearing hordes of enemies or setting up explosive bursts for bosses, Stormblast Bolts is a powerful and dynamic tool for crossbow enthusiasts.

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