PoE 2 Volley
It is a Support Gem.
Support
Projectile
Tier: 1
Requires: Level 1
Support Reqirements: +5 Dex
Supports skills that fire projectiles from the user. Does not affect projectiles fired from other locations as secondary effects.
- Supported Skills fire 2 additional Projectiles
- Supported Skills also fire Projectiles from up to 4 points on each side of you
- Supported Skills deal 20% less Projectile Damage
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.
Buy PoE 2 Currency Fast
- Buy PoE 2 Currency Cheap (6% off coupon: z123). Path of Exile 2 currency items. Payment: PayPal, Skrill, Cryptocurrencies.
The Volley Support Gem in Path of Exile 2 is a versatile tool for players who prefer projectile-based skills. By enhancing the quantity and spread of projectiles, it transforms single-target abilities into area-clearing machines. This article examines the mechanics, benefits, and ideal uses of the Volley Support Gem.
Volley Support Gem Overview
Attributes:
- Type: Support Gem
- Tags: Projectile
- Tier: 1
- Requires: Level 1, +5 Dexterity
- Effect: Supports skills that fire projectiles from the user.
- Adds Projectiles: Supported Skills fire 2 additional projectiles.
- Spreads Projectiles: Supported Skills fire projectiles from up to 4 points on each side of the user.
- Damage Trade-off: Supported Skills deal 20% less projectile damage.
How Volley Works
The Volley Support Gem modifies projectile skills by increasing the number of projectiles and spreading their origin points around the player. This spread enhances the area coverage, making it ideal for clearing groups of enemies. However, the 20% damage reduction per projectile must be factored into your build for optimal performance.
Step-by-Step Usage:
- Socket the Gem: Insert the Volley Support Gem into a skill’s Support Gem socket via the Skills menu.
- Choose a Projectile Skill: Ensure the supported skill directly fires projectiles from the user, as secondary projectiles (from traps, mines, or totems) are not affected.
- Activate the Skill: Witness a dramatic increase in projectile count and spread.
Key Mechanics and Limitations
-
Projectile Spread:
Volley creates additional projectile origins, spreading them across multiple points on either side of the player. This creates a shotgun-like effect, ideal for targeting multiple enemies or covering a large area.
-
Damage Reduction:
The 20% less projectile damage trade-off requires careful planning. To counteract this penalty:
- Stack projectile damage modifiers from gear, passive skills, or other support gems.
- Focus on builds with high projectile base damage.
-
Non-Stackable:
Players cannot socket multiple Volley Support Gems in an attempt to increase the effect further.
-
Secondary Effects Excluded:
Volley does not affect secondary projectiles created by traps, totems, or other external mechanics.
Best Builds for Volley Support
The Volley Support Gem is well-suited for builds centered around area-of-effect damage and projectile spam. Below are some of the best skills and builds to pair with Volley:
1. Bow Skills:
- Skills like Split Arrow and Rain of Arrows benefit immensely from Volley’s additional projectiles, turning them into crowd-control powerhouses.
2. Wand Builds:
- Power Siphon and Kinetic Blast can clear entire packs of enemies when paired with Volley, leveraging its spread effect.
3. Elemental Projectile Spells:
- Spells like Freezing Pulse and Fireball gain enhanced area coverage, making them excellent for leveling or farming maps.
4. Hybrid Builds:
- Characters using both projectile and AoE effects, such as Elementalists or Deadeyes, can maximize the utility of Volley for both single-target and area damage.
Tips for Optimizing Volley Support
-
Positioning:
- Take advantage of Volley’s spread by carefully positioning yourself for maximum coverage. For linear skills, aim down corridors or at tightly grouped mobs.
-
Scaling Damage:
- Counter the 20% damage reduction by investing in projectile damage, elemental damage (for spells), or critical strike bonuses.
-
Synergies with Other Gems:
- Combine with Greater Multiple Projectiles (GMP) for extreme projectile spam.
- Use alongside Pierce or Chain to ensure projectiles hit multiple enemies.
-
Gear Considerations:
- Equip items that enhance projectile speed or damage to complement Volley’s effects. Quivers, wands, or shields with relevant mods are particularly effective.
-
Mana Management:
- Volley’s additional projectiles can increase the mana cost of skills. Plan for sufficient mana regeneration or use mana-leech mechanics.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Excellent for clearing mobs due to increased projectile count and spread.
- Easy to use with low-level requirements (+5 Dexterity, Level 1).
- Flexible and pairs well with most projectile skills.
Weaknesses:
- Reduces projectile damage, which can hinder single-target performance.
- Ineffective with skills that rely on secondary effects or indirect projectiles.
- Requires good positioning for optimal spread usage.
Conclusion
The Volley Support Gem in Path of Exile 2 is a valuable asset for any projectile-based build, especially those focused on clearing large groups of enemies. While the damage trade-off might seem significant, the sheer increase in coverage and versatility makes it a go-to choice for leveling and farming builds.
Experiment with different skills and synergies to see how Volley Support can enhance your playstyle. Whether you’re mowing down packs of mobs or setting up for boss fights, this gem is sure to become a staple in your arsenal!