In the latest Dawn of The Hunt update (version 0.2.0) of Path of Exile 2, a fascinating new weapon type has been introduced: Spears. Designed for versatility, these martial weapons enable both melee and ranged attacks. The associated Skill Gems encompass a wide range of abilities, from projectile-based strikes to engaging melee swings. Generally, Spear Skills can be categorized into two primary styles: those that inflict bleed damage and those that utilize elemental effects.
Many of these Spear Skills leverage Frenzy Charges, creating synergy with other combat mechanics. The native skillset provided in Path of Exile 2 is particularly tailored for the Huntress class. However, as is customary, they can be utilized by any class that is equipped with spears in their main hand, encouraging diverse character builds.
Overview of Spear Skill Gems for the Huntress
Tier 1 Spear Skill Gems (Available with Uncut Gem Level)
- Disengage: Leap backward while creating shockwaves with spear thrusts, damaging enemies in the vicinity. This action utilizes your Parried Debuff to generate Frenzy Charges through successful strikes, and it allows you to evade strikes and projectiles during the jump, though it cannot be Ancestrally Boosted. The shockwave has a radius of 2 meters.
- Whirling Slash: Execute a circular slash that generates a Whirlwind, slowing and blinding foes within its reach. Exiting the Whirlwind will collapse it, potentially dealing damage and causing knockback.
- Twister: Create a twister that erratically travels forward, blinding and damaging enemies in its path. If it interacts with a Whirlwind from your other skills, it can spawn additional twisters from the original.
- Explosive Spear: Toss a single spear that pierces enemies and settles into the ground. It will detonate either after a designated time or upon command, with a potential damage increase and ignition effect in a cross-shaped area.
Tier 2 Spear Skill Gems (Requires Uncut Gem Level 3+)
- Spearfield: Impale the ground, causing an eruption of spears over a broad area that may remain until triggered by enemies touching them.
- Lightning Spear: Propel a spear that bursts on impact, unleashing secondary lightning projectiles against surrounding enemies. Consuming a Frenzy Charge will further enhance its area of effect.
- Fangs of Frost: Execute an icy thrust that capitalizes on off-balance enemies, creating a frost nova around parried targets and generating Chilled Ground.
- Rake: Dash toward an enemy and deliver a lacerating swing that inflicts bleed damage on all struck foes.
Tier 3 Spear Skill Gems (Requires Uncut Gem Level 5+)
- Rapid Assault: Unleash a rapid succession of six stabs, with the final blow inflicting bleed and leaving a spear embedded in the target. Detonating skills can trigger an explosion for additional damage.
- Barrage: Prepare a volley that amplifies your next Bow or Projectile Spear attack, allowing multiple strikes when Frenzy Charges are consumed.
- Storm Lance: Launch an electrified spear that zaps nearby foes with lightning. Using a Frenzy Charge accelerates its lightning strikes and activates an automatic detonation of the spear.
Tier 4 Spear Skill Gems (Requires Uncut Gem Level 7+)
- Blood Hunt: Lunge to skewer a target. Hitting bleeding enemies triggers a blood explosion, consuming the bleed effect.
- Glacial Lance: Throw a lance that leaves icy shards behind, chilling enemies in close proximity. If activated with a Frenzy Charge, it can create explosive ice fragments.
- Primal Strikes: Perform a lightning-infused stab, generating a spirit if it hits a shocked enemy and refreshing shock duration.
Tier 5 Spear Skill Gems (Requires Uncut Gem Level 9+)
- Thunderous Leap: Leap and drive your Spear into a target area, generating a charged shockwave that can trigger any Spear skill.
- Tame Beast: Summon wisps to hinder a Rare Beast, allowing its capture if defeated while engulfed.
- Bloodhound’s Mark: Mark an enemy to impair their movement from blood loss. Effectively a delayed explosive effect upon their defeat.
Tier 6 Spear Skill Gems (Requires Uncut Gem Level 11+)
- Whirlwind Lance: Propel a spear to generate a Whirlwind that slows and blinds enemies, with potential for enhanced stages when utilizing a Frenzy Charge.
- Elemental Sundering: Strike the ground to release pulses that consume elemental effects from nearby foes, causing explosions based on the ailments removed.
Tier 7 Spear Skill Gems (Requires Uncut Gem Level 13+)
- Wind Serpent’s Frenzy: Convert all Frenzy Charges into a powerful thrust that knocks back enemies. Each charge spawned a damaging Wind Serpent, creating shockwaves upon impact.
- Spear of Solaris: Gather Glory through heavy stuns, summoning the Azmeri goddess Solaris once maximum Glory is achieved. This results in a high-damage area attack with additional ignition effects.
It is essential to note that this list does not encompass the various Buff Gems available to the Huntress or those that can be paired with Spear Skills.
Optimal Spear Builds in Path of Exile 2
As detailed in the Path of Exile 2 patch 0.2.0, while the initial power of many Spear Skills may seem underwhelming in early game scenarios, certain build setups have emerged as more effective. Notably:
- Whirlwind + Twisters: Amplify the Whirlwind skill to its third level and then cast Twisters from within it for enhanced impact.
- Rake + Stomping Ground: For a straightforward, dependable damage output, pair Rake with the Stomping Ground Support Gem.
These build strategies have proven effective throughout various stages of the campaign, offering players a balanced approach to utilizing the new Spear weapon type.