Path of Exile 2: How Do Meta Skills Work?

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering deep, complex gameplay with numerous builds, items, and mechanics. One of the most critical aspects of Path of Exile 2 is the Meta Skills, a term used to refer to the most optimal, efficient, or widely used skills within the game. In this article, we'll explore the inner workings of meta skills in PoE 2, how they come to dominate the game's landscape, and why they're so important for both new and veteran players.

What Are Meta Skills in Path of Exile 2?

In essence, Meta Skills are the skills that dominate the game's ecosystem at any given point, often due to their damage output, versatility, scaling potential, or synergy with other game mechanics. These skills can be the most efficient for clearing content, especially in high-difficulty areas like end-game bosses, elite mobs, and high-level mapping.

Just like in any live-service game with regular updates and balance changes, the meta in PoE 2 shifts over time. What's strong today might not be as viable tomorrow. The power balance of skills is regularly adjusted, which forces players to adapt, experiment with new builds, and find creative ways to conquer PoE 2's many challenges.

Factors That Influence Meta Skills in Path of Exile 2

Several key factors determine which skills emerge as "meta" in Path of Exile 2. Let's break them down:

1. Damage Scaling and Efficiency

One of the primary reasons certain skills become part of the meta is how well they scale with increased damage modifiers. Some skills naturally excel with support gems, passive tree nodes, and gear that boosts specific types of damage, such as elemental, physical, or chaos damage. Meta skills typically have either:

High base damage: These skills begin with an already high damage output, and with the right gear, they become even more lethal.

Synergy with popular passives: Skills that benefit from certain passive tree clusters or ascendancy bonuses will often be at the forefront of the meta.

For example, Cyclone was a meta skill in PoE 1 because of its ability to rapidly clear maps and scale effectively with many damage-enhancing modifiers. In PoE 2, similar mechanics might emerge around skills that capitalize on this type of scaling.

2. Synergy with Other Skills or Support Gems

In PoE 2, many of the strongest builds revolve around how skills synergize with each other. Meta skills often pair well with certain support gems that amplify their potential.

For instance, Cast on Crit builds were immensely popular in PoE 1 because they allowed players to trigger powerful spells with every critical strike. In PoE 2, it's likely that there will be new combinations or support gems that turn otherwise underwhelming skills into damage-dealing behemoths.

3. Clear Speed and Mobility

One major consideration for skills to become meta in PoE 2 is how fast and efficiently they can clear content. Clear speed is incredibly important in high-level mapping, as it allows players to farm currency, experience, and loot efficiently. Meta skills that can clear large swaths of enemies quickly tend to dominate in this aspect.

Skills like Infernal Blow or Fireball excel in clearing masses of enemies at once. Similarly, Lightning Tendrils or Blade Vortex may emerge as meta choices based on their ability to deal rapid area-of-effect (AoE) damage.

Mobility also factors in. Skills that allow players to move quickly, such as Leap Slam or Dash, often rise to prominence because they help with both positioning and survival, two vital components in Path of Exile 2's combat mechanics.

4. Boss Killing Potential

While clear speed is important, meta skills also need to be able to handle the tougher bosses in PoE 2. Single-target damage is crucial for defeating bosses, especially in late-game content, which demands high dps against tanky foes. Skills that deal consistent, high single-target damage, or those that can scale up their damage output over time, often make it to the top of the meta.

For example, Ancestral Warchief was a meta skill for totem builds in PoE 1 due to its ability to dish out consistent damage while allowing players to maintain a safe distance from bosses. In PoE 2, similar skills or new variations will likely become go-to options for boss fights.

5. Defense and Survivability

In Path of Exile 2, survivability is just as important as damage output. A skill might be strong in terms of damage, but if it leaves the player vulnerable to incoming attacks, it may fall out of favor. Skills that offer built-in defense or allow for better damage mitigation become more attractive in the meta.

For example, skills that provide leech, block, evasion, or energy shield scaling will likely see a rise in popularity. Combining defensive options with offensive power allows players to survive in PoE 2's most brutal content.

6. Skill Reworks and Updates

As the developers of PoE 2 continue to fine-tune the game, certain skills will receive buffs or nerfs that directly affect their place in the meta. Whether it's a rework to a support gem, passive node, or skill itself, balance changes ensure that the meta is never stagnant.

Patch notes detailing skill changes often shape the landscape of the meta by reintroducing skills that were once underpowered or eliminating the dominance of certain builds.

Popular Meta Skills in PoE 2

Based on current knowledge, here are some examples of skills that could rise to the top of the PoE 2 meta:

Cyclone Reborn

Cyclone, with its ability to deal continuous damage while moving, is expected to make a comeback in PoE 2. The introduction of new support gems and passive skill tree options could make it even more deadly. As it synergizes well with both single-target and AoE builds, Cyclone remains a contender for a top spot in the meta.

Summon Skeletons & Zombies

Pet-based builds remain strong in PoE 2 due to their ability to tank damage while dishing out respectable dps. Summon Skeletons and Summon Zombies benefit from a variety of support gems that enhance their damage, and their synergy with specific ascendancies makes them an appealing choice for many players.

Tornado Shot

Ranged builds like Tornado Shot have historically dominated the PoE meta, and with the right gear, they can clear maps at lightning speed while dealing significant damage to enemies. Tornado Shot is likely to remain a staple due to its ability to hit multiple enemies at once, making it invaluable for end-game content farming.

Arc

For players who love spellcasting, Arc could return as a high-damage, high-speed skill capable of clearing crowds with ease. Its ability to chain between multiple enemies means that it can rapidly clear packs, and with the right support gems, it can be a potent choice for boss fights too.

Currency and Meta Skills in Path of Exile 2

When it comes to meta skills, having the right PoE 2 Currency and items is crucial. For example, acquiring the right Orbs to craft gear, modify your weapon's stats, or create the perfect support gem combinations can elevate your build to the highest potential. A well-crafted weapon, armor set, or accessory can make or break a meta build.

In this sense, buy PoE 2 Orbs can be a wise investment. By obtaining the necessary currency, you gain access to powerful items that allow you to experiment with different builds and fine-tune your meta skills.

Conclusion

Meta skills in Path of Exile 2 are integral to progressing through the game's tough challenges. While the meta constantly shifts due to balance changes and new content, understanding the factors that make skills viable in the meta-such as damage scaling, synergy, and survivability-gives players an edge. By focusing on the best skills for both clear speed and boss killing, and by optimizing your gear with the right currency, you'll have the tools needed to dominate the game's challenges.