Understanding Armour Break in Path of Exile 2

If you prefer a straightforward approach to character development in Path of Exile 2 focused on pure Physical attacks, understanding the Armour Break mechanic is essential. This feature allows players to debuff enemy defenses in a way that can lead to powerful synergies with various skills and support options, transforming what might seem like a simple resistance reduction into an effective strategy for clearing waves of foes.

Understanding Armour Break in PoE 2

The Armour Break debuff specifically lowers the Armour of affected enemies, and with repeated attacks, their Armour can be reduced to zero. This condition is referred to as being Fully Broken, which plays a crucial role in enhancing damage potential against enemies through various skill interactions. Notably, targets with reduced Armour become easier to stun, adding another layer of tactical advantage.

To apply Armour Break, players must utilize specific skills or unlock appropriate passive abilities. For instance, the Warrior class is equipped with the Armour Breaker skill, capable of pushing enemies back while simultaneously reducing their Armour. Similarly, the Mercenary class offers the Armour-Piercing Rounds ability. Furthermore, Support Gems such as Devastate and Splinter can enhance skills with additional Armour-breaking capabilities.

In Path of Exile 2, all enemies possess Armour, with those featuring higher levels indicated by a shield icon beneath their health bars. Targeting these fortified foes with Armour Break effects is particularly advantageous, especially for players relying on Physical damage output.

Key Skills and Support Enhancements for Armour Break

Below are noteworthy skills and Support Gems that synergize effectively with the Armour Break mechanic:

Sunder (Skill): Ensures a critical strike against targets with Fully Broken Armour.
Leap Slam (Skill): Increases Stun Build-up by 500% against Fully Broken enemies.
Armour Breaker/Armour-Piercing Rounds (Skill): Directly hits to break Armour.
High-Velocity Rounds (Skill): Leverages the Fully Broken debuff for increased damage.
Resonating Shield (Skill): Utilizes weapon slams to create Armour-breaking shockwaves.
Devastate (Support): Inflicting heavy stun guarantees a full Armour break.
Armour Explosion (Support): Triggers explosive effects upon complete Armour breaks.

What It Means to Be Fully Broken

Once a target’s Armour is fully diminished, they enter the Fully Broken state, indicated by a red shield icon beneath their health. In this condition, the enemy is vulnerable, taking increased damage from Physical assaults and opening the door for other skills that capitalize on the Fully Broken status. For instance, the Sunder skill guarantees a critical hit when used against a Fully Broken target. Note that these potent effects will consume the Fully Broken debuff, thus restoring the target’s Armour, allowing for strategic gameplay.

Additionally, ascension classes in Path of Exile 2 may offer passives that amplify the Armour Break effect. The Warrior’s Warbringer ascension node enhances their capability to break Armour with each hit and further reduces it below zero, resulting in increased damage taken by enemies. Both the Armour Break and Fully Broken statuses generally persist for 12 seconds, but their duration can be extended through specific passive skill nodes.

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