Summary
One could argue that one of the most fun or even the most important parts of thePath of Exile 2experience, much like its predecessor, is building out characters following specific concepts and power fantasies. These don’t have to be tied to one’s starting class and chosen Ascendancy, either, as the Witch’s Chronomancer Ascendancy proves that even non-melee-focused classes can wield two-handed weapons and fight at close quarters.Path of Exile 2’s buildswill evolve further in the future, as the game is supposed to launch six more base classes with their associated weapon types and Ascendancies, taking things to the next level. Still, even now, players can use a unique and well-implemented power fantasy that not many games include.
The best ways to change how to playPath of Exile 2are Unique Items, Ascendancy classes, and Keystone passives on the skill tree. This is because these three possible build choices all have the ability to change the rules of the game, such as The Everlasting Gaze Unique amulet allowing players to add a percentage of their Mana to their Energy Shield, which works even if one picks the Eldritch Battery Keystone. Yet, a great power fantasy the game offers is tied to the Giant’s Blood Keystone, which allows players to use two-handed weapons in one hand.
How Giant’s Blood Changes Path of Exile 2’s Rules
It’s not uncommon to see fictional characters wield comically large weapons in a single hand, at times even in video games, and thisPath of Exile 2Keystone passivedoes exactly that. Giant’s Blood is located in the bottom-left part of the skill tree, and it allows players to wield two-handed weapons in one hand, meaning they can either dual-wield two huge weapons or wield one with a shield. This is an incredible feat in the game and an equally powerful Keystone, though sacrifices must be made.
Giant’s Blood can also be obtained with the Treefingers Unique Item, which unlocks the Keystone regardless of the players' current place on the skill tree. These gloves can be used as early as level 11.
Giant’s Blood’s Drawbacks in Path of Exile 2 Explained
Much like most of the Keystones inPath of Exile 2, Giant’s Blood comes with a drawback, which is that players need three times the attribute requirements of any two-handed weapon they intend on using. For example, a level 38 Crumbling Maul that can normally be used with 88 Strength requires players 252 Strength instead, with Giant’s Blood unlocked, which can be a daunting task. EvenPath of Exile 2’s Unique Itemslike Meginord’s Girdle and The Vertex can only help so much, and a Giant’s Blood build will need to spec into attributes one way or the other.
Why Giant’s Blood is a Great Keystone in Path of Exile 2
Even with the drawbacks, Giant’s Blood is a great buildcrafting tool because it unlocks many options. Normally, two-handed weapons come with the downside of not allowing players to usePath of Exile 2’s shields and foci, thus giving up some defenses for what is typically more offense. In the case of Giant’s Blood, players once again have the opportunity to choose between going ultra-offensive by dual-wielding two-handed weapons or using one with a shield.
Not only that, but there will be more scenarios where Giant’s Blood becomes even more interesting further down the line when weapon types like Swords and Spears are added, as there will also be more Uniques to choose from. As it stands, Giant’s Blood can makePath of Exile 2’s bossesfeel less imposing, as they are usually much bigger than the player character. Instead, dual-wielding two-handed weapons or using them with a shield helps reduce the visual impact of the bosses' size, to a degree, while also giving players new tools that were never previously available inPath of Exile.
Path of Exile II
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more. Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
