Path of Exile: Affliction is an exhilarating extension of the free-to-play action role-playing game, where survival in the treacherous land of Wraeclast is paramount. Players can choose from a variety of roles, including Marauder, Duelist, Ranger, Scion, Shadow, Templar, and Witch, each catering to different playstyles. For those seeking both intense PvP and PvE encounters without the fear of perishing, the Marauder class, known for its exceptional tankiness, is an excellent choice.
However, to fully unleash the potential of these formidable classes, players must leverage a wide array of in-game items. Among the most formidable tanks in Path of Exile is the Juggernaut, capable of dealing devastating damage while effortlessly shrugging off enemy attacks. To achieve optimal performance with this class, a solid understanding of the meta is essential.
Path of Exile offers a diverse selection of weapons for players to wield in their quest to annihilate foes. As a tank class, the Marauder utilizes melee weapons such as maces and axes, benefiting from its high HP pool to endure incoming damage. While the pool of viable melee skills is relatively limited, the Boneshatter skill stands out as a powerful choice for Juggernauts.
Boneshatter is a melee skill that inflicts substantial damage and triggers an area-of-effect pulse when enemies are stunned by the attack. Its primary damage mechanism revolves around trauma stacking. Each successful hit on enemies not only damages them but also increases the user’s trauma. As trauma accumulates, the user’s physical damage amplifies, but they also suffer increased damage in return.
The Juggernaut class is particularly well-suited for utilizing this skill, as their exceptional tankiness enables them to withstand the trauma damage. Although the class itself is formidable and can effectively wield the Boneshatter skill, constructing a robust build is crucial to maximizing its potential.
Survivability in this Path of Exile build predominantly relies on armor and overhealing. The skill’s area-of-effect damage makes it highly effective in various quests. However, players should exercise caution, as overhealing does not persist upon entering a new map.
Gears and Gems for the Boneshatter Juggernaut in Path of Exile:
Despot Axe: This dual-handed axe grants a 60% increase in physical damage and a +137 accuracy rating. Additionally, it improves attack speed and the chance to impale enemies with each strike.
Royal Burgonet: This helmet converts 9–10% of physical damage taken into life, facilitating the utilization of trauma stacks. It also provides an 85 increase to maximum life and grants 40–45% cold, fire, and lightning resistance.
Devout Chainmail: This body armor enhances armor and energy shield by 150–250%. It includes 17–29% chaos resistance and regenerates 3% health per second.
Amethyst Ring: This ring offers 17–23% chaos resistance and a 332 accuracy rating. It provides 40% cold and lightning resistance and increases maximum life by 55–60.
Turquoise Amulet: This amulet grants a 16–24% increase in dexterity and intelligence, allowing for more gem allocations. It also increases maximum life by 41–55 and accuracy rating by 320.
Tanu Ahi: These gauntlets provide an 8–12% increase in attack speed, as well as a 100–150% boost to armor and evasion. Additionally, they convert 2–3% of damage dealt into life and have a 10% chance to gain adrenaline and onslaught when leech is removed.
Stygian Vise: This belt enhances the user’s maximum health by 85 and offers 31–35% chaos resistance and 45% fire resistance.
Vaal Greaves: These boots reduce the chances of being shocked by 39–41% and increase life generation by 8%. They also augment movement speed by 25% and provide 25% chaos resistance and 44% fire resistance.
Skill gems are essential for unleashing a wide range of abilities in the game. Here are some recommended gems for the Boneshatter Juggernaut build:
Divergent Boneshatter: Enhances AoE damage, physical damage, and damage per trauma.
Ancestral Protector: Summons a totem that delivers melee attacks against enemies while increasing the user’s attack speed.
Determination: Amplifies the armor of the user and their allies within a specific radius.
Phantasmal Leap Slam: Allows the user to strike enemies, knocking them back and dealing substantial damage.
Cast When Damage Taken: Automatically triggers a linked skill when the user suffers a specific amount of damage.
While the Boneshatter Juggernautbuild excels at clearing large mobs in Path of Exile, it may not deal the same level of damage to single targets. While the aforementioned build provides optimal damage output, players can explore various other builds and experiment with this tanky powerhouse and its incredibly destructive skill. MMOexp’s POE Currency Orbs can help speed up your builds!
