Exploring the Depths of POE 2: The Infernalist Playstyle
In the vast and intricate world of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), players are constantly discovering new ways to navigate the game’s complex mechanics and character builds. Among the many playstyles and classes, the Infernalist has emerged as a fascinating and powerful choice for those who enjoy mastering chaos and fire. This article delves into the Infernalist playstyle, exploring its mechanics, strengths, and the strategies that make it a formidable force in the world of Wraeclast.
What is the Infernalist in POE 2?
The Infernalist is a unique playstyle that revolves around the mastery of fire and chaos. It is not a traditional class but rather a build that players can craft by combining specific skills, ascendancies, and gear. The Infernalist is ideal for players who enjoy dealing massive area-of-effect damage while maintaining a high level of mobility and survivability. This playstyle is particularly popular in POE 2 due to its flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for both new and experienced players.
Core Mechanics of the Infernalist
The Infernalist build primarily focuses on fire and chaos damage, utilizing skills that create large-scale destruction on the battlefield. One of the defining features of this playstyle is its reliance on Ignite and Scorch mechanics, which allow players to apply persistent damage over time to enemies. Additionally, the Infernalist excels at clearing large groups of enemies quickly, thanks to its area-of-effect capabilities.
Key Skills and Abilities:
Flameblast: A powerful area-of-effect skill that unleashes a devastating explosion of fire, dealing massive damage to all enemies within its radius.
Summon Flame Golem: Provides both damage and utility by summoning a golem that fights alongside the player and grants energy regeneration.
Wave of Conviction: Enhances the player’s damage output while also applying a debuff to enemies, making them more vulnerable to fire damage.
Why Choose the Infernalist?
The Infernalist playstyle offers several advantages that make it a popular choice in POE 2. Firstly, its ability to deal massive area-of-effect damage makes it highly efficient at clearing large groups of enemies, which is particularly useful in the game’s later stages. Secondly, the build’s focus on fire and chaos damage allows for a high level of customization, enabling players to tailor their gear and skills to suit their preferred playstyle.
Moreover, the Infernalist is relatively easy to gear for, especially in the early game. Players can start with basic fire spells and gradually transition into more complex and powerful abilities as they progress through the game. This scalability ensures that the build remains relevant and effective throughout the game’s various acts and challenges.
Challenges and Tips for Playing the Infernalist
While the Infernalist is a powerful and enjoyable playstyle, it does come with its own set of challenges. One of the primary difficulties is managing the build’s mana and energy resources, as many of the skills require significant investment to maintain. Players must carefully balance their offensive capabilities with defensive measures, such as life regeneration and resistances, to ensure they can survive the game’s tougher encounters.
Tips for Success:
Invest in Life and Resistance Gear: While dealing damage is crucial, surviving encounters is equally important. Ensure that your gear provides adequate life and resistance to the elements.
Experiment with Skill Combos: The Infernalist playstyle thrives on synergy between skills. Experiment with different skill combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
Utilize Mobility Skills: Skills like Dash or Flame Dash can help you navigate the battlefield quickly and avoid dangerous mechanics.
Case Study: The Infernalist in Action
To illustrate the effectiveness of the Infernalist playstyle, consider the following scenario: during a high-level delve into the Azurite Mine, the player encounters a large group of Beyond Demons. By using Flameblast to ignite the enemies and following up with Wave of Conviction, the player can quickly clear the area while avoiding taking excessive damage. The Summon Flame Golem provides additional damage and energy regeneration, allowing the player to sustain their offensive capabilities throughout the encounter.
Conclusion
The Infernalist playstyle in POE 2 offers a unique and rewarding experience for players who enjoy mastering fire and chaos. With its focus on area-of