Everything to know about Path of Exile 2’s passive skill tree

Creating the type of character you want plays a huge role in Path of Exile 2 ^[1]. With so many different classes to choose from, many players assume that a character’s class is the only thing that determines what sort of play style that character has. However, things go way above that with proper gear and skills to unlock.

Today, we want to dive deep into passive skill trees in Path of Exile 2. This includes what the passive skill tree is in the game and how players can understand the layout and attributes. Additionally, we’ll also cover what types of nodes are on the passive skill tree and how players can respec it if they want, especially for beginners.

So, without further ado, here’s everything players need to know about the passive skill tree in Path of Exile 2.

What is the Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2?

Path of Exile 2 has a Passive Skill Tree system that lets players make almost whatever build they desire. It’s an essential feature that fans must learn because that’s how they can progress their character by shaping their abilities and strengths. Although every class shares the Passive Skill Tree, the starting area depends on what class the player is using, allowing diverse builds.

The Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 is designed to align with the game's three main attributes. The main attributes are Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Every time the player levels up, they’ll get one Passive Skill Tree point they can spend to activate nodes. These nodes can strengthen attributes, give bonuses, or unlock skills that can change the gameplay.

Understanding the Passive Skill Tree’s layout and attributes

The Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 is split into numerous sections, representing different attributes depending on the starting class.

• Top-middle: The top middle area only focuses on Intelligence nodes, making it a perfect path to go towards if the player is using the Sorceress or the Witch class.
• Top-right: The upper right area combines Intelligence and Dexterity, so it’s a great upgrade path for players using the Monk class since they need agility and magic.
• Top-left: This section emphasizes Intelligence and Strength nodes. Gamers using hybrid builds, like Warriors, who want to cast spells while being good at melee combat, will love this side.
• Bottom-middle: This area mixes Dexterity and Strength, so it’s the starting point for the Mercenary class, which uses both attributes.
• Bottom-right: The bottom right section focuses on Dexterity, the perfect attribute for gamers using the Ranger class.
• Bottom-left: Strength dominates the bottom left area of the Passive Skill Tree, so gamers building a Strength-based build will love this side.

Although every class starts in a predefined section, players can upgrade beyond that area, providing flexibility. After spending enough Passive Skill points, players can navigate across sections. For example, an Intelligence-based Sorceress can start buying Strength nodes to create an unconventional melee-focused build. This flexibility allows players to create unique builds, although unrecommended for beginners.

What types of nodes are on the Passive Skill Tree?

Nodes in the Passive Skill Tree are split into four main types, all with different uses.

• Attribute Nodes: Attribute nodes are represented by the cross symbol, and they give +5 points to Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence. They are placed throughout the tree linearly to allow players to strengthen these attributes.
• Minor Nodes: Minor nodes give small, targeted bonuses to specific stats or skills. For example, the Spell and Minion Damage node will increase spell damage and minion damage by 8%, so it’s a nice option for someone with a summoner-based class.
• Major Nodes: Major nodes are located close to these nodes, providing bigger bonuses to the same skill or stat. For example, the Power of the Dead node buffs minion damage by 15% and increases attack and cast speed by 3%, so it’s a great investment for players focusing on a minion-focused build.
• Keystone Nodes: Keystone nodes are unique nodes usually found at intersections or the end of tree paths. They give bonuses to players, like the Raw Destruction node, which increases Spell Damage and Minion Damage by 16% and adds +10% to Intelligence. These are probably the most essential nodes since they define builds.

Weapon Specialization and Node Flexibility

A great thing about the Passive Skill Tree is that it works with the weapon specialization system. Whatever nodes a player activates are linked to the weapon they have equipped, increasing flexibility.

Players can equip a secondary weapon set that lets them assign sets of nodes for each weapon. This mechanic enables dynamic build-switching, depending on the situation. For example, someone using the Warrior class can focus on Strength-based nodes for melee combat with a sword, then switch to Dexterity-based nodes for bows and other long-ranged weapons.

The Passive Skill Tree represents these configurations with different colors, allowing players to track and manage different setups.

How can players respec if they want to change their build?

Path of Exile 2 allows players to respec Passive Skill Tree nodes later in the game. After completing a quest in Act 1, they unlock an NPC called the Hooded One, who stays in town. Gamers can interact with him and spend gold to refund nodes so they can use those skill points in something else.

Alternatively, players can also use Orbs of Regret to refund one passive skill point. Players can farm Orbs of Regret to refund all the passive skill points they want to respec their build essentially. This can come in handy in case players mess up their character’s build or accidentally unlock passive skills they don’t like.

References

1. [1] "Official PoE 2 website". pathofexile2.com. Retrieved December 15, 2024