Accuracy is a vital stat in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) that directly affects your ability to land attacks. While commonly associated with ranged combat, it’s equally important for melee builds. Without sufficient Accuracy, your attacks may frequently miss, reducing your damage output and overall effectiveness in battle. This guide explores the mechanics of Accuracy, its impact on gameplay, and the best ways to improve it for both ranged and melee builds.
Accuracy and Hit Chance
Accuracy determines the likelihood that your basic attacks will successfully hit their target. The game calculates hit chance by comparing your Accuracy rating against the target’s Evasion rating. This calculation applies to both ranged and melee attacks, making it a key stat for any build relying on basic attacks.
- Ranged Builds: Accuracy is critical for ranged weapons, where missing shots due to low Accuracy can severely hinder your DPS (damage per second). Additionally, distance may affect your ability to hit evasive enemies, further emphasizing the need for a high Accuracy rating.
- Melee Builds: Although melee attacks often seem more reliable, Accuracy still determines whether your strikes connect. Against enemies with high Evasion, a low Accuracy rating can result in frequent misses, reducing your effectiveness in close combat.
Pro Tip: Always monitor your hit chance percentage on the character stats screen. Aim for 100% hit chance whenever possible to maximize your build’s potential.
How to Improve Accuracy
Boosting your Accuracy rating is essential to ensure consistent damage output. Here are the main ways to improve it:
1. Passive Skill Tree
The Passive Skill Tree contains numerous nodes that increase Accuracy Rating. Look for nodes that provide:
- % increased Accuracy Rating
- Combined bonuses to Accuracy and Attack Speed for enhanced synergy.
2. Dexterity
Dexterity is the primary attribute tied to Accuracy. Each point of Dexterity grants +5 Accuracy, making it a crucial stat for many builds. Consider these strategies to increase Dexterity:
- Equip gear with Dexterity bonuses.
- Allocate passive skills that enhance Dexterity or provide attribute increases.
- Use Dexterity-supporting gems to further bolster this stat.
3. Gear and Modifiers
Certain gear pieces provide direct boosts to Accuracy. Look for:
- Weapons and armor with +X to Accuracy Rating or % increased Accuracy Rating modifiers.
- Unique items with special Accuracy-related bonuses.
4. Additional Methods
- Auras and Buffs: Skills like Precision can provide a significant Accuracy boost.
- Jewels: Socket jewels with Accuracy-enhancing modifiers into your Passive Skill Tree.
Ranged Build Tip: Prioritize Dexterity-based items and nodes in the Passive Skill Tree to maintain high Accuracy and consistent damage output.
Melee Build Tip: Even if your primary focus is Strength, consider investing in Dexterity nodes or hybrid gear to ensure your melee strikes hit consistently.
Aiming in Path of Exile 2
While Accuracy determines whether an attack lands, it doesn’t influence the direction of ranged attacks. In Path of Exile 2, ranged attacks fire in the direction your character is facing, and the auto-lock system targets the nearest enemy within range.
- Auto-Lock: When aiming a ranged weapon, stopping your movement before attacking helps the auto-lock system focus on your target. However, whether the attack hits or misses depends entirely on your Accuracy stat.
Final Thoughts
Accuracy is a core mechanic that can’t be overlooked in Path of Exile 2. Whether you’re using a ranged bow or swinging a melee weapon, ensuring your attacks connect is crucial to optimizing your damage.
Keep an eye on your hit chance, invest in Accuracy through passive skills, Dexterity, and gear, and aim to maintain a 100% hit chance for smooth gameplay.
Prepare wisely, and may your attacks always strike true in Path of Exile 2!
