Here’s a full explanation of the Passive Skill Tree
Overwhelmed by the Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2?Path of Exile 2features a truly gigantic Passive Skill Tree that looks more like a series of constellations than anything else. While players who experiencedPath of Exile1 may be familiar with this node-filled thing of beauty, newcomers to the franchise are likely going to be struck speechless by the array of choices available.
The good news about this Passive Skill Tree is that it’s much more intimidating upon first glance than it is in actuality. No node on the skill tree is useless, and you can respec your nodes at will as long as you’ve got a bit of gold to spare. If you’re still intimidated, read on - in this guide we’ll providea full explanation of the Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2and give you some handy tips that’ll help whether you’re a newbie or an ARPG veteran.
Path of Exile 2 Passive Skill Tree: Everything you need to know
In Path of Exile 2, all classes share the same giant Passive Skill Tree, which is filled with various nodes. You gain a Passive Skill Tree point every time you level up, and you can exchange a point for a node to strengthen your character. The nodes do everything from offering boosts to the game’s key Attributes to powering up summonable minions.
For in-depth explanations of the various aspects of the Passive Skill Tree, click on one of the following:
While all of Path of Exile 2’s classes share the Passive Skill Tree, their starting routes are pre-determined, as each section of the tree roughly corresponds with one of the game’s three Attributes - Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. While the classes are start in different places, it’s theoretically doable for a single class to take every single node on the tree, or for an Intelligence-specialising Sorceress to make her way down to the Strength section and become melee-focused. Anything is possible!
Nodes on the Passive Skill Tree encompass the following types:
In Path of Exile 2,your chosen skills on the Passive Skill Tree are linked with your weapon specialisation, which refers to whatever weapon you’ve currently got equipped. This system grants you an excellent degree of flexibility. You can have one set of Strength-based nodes active for a sword, for instance, and an entirely different set of Dexterity-based nodes active for a bow that you keep for backup just in case a little range is necessary.
Any character can equip a secondary set of weapons for both their primary hand and off-hand on the inventory screen. Once you do so, open up the Passive Skill Tree and you’ll see the option in the upper right corner to choose your Passive Skills based onWeapon Set IorWeapon Set II. Any nodes you select for a second weapon set will appear connected by a different colour on the Passive Skill Tree.
You aren’t locked into your skills in Path of Exile 2. Once you’ve progressed past a certain point in Act I and saved the Hooded One - the cryptic figure nailed to a tree in the game’s introduction - you’ll be able to visit him in town and select theRefund Passivesoption.
The cost of refunding passives changes depending on how far into the Passive Skill Tree you’ve progressed, but be prepared to pay at least 247 gold per node in the early game. This might seem a bit pricey at first, but it’s a small amount to pay for the ability to completely respec your character if need be.
That concludes our look at everything you need to know about Path of Exile 2’s Passive Skill Tree. If you need more assistance, check out our guide onwhat to do first in Path of Exile 2, ourclass tier list, our guide tocrafting, and our rundown of characterAttributes.
