One of the most exciting aspects of Path of Exile 2 is the sheer variety of playstyles and character builds that players can experiment with. While the game’s vast skill tree and Ascendancy classes allow for a rich diversity of gameplay options, there is something particularly thrilling about crafting a character based on an intriguing power fantasy—one that allows you to break the established rules of the game. In this regard, the Giant’s Blood Keystone is one of the most exciting and game-changing mechanics in Path of Exile 2, offering players the ability to wield two-handed weapons with poe 2 exalted orb sale a single hand. This opens up a world of possibilities that was previously unheard of, and it takes Path of Exile 2‘s build crafting to a whole new level.
The Power Fantasy of Giant’s Blood
In many video games and fictional universes, we often see larger-than-life characters wielding enormous weapons with ease, as if they were as light as a feather. Path of Exile 2 gives players the chance to live out this power fantasy by allowing them to wield two-handed weapons in one hand. This ability is granted through the Giant’s Blood Keystone passive, located in the bottom-left portion of the skill tree.
But how does it work? When you pick up the Giant’s Blood Keystone, it allows you to wield any two-handed weapon with just one hand. This means you can dual-wield two massive two-handed weapons or use a single two-handed weapon in combination with a shield. While this sounds incredibly powerful, it does come with significant trade-offs that add layers of complexity to the build.
The Mechanics and Drawbacks of Giant’s Blood
The main drawback of Giant’s Blood is tied to the attribute requirements of two-handed weapons. Normally, two-handed weapons require a significant amount of Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence to equip. However, with Giant’s Blood active, these requirements are tripled, meaning you need to invest heavily into the attributes needed to wield such weapons. For instance, a two-handed weapon like the Crumbling Maul, which typically requires 88 Strength at level 38, will now require 252 Strength to equip with the Keystone. This can make reaching the necessary attribute thresholds a challenging task and often requires players to focus on attribute investments, whether through gear or passive skill tree nodes.
Another way to unlock Giant’s Blood earlier in the game is by using the Treefingers Unique Item. This pair of gloves can unlock the Giant’s Blood Keystone, bypassing the need for extensive investment into the skill tree. Players can use Treefingers as early as level 11, making it a potential game-changer if you want to experiment with this powerful mechanic early on.
Why is Giant’s Blood a Great Keystone?
Despite the steep attribute requirements, Giant’s Blood opens up a wealth of potential for build diversity and gameplay freedom. Traditionally, wielding a two-handed weapon in Path of Exile means giving up the ability to use a shield, leaving you more vulnerable to attacks in exchange for higher damage output. However, with Giant’s Blood, this trade-off is mitigated. You can choose between dual-wielding two-handed weapons for maximum damage or combining a two-handed weapon with a shield for increased defense. This gives players the ability to experiment with different combinations and find the balance that best suits their playstyle.
Moreover, as Path of Exile 2 evolves, the inclusion of more weapon types—such as Swords and Spears—will further expand the possibilities for Giant’s Blood builds. The addition of new Unique Items tied to these weapon types will offer even more customization, allowing players to explore even more powerful combinations.
The visual impact of wielding massive weapons with a single hand is also worth noting. In Path of Exile 2, many of the bosses are much larger than the player character. When you wield two-handed weapons in one hand, it helps reduce the visual disparity between the player’s size and that of the massive bosses, adding a certain sense of “cool factor” that makes your character feel more imposing.
Building Around Giant’s Blood
Building around Giant’s Blood requires careful consideration of your attributes, gear, and overall build strategy. Since you need to meet the increased attribute requirements of two-handed weapons, you’ll likely have to prioritize Strength or Dexterity, depending on your weapon choice. You may also need to carefully select passive tree nodes that enhance your attribute bonuses or support your specific weapon of choice.
When planning your build, it’s essential to consider how you’ll manage the defensive trade-offs of wielding massive weapons. The decision to use a poe 2 currency with a two-handed weapon offers additional defense, but you’ll need to ensure that your build has enough survivability to handle tougher encounters. You may also want to focus on life leech, armor, or energy shield to make up for the reduced defenses typically associated with two-handed weapons.
How to Get Started with Giant’s Blood
If you’re ready to start experimenting with Giant’s Blood, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Unlocking the Keystone: You can either pick it up directly from the skill tree or use Treefingers, the Unique gloves, to unlock it early.
- Attribute Management: Make sure you have a strategy for meeting the tripled attribute requirements of two-handed weapons. You may need to focus on Strength or Dexterity or equip items that boost your attributes.
- Choosing Your Weapons: You can either dual-wield two-handed weapons for maximum damage output or use a shield for additional defense.
- Defensive Considerations: Since wielding two-handed weapons usually means giving up shields, make sure your build includes defensive layers, whether that’s through armor, evasion, or life leech.
Conclusion
Giant’s Blood is one of the most exciting and unique mechanics in Path of Exile 2. The ability to wield two-handed weapons in one hand gives players a chance to fully embrace their power fantasies, whether that means dual-wielding massive weapons or combining offense and defense with a two-handed weapon and a shield. While the attribute requirements and the build complexity can be challenging, the rewards are well worth it for those who want to break the mold and create something truly powerful.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into Path of Exile 2 and explore more build possibilities, consider checking out sites like u4gm, where you can find additional guides, path of exile 2 currency, and advice for creating the best builds. With Path of Exile 2 still evolving, the future holds even more exciting possibilities, and there’s no better time to start experimenting with powerful, unique builds like those enabled by Giant’s Blood.
If you want to know more, you can read this article: How to Get Divine Orbs in Path of Exile 2: The Ultimate Guide