Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) expands on the deep mechanics that made the original game so engaging, and one of the standout features is Anointing. This mechanic allows players to gain the benefits of powerful Notable Passive Skills without needing to path to them on the Passive Skill Tree. Anointing offers a high degree of flexibility, and when done correctly, it can significantly boost your damage, survivability, or utility. In this guide, we’ll break down how Anointing works, the role of Distilled Emotions, and how to pick the best Anoints for your build.
What is Anointing in Path of Exile 2?
Anointing in PoE 2 allows players to apply Notable Passive Skills to specific items—primarily Amulets and Waystones—without needing to allocate skill points or connect them to your Passive Skill Tree. This mechanic has been a staple of PoE since its original iteration, but in PoE 2, it’s been refined for better balance and effectiveness.
For example, if you’re struggling with Mana sustain in a build, you can use the Frazzled Anoint on your amulet to gain increased Mana Regeneration and enhance the magnitude of Shock. This provides a massive improvement for mana-hungry builds like Stormweaver, making your playstyle smoother and more efficient.
However, one significant change in PoE 2 is that Anointing is no longer available on Rings or Blight-specific Towers. Now, Amulets and Waystones are the exclusive items that can be Anointed. This makes the choice of Anoint even more important, as each one can have a dramatic effect on your character’s power.
How to Anoint Items in Path of Exile 2
Anointing is straightforward but requires certain steps and resources. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Obtain Oils
Oils are the key material needed for Anointing. They come in different rarities, from basic ones like Clear Oil to rarer ones like Opalescent Oil and Golden Oil. You can acquire oils in several ways:
- Blight Encounters: These endgame encounters drop oils, and the higher the difficulty, the rarer the oils.
- Trading with other players: Use PoE 2 Currency like Chaos Orbs or Exalted Orbs to purchase oils.
- Vendors: Certain NPC vendors will sell oils during questlines, though these are typically lower-tier.
2. Access the Anointing Bench
Once you’ve acquired oils, head to the Anointing Bench in your hideout or one of the PoE 2 towns. Interact with it to bring up the Anointing interface.
3. Choose an Item to Anoint
You can only Anoint Amulets and Waystones in PoE 2, so make sure your item is eligible. Place it into the Anointing slot.
4. Select a Notable Passive Skill
Each Notable Passive requires a specific combination of oils. Some combinations are easier to obtain than others, and you may need to consult guides or experiment to figure out which ones work best for your build. Once you’ve selected your oils, you can choose a Notable Passive to apply.
5. Finalize the Anointing
After you’ve selected the oils and Notable Passive, confirm the Anointing. The Notable Passive will be added to your item, granting its benefits for as long as you use it.
What is Distilled Emotions?
Distilled Emotions is a rare oil in PoE 2 that has a special function: it allows players to apply high-tier Notable Passive Skills that are otherwise unavailable through regular oil combinations. This makes it one of the most valuable oils in the game, especially for players looking to optimize their builds.
Getting your hands on Distilled Emotions can be tricky. It’s primarily dropped during high-end Blight encounters or certain boss fights. However, it can also be traded, though the price is usually steep due to its rarity and usefulness.
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Best Anoints in Path of Exile 2
Choosing the right Anoint for your build is crucial. The Anoint you pick will depend on your character’s needs—whether you need more damage, defense, or utility. Here are some of the most popular and effective Anoints in PoE 2:
1. Frazzled
- Bonus: Increased Mana Regeneration + Enhanced Shock Magnitude
- Ideal For: Mana-intensive builds like Stormweaver or any spellcasting build relying on frequent skill usage.
2. Constitution
- Bonus: Significant boost to maximum Life.
- Ideal For: Tanky builds or those that require more survivability in high-damage situations.
3. Heart of Ice
- Bonus: Increases Cold Damage + Freeze-related bonuses.
- Ideal For: Cold-based builds such as those focused on Ice Spear or Freezing Pulse.
4. Deadly Draw
- Bonus: Increased Projectile Damage + Increased Accuracy.
- Ideal For: Bow builds or any character using projectile-based attacks.
5. Charisma
- Bonus: Reduces Mana Reservation Cost of Skills.
- Ideal For: Aura-heavy builds that rely on a large number of auras or buffs.
6. Righteous Decree
- Bonus: Increases Mana + Reduces Mana Costs.
- Ideal For: Builds that are mana-intensive and need better efficiency to spam abilities.
Using poe 2 currency for Anointing
To Anoint your items, you’ll often need to trade for oils, especially rarer ones like Golden Oil or Distilled Emotions. The most common PoE 2 Currency for trades are:
- Chaos Orbs: Used for mid-tier oils.
- Exalted Orbs: Typically used for high-tier oils or valuable items like Distilled Emotions.
- Divine Orbs: Sometimes used for the most expensive trades.
When farming oils, focus on Blight Encounters or Blight Maps, as these offer the best chances to acquire rare oils. Trading for oils with other players is another viable option, especially if you’re looking for specific Notables or higher-tier oils.
Final Thoughts
Anointing in Path of Exile 2 offers players a powerful way to fine-tune their builds, granting them Notable Passive Skills without the need to allocate additional skill points. Whether you’re optimizing for damage, survivability, or utility, Anointing can make a huge difference in your gameplay.
To make the most out of this feature, you’ll need to collect oils, including rarer ones like Distilled Emotions, and understand the combinations that work best for your build. Trading PoE 2 Currency with other players can help you acquire the specific oils you need, allowing you to focus on optimizing your character for the challenges that lie ahead.
For those looking to fast-track their PoE 2 experience or purchase rare oils for Anointing, U4GM is a great resource to check out. They offer competitive prices on cheap poe2 currency and other essential items, ensuring you can get the materials you need without the grind.