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Introduction
In Path of Exile (PoE), mastering the use of Fortify can significantly enhance your survivability, especially for melee characters who engage in close combat. Fortify grants a defensive buff that reduces incoming damage, which becomes essential in end-game content where enemies deal overwhelming physical damage. Understanding how to use Fortify effectively, which builds benefit most from it, and the strategies involved is crucial for both new and experienced players. This guide will explore everything you need to know about Fortify in PoE, including optimal builds, mechanics, and strategies.
What is Fortify in PoE?
Overview of Fortify’s Mechanics
Fortify is a defensive mechanic that grants a 20% reduction in damage taken from hits for a short duration. It is primarily designed to benefit melee characters by rewarding close combat. Players typically gain Fortify through certain skills, passive nodes, or equipment. Once triggered, it remains active for 4 seconds, encouraging constant engagement with enemies to maintain the buff.
How Fortify is Triggered
Players gain the Fortify buff through melee hits, typically using skills such as Shield Charge, Leap Slam, or Heavy Strike. However, specific skill gems and item modifiers have introduced more ways to activate Fortify, broadening its use beyond melee builds.
Best Builds for Utilizing Fortify
1. Champion Build
One of the most popular builds for utilizing Fortify is the Champion Ascendancy from the Duelist class. Champions gain permanent access to Fortify through the Ascendancy’s Unstoppable Hero and Fortitude nodes, making it a reliable source of defense. This build is ideal for tanky melee characters who need consistent mitigation during combat.
- Skills: Cyclone, Earthquake
- Strengths: Permanent Fortify, easy to maintain defenses
2. Juggernaut Build
Juggernauts, part of the Marauder class, are known for their durability. While they don’t have built-in Fortify like Champions, they can efficiently gain the buff through Warcry and Slam builds. The combination of Fortify and Juggernaut’s endurance charges makes these characters extremely resilient.
- Skills: Ground Slam, Leap Slam
- Strengths: High physical mitigation, excellent survivability
3. Dual-Wielding Cyclone Build
Cyclone builds are popular due to their mobility and ability to sustain Fortify. Dual-wielding weapons provide bonus attack speed, making it easier to hit enemies frequently and maintain Fortify. With proper gear, this build balances offense and defense effectively.
- Skills: Cyclone with Fortify Support
- Strengths: High uptime for Fortify, continuous movement
Strategies for Maintaining Fortify Buffs
1. Use Fortify Support Gem
The Fortify Support Gem is a reliable way to gain the buff while using melee attacks. By linking it to primary skills such as Cyclone or Heavy Strike, you ensure that each hit grants the Fortify buff. However, this comes at the cost of reduced damage output, as the gem provides fewer offensive bonuses compared to other support gems.
2. Movement Skills for Instant Fortify
Using movement skills like Leap Slam or Shield Charge is an effective way to gain Fortify quickly. These skills allow you to close the distance between enemies while simultaneously applying the buff. This approach is particularly useful in high-mobility builds where engaging enemies rapidly is essential.
3. Balancing Offense and Defense
It is crucial to maintain a balance between offense and defense when using Fortify. Some builds sacrifice too much damage output in favor of survivability, leading to longer fight durations. Choosing the right skill gems, gear, and passive nodes helps maintain a good balance between dealing damage and staying alive.
Equipment and Passive Nodes That Enhance Fortify
Key Items
- Kingmaker (Unique Axe): This item grants nearby allies the Fortify buff, making it a popular choice for support builds.
- Timeless Jewels: Certain Timeless Jewel configurations offer additional Fortify effects through the passive tree.
- Shaper-Influenced Items: These can provide modifiers that improve Fortify duration or effectiveness.
Passive Skill Tree Integration
There are several passive nodes that either enhance the duration of Fortify or improve its effect. For example, clusters within the Duelist or Marauder regions offer increased Fortify effectiveness, helping players maintain the buff more efficiently during combat.
Challenges and Limitations of Fortify
Although Fortify offers excellent defense, there are some challenges to consider. The primary limitation is that it only applies to damage from hits, meaning it does not mitigate damage over time (DoT) effects. Additionally, ranged builds typically struggle to trigger Fortify unless they incorporate specific movement skills or unique items.
Moreover, Fortify mechanics have evolved over time, and with recent patches, some builds have experienced changes in how they can access or maintain the buff. Staying updated on the latest patch notes is essential to ensure that your build remains effective.
Conclusion
Fortify is a crucial defensive mechanic in Path of Exile, particularly for melee characters. It provides substantial mitigation for physical damage, making it indispensable in many end-game builds. Champion and Juggernaut builds stand out as prime candidates for leveraging Fortify, while movement-based strategies such as Cyclone offer versatility in maintaining the buff. However, using Fortify effectively requires careful planning, including the selection of appropriate skills, support gems, and equipment. Understanding the nuances of this mechanic ensures that you maximize your survivability without sacrificing too much offensive potential.
By following this guide and exploring various builds and strategies, players can make the most of Fortify in PoE, enhancing both their damage mitigation and overall gameplay experience.
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