Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Axes and Swords in Path of Exile (POE):
Damage:
Axes: Generally have a higher base physical damage compared to swords. This makes them ideal for builds focused on raw physical damage output.
Swords: Have a slightly lower base physical damage but inherently possess a 25% bonus to accuracy. This can be beneficial for characters struggling to hit enemies consistently.
Implicit Modifiers:
Axes: Can have implicit modifiers that lean towards increased physical damage or increased elemental damage (Fire, Cold, Lightning).
Swords: May have implicit modifiers that grant increased critical strike chance or attack speed.
Skills:
Axes: Many skills naturally synergize well with axes due to their high physical damage potential. Examples include Cyclone, Ground Slam, Cleave, and Lacerate.
Swords: Several skills benefit from the inherent accuracy bonus of swords. These include Blade Flurry, Spectral Throw, and Lacerate (can be adapted for both weapon types).
Playstyle:
Axes: Often associated with a high damage, slower attack speed playstyle due to their focus on physical damage and area-of-effect skills.
Swords: Can facilitate a more versatile playstyle due to the accuracy bonus and the possibility of incorporating critical strike chance or attack speed builds.
Here’s a table summarizing the key points:
Feature
Axes
Swords
Base Physical Damage
Higher
Lower
Accuracy
Lower
Higher (25% bonus)
Implicit Modifiers
Physical Damage, Elemental Damage
Crit Chance, Attack Speed
Skills
Physical Damage oriented, Area of Effect
Versatile, Accuracy dependent
Playstyle
High Damage, Slower Attack Speed
More Versatile, Can be Crit or Attack Speed focused
Choosing Between Axe and Sword:
Physical Damage Builds: If focusing primarily on physical damage output, an Axe is generally the preferred choice due to its higher base damage.
Elemental Damage Builds: Both Axes and Swords can be viable for elemental damage builds depending on the specific element and desired playstyle.
Accuracy: If struggling with accuracy, a Sword’s inherent accuracy bonus can be advantageous.
Critical Strike Builds: Swords with inherent critical strike chance modifiers can be a good starting point for such builds.
Additional Considerations:
Ascendancy Class: Certain Ascendancy Classes within the Duelist archetype (e.g., Berserker, Gladiator) benefit from specific weapon types and have access to ascendancy nodes that enhance axe or sword wielding.
Crafting and Gear: Crafting options and available gear can influence the choice between Axe and Sword. A well-crafted Axe might outperform a Sword even for builds that could benefit from the Sword’s inherent accuracy.
Overall:
While Axes generally have a slight edge in terms of raw physical damage potential, Swords offer a more versatile option with their inherent accuracy bonus and the ability to facilitate various playstyles. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your desired build, Ascendancy Class, and the availability of suitable weapons and gear.
Remember, experimenting with both weapon types and exploring different build options is crucial to finding the playstyle that best suits your preferences in Path of Exile.
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