In Path of Exile 2, one of the notable new modifiers that players will encounter is "Hexproof." This modifier has a significant impact on gameplay, particularly regarding builds and boss fights. For players crafting their builds and preparing for endgame content, understanding how Hexproof works is crucial to ensure success in a variety of scenarios.
What is Hexproof?
Hexproof is a modifier that prevents an entity from being affected by hex curses. In Path of Exile 2, curses like Flammability, Elemental Weakness, Vulnerability, and others can have a massive impact on gameplay. These curses typically reduce the resistance or damage mitigation of enemies, making it easier for players to deal damage and survive. When an enemy or boss is Hexproof, these curses no longer work on them.
Impact on Builds
Hexproof introduces a new layer of complexity when designing builds. For players who rely heavily on curses to lower enemies' resistances or defenses, facing Hexproof monsters means losing out on a crucial part of their strategy. This can cause a significant shift in the way a build is played. For instance:
Curse-based Builds: Builds that focus on applying curses to reduce enemies' resistances or increase the damage they take will find Hexproof foes to be a major challenge. Players who rely on curses will need to look for ways to work around the Hexproof modifier. This could mean incorporating other debuffs, like Frostbite or Scorch, that are not technically classified as curses, or turning to other means of resistance reduction like Elemental Penetration.
Defensive Builds: For players focusing on survivability, curses are often used to mitigate the damage they take. With Hexproof enemies, these builds might struggle to achieve their desired tankiness, especially if they lack other means of defense like Fortify or Armor. Therefore, adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the build remains viable when facing Hexproof foes.
Offensive Builds: On the flip side, offensive builds might not be as affected by Hexproof as curse-based or defensive builds. If your damage output doesn’t rely on applying curses to the enemy, then you might not even notice the effect of Hexproof. This could make Hexproof monsters more of a minor inconvenience than a true challenge.
Hexproof in Boss Fights
Boss fights in PoE 2 often introduce additional modifiers that challenge players to adapt and react strategically. Hexproof is no exception. Some bosses will have the Hexproof modifier, which can change the dynamics of the fight.
Strategic Cursing: In many endgame boss encounters, players rely on specific curses to weaken bosses and make the fight more manageable. Hexproof bosses negate this advantage, meaning that players will need to either rethink their curse application or use different methods to reduce the boss's resistances.
Boss Mechanics: Some bosses in PoE 2 may even have abilities that trigger when players attempt to curse them, making Hexproof a part of the broader mechanics that players must account for. For instance, a boss might counter the application of certain debuffs, including curses, forcing players to adjust their strategy on the fly.
Preparing for Hexproof Bosses: When preparing for a boss fight that is known to be Hexproof, players can opt for gear that boosts damage penetration, elemental resistances, or other forms of debuffing that bypass Hexproof. Additionally, using powerful active skills that don't rely on curses can ensure that damage output remains unaffected.
How Hexproof Affects the Economy
As players gear up to face Hexproof bosses and enemies, they may look to modify their builds to counteract this modifier. The demand for specific items that help bypass or mitigate Hexproof, such as Elemental Penetration gear or specific flasks, could increase the value of certain items in the market. For those looking to buy or sell POE 2 currency, this could lead to fluctuations in item prices, depending on the meta and build preferences surrounding Hexproof enemies.
Hexproof in PoE 2 introduces a unique challenge for players, particularly those who rely heavily on curses to manage enemies. Its impact on builds can be significant, especially for curse-dependent setups, while boss fights featuring Hexproof modifiers require careful preparation and strategy. By adjusting builds and gearing up appropriately, players can overcome this challenge and continue to progress through the game's toughest content. Be sure to stay updated on changes to the Hexproof mechanic as new patches are released, as it will undoubtedly influence both gameplay and the in-game economy, including POE 2 currency trading.