Path of Exile 2: Unlocking and Using Weapon Set Points

PoE 2 Weapon Set System

Path of Exile 2 introduces a new core mechanic: Weapon Set Points, designed to add greater customizability to character builds. In Path of Exile 1, players were often constrained by the number of skills their equipment could support and the limited Passive Points available, which encouraged focusing on a single playstyle.

With the new Weapon Set system in PoE 2, players now have the flexibility to explore multiple playstyles seamlessly.

Weapon Set Mechanic Overview

The Weapon Set system operates in two main ways:

• Weapon Set Passive Points
  • Characters gain access to a limited number of "Weapon Set" Passive Points.
  • These points allow you to essentially have two different Passive Trees that activate based on your equipped weapon set.
  • By the end of the Campaign, you will have 24 points for Weapon Set 1 and another 24 points for Weapon Set 2.
• Skill Loadouts for Weapon Sets
  • Skills can be assigned to either Weapon Set Loadout.
  • When using a skill assigned to a specific Weapon Set, your character will automatically swap to the corresponding weapon loadout.
  • Secondary weapon loadouts existed in PoE 1, but they were rarely utilized due to clunky mechanics requiring manual swaps. PoE 2 simplifies this by making weapon swaps automatic, triggered by simply using the skill.

Additional Notes

• There is a small delay when swapping weapons. To avoid interruptions, consider assigning certain skills to both Weapon Sets if they don’t depend on specific weapons. In this case, your character won’t swap weapons when using these skills but will still switch for other assigned abilities.
• This system allows for smoother gameplay, opening up opportunities to integrate multiple playstyles or utility skills without the need for manual toggling.

Weapon Set Example

One example showcased by GGG involves the Sorceress. Using the Weapon Set Tree, you can allocate Passive Points to specialize in both Lightning and Cold Damage.

When you swap weapons, the corresponding Passive Tree that matches the Skill Gem you’re using will automatically activate. This allows for seamless switching between damage types, enabling you to utilize multiple playstyles or respond dynamically to different combat situations.

Skill Gem Screen

In the bottom-right corner of the skill gem interface, you’ll notice an I and II with checkmarks. These allow you to assign a skill to a specific weapon set.

As mentioned earlier, this setup not only links your skills to a particular weapon set but also enables automatic switching between corresponding Passive Trees.

All characters in Path of Exile 2 can utilize this Weapon Set system, offering a wide range of possibilities. You can use it to enhance your build, create diverse undead armies as a Witch, or seamlessly alternate between single-target and AoE setups for different combat scenarios.

This feature introduces incredible flexibility and adds significant potential for unique and creative builds.

How to Get Weapon Set Points

Weapon Set Passive Points are earned by completing specific quests or side quests during the Campaign. These points allow you to allocate special Passive Points to your Weapon Set Trees. However, they can also be used as regular Passive Points, making them incredibly valuable to collect.

For a detailed breakdown of how to acquire these points, check out our guide on All Campaign Permanent Buffs.

How to Use Weapon Set Points

A common confusion for players is understanding how to use Weapon Set points effectively. To allocate these points, you’ll need to have regular Passive Points available. If you’ve already used all your regular points, you won’t be able to allocate Weapon Set points until you free some up.

To refund Passive Points, speak to The Hooded One in town or Doryani (found in Act 3 or your Hideout).

Once you have unallocated Passive Points, you can use them to assign Weapon Set Passive Points, enhancing your Weapon Set Trees.