How Path of Exile 2 Hits a Grand Slam With the Power Fantasy
One of the most thrilling aspects of Path of Exile 2, much like its predecessor, is its commitment to giving players the freedom to build characters around specific concepts and power fantasies. Whether it's channeling devastating magic, mastering ranged combat, or embodying an unstoppable melee force, the possibilities are almost limitless. What sets Path of Exile 2 apart, however, is its ability to empower players to break traditional boundaries, like the Witch's Chronomancer Ascendancy allowing a non-melee class to wield two-handed weapons.
The game's developers are continuing to expand this versatility, with plans for six more base classes, weapon types, and Ascendancy paths after launch. Even now, though, Path of Exile 2 has delivered one of its most unique and satisfying power fantasies: the Giant's Blood Keystone, which allows players to wield two-handed weapons in one hand. This seemingly outrageous concept is not just fun but also transformative in how it shifts the dynamics of gameplay and buildcrafting. Combined with tools like POE 2 Currency, Keystone passives, and Unique items, Giant's Blood introduces an entirely new layer of strategy to an already complex system.
Giant's Blood: Breaking the Rules of Path of Exile 2
In many games and fictional worlds, there's a specific allure to characters wielding comically large weapons effortlessly. It's a visual and thematic power fantasy that conveys strength and dominance. Path of Exile 2 takes this trope and transforms it into a fully playable reality with Giant's Blood, a Keystone located in the bottom-left portion of the skill tree.
When unlocked, Giant's Blood allows players to equip two-handed weapons in one hand. This opens up two new possibilities:
Dual-Wielding Two-Handed Weapons: Players can equip two massive weapons simultaneously, delivering devastating damage and embodying the ultimate offense-first strategy.
Two-Handed Weapon and Shield Combo: Alternatively, players can wield a two-handed weapon in one hand while pairing it with a shield, giving them a balance of offense and defense that isn't typically available with two-handed setups.
These options fundamentally change how builds can be crafted, enabling new approaches to gameplay that weren't previously possible in the Path of Exile universe.
The Trade-Offs of Giant's Blood
As powerful as it sounds, Giant's Blood comes with significant challenges to balance its overwhelming potential. The primary drawback is its steep attribute requirement. Players must meet three times the usual attribute thresholds for the two-handed weapon they intend to wield. For instance, a Crumbling Maul that would typically require 88 Strength now demands a staggering 252 Strength when used with Giant's Blood.
Building around this Keystone requires careful planning, heavy investment in Strength-related passives, and the use of Unique items that boost attributes. Tools like Meginord's Girdle and The Vertex can help, but they alone won't suffice. Players must commit to Strength-focused gear, modifiers, and pathing on the skill tree to unlock Giant's Blood's full potential.
Additionally, the attribute scaling limits build flexibility, as players may need to forgo investing in other areas, like Dexterity or Intelligence. Despite these sacrifices, the sheer impact of the Keystone often justifies the effort.
Why Giant's Blood Stands Out in Path of Exile 2
The Giant's Blood Keystone is a remarkable addition to Path of Exile 2 because it redefines what's possible in the game. Normally, wielding two-handed weapons comes with trade-offs: players give up the ability to use shields or foci, sacrificing defense for the promise of higher damage output. With Giant's Blood, players no longer have to choose between raw power and defensive tools—they can have both.
For players seeking an ultra-offensive playstyle, dual-wielding two-handed weapons becomes an exhilarating option, turning them into a walking powerhouse capable of shredding enemies. On the other hand, combining a two-handed weapon with a shield creates a more balanced approach, allowing players to survive intense encounters while still delivering heavy damage.
This Keystone also reshapes the visual experience of the game. Bosses in Path of Exile 2 are often enormous, dwarfing player characters in scale. Giant's Blood offsets this dynamic visually and mechanically, giving players a sense of equal footing against towering foes. Dual-wielding massive weapons or wielding one with a shield reinforces the idea of standing toe-to-toe with the game's most imposing challenges.
Conclusion
As Path of Exile 2 expands, Giant's Blood is poised to become even more impactful. With the introduction of new weapon types like spears and swords, along with additional Unique items, this Keystone will open the door to even more creative builds. Players can look forward to an ever-evolving meta where Giant's Blood remains a cornerstone for power fantasy enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the feature reflects Path of Exile 2's philosophy of rewarding experimentation and creativity. By encouraging players to think outside the box and push their characters to the limits, Keystones like Giant's Blood ensure the game remains engaging for both veterans and newcomers.
Giant's Blood is more than just a Keystone—it's a gateway to one of the most satisfying power fantasies in Path of Exile 2. It lets players wield massive weapons in ways they've only dreamed of, offering unparalleled customization and gameplay variety. While its high attribute requirements make it a challenging path, the rewards are more than worth the effort.
With the support of POE 2 Currency, players can craft builds that unleash the full potential of Giant's Blood, whether they aim for pure offense or a balance of power and defense. As Path of Exile 2 continues to grow, features like this showcase the game's commitment to innovation and its enduring appeal to fans of deep, strategic gameplay.
MMOexp POE 2 Team