How to Get the Boarding Axe in Path of Exile
Path of Exile offers an expansive array of weapons, each catering to different playstyles and character builds. Among these is the Boarding Axe, a one-handed axe that combines solid physical damage with a decent attack speed, making it a versatile option for many early to mid-game characters. If you're on the hunt for this weapon, it's helpful to understand its stats, requirements, and how to effectively obtain it. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Boarding Axe.
Boarding Axe Overview
The Boarding Axe is a one-handed axe known for its balanced performance in physical damage and attack speed. Here are its key stats:
Physical Damage: 11–21
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Attacks per Second: 1.50
Weapon Range: 1.1 meters
Required Level: 11
Strength Requirement: 28
Dexterity Requirement: 19
With these attributes, the Boarding Axe delivers a Weapon DPS of 24.0, making it a reliable weapon choice for players who are progressing through the early stages of the game or looking for an upgrade from basic starter weapons.
Understanding the Stats
Physical Damage: The base damage ranges from 11 to 21, which makes it solid for early combat encounters.
Critical Strike Chance: At 5%, this weapon gives a moderate chance to deal critical hits, boosting overall damage potential.
Attack Speed: With 1.50 attacks per second, the Boarding Axe strikes a balance between speed and power, allowing for steady damage output without sacrificing control.
Weapon Range: A 1.1-meter reach is typical for one-handed axes, ensuring you stay within melee range but still have enough distance to avoid certain enemy attacks.
To wield the Boarding Axe, your character needs to be at least level 11, with 28 Strength and 19 Dexterity—attributes that align well with many melee-oriented builds.
How to Acquire the Boarding Axe
The Boarding Axe is a drop-level 11 weapon, meaning it starts appearing in loot drops once you reach level 11 or higher. This makes it accessible relatively early in the game, especially if you focus on areas and enemies around that level range.
Where to Find the Boarding Axe
Monster Drops: The most common way to get the Boarding Axe is through enemy drops. As you progress through Act 1 and early Act 2, you will encounter monsters whose level corresponds with the Boarding Axe's drop level. Farming these monsters increases your chances of finding this weapon.
Vendor Purchases: Occasionally, vendors may stock the Boarding Axe, especially as you level up and new gear becomes available in their inventory. It's worth checking with vendors regularly to see if the Boarding Axe is on sale.
Area-Specific Drops: Target zones around level 11, such as the early regions in Act 1 (e.g., The Coast or The Mud Flats), are prime areas to farm for the Boarding Axe. Clearing these zones and their bosses can yield useful weapon drops.
Tips for Farming the Boarding Axe
Efficiency: Focus on fast-clearing areas with dense monster populations around level 11. Quick kills mean more loot drops, increasing your chances of getting the Boarding Axe.
Magic Find: Boost your Magic Find stats through gear and passive skills to increase the rarity and quality of your drops. While this doesn't guarantee a Boarding Axe, it improves overall loot quality.
Trading: If you're struggling to find the Boarding Axe through drops, consider trading with other players. Because the weapon is relatively common, it may be available for trade or purchase at a reasonable cost.
When to Use the Boarding Axe
The Boarding Axe is best suited for characters who need a reliable one-handed weapon early in the game, especially those focusing on physical damage. Its requirements fit well with melee builds that emphasize Strength and Dexterity, such as Duelists or Rangers transitioning to hybrid melee roles.
If you're building a character focused on critical strikes and consistent physical damage, this axe provides a decent balance without compromising attack speed. While it may eventually be outclassed by higher-level or rare weapons, the Boarding Axe can carry you through early to mid-game content effectively.
Upgrading and Crafting Options
Once you acquire the Boarding Axe, you can enhance its capabilities through Path of Exile's crafting and socketing systems:
Adding Sockets: Use Jeweler's Orbs to add sockets to the weapon. This lets you link support gems to boost your damage output.
Crafting Mods: Utilize various crafting POE exalted orbs to improve your Boarding Axe's stats, such as increasing physical damage or adding elemental damage.
Gem Support: Pair the axe with skill gems that complement physical melee combat, like Cleave, Double Strike, or Leap Slam, to maximize its effectiveness.
Summary
The Boarding Axe in Path of Exile is a solid early-game one-handed weapon that balances physical damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance. With requirements suitable for level 11 characters focusing on Strength and Dexterity, it serves as an effective stepping stone for melee builds. By farming appropriate areas, checking vendors, or trading with players, you can secure this weapon and enhance it further through crafting and gem support. You can also get more Path Of Exile Items and POE Currency through MMOexp, which will help you advance the game better.
Whether you're a new player or just looking to optimize your character's gear progression, the Boarding Axe offers a dependable choice that can carry you through the early challenges of Wraeclast. Happy hunting!
MMOexp POE Team