Path of Exile 2: How to Anoint

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) continues to expand upon the intricate mechanics that define its predecessor, offering players deeper customization options for their builds. One of these mechanics, Anointing, allows players to gain the effects of specific Notable Passive Skills without having to connect to them on the Passive Skill Tree. Anointing provides unparalleled flexibility and can significantly enhance your build's damage, survivability, or utility when used strategically.

To make the most of this feature, players will need POE 2 Currency, specialized oils, and a bit of planning. Here's an in-depth guide on how to Anoint items, acquire Distilled Emotions, and select the best Anoints to elevate your gameplay.

What is Anointing in Path of Exile 2

Anointing is a mechanic introduced in the original Path of Exile, but it has been refined in PoE 2. It allows players to apply Notable Passive Skills to specific items—namely Amulets and Waystones. This mechanic grants you the benefits of the chosen Notable without needing to allocate skill points or path to it on the skill tree.

For example, if your build struggles with Mana sustain, you could apply the Frazzled Anoint to your amulet. This grants increased Mana Regeneration and enhances the magnitude of Shock inflicted on enemies. These benefits can significantly improve a mana-intensive build like a Stormweaver.

However, in Path of Exile 2, Anointing is no longer available on Rings or Blight-specific Towers. Instead, Amulets and Waystones are the sole items that can be Anointed. This change makes choosing the right Anoints even more critical to optimizing your build.

How to Anoint Items in Path of Exile 2

Anointing requires specific resources and steps. Here's how to do it:

    Obtain Oils:

    Oils are the cornerstone of the Anointing process. There are various types of oils in PoE 2, each representing a tier of rarity and value. Common oils include Clear Oil, Sepia Oil, and Amber Oil, while higher-tier oils like Opalescent Oil and Golden Oil are much rarer. Oils can be obtained through:

        Completing Blight Encounters, where monsters drop oils as loot.

        Trading with other players using POE 2 Currency, such as Chaos Orbs or Exalted Orbs.

        Purchasing from NPC vendors during certain questlines.

    Access the Anointing Bench:

    Visit the Anointing Bench in your hideout or in specific towns. Interact with the bench to open the Anointing interface.

    Choose an Item to Anoint:

    Place an eligible item (Amulet or Waystone) into the Anointing slot. You cannot Anoint other gear types in Path of Exile 2.

    Select Your Notable Passive Skill:

    Using a combination of three oils, you can select a Notable Passive to Anoint onto your item. The required oil combination varies for each Notable and can be discovered through trial and error or community guides.

    Finalize the Process:

    Once you've added the oils, confirm the Anointing. The Notable Passive Skill will now be added to your item, granting its effects for as long as you use it.

What is Distilled Emotions

Distilled Emotions is a rare oil in PoE 2 that offers unique utility in the Anointing process. This oil is especially prized because it allows players to apply highly sought-after Notables that are otherwise unattainable through standard oil combinations.

Obtaining Distilled Emotions can be challenging, as it's often tied to endgame Blight encounters or rare drops from certain bosses. Alternatively, you can trade for it using high-value POE 2 Currency, but be prepared to pay a hefty price due to its demand.

Best Anoints in Path of Exile 2

Selecting the right Anoint for your build is crucial. The choice depends on your playstyle, skill setup, and specific needs. Here are some of the most popular and powerful Anoints in Path of Exile 2:

    Frazzled:

    Grants increased Mana Regeneration and enhances Shock's magnitude. Ideal for spellcasters or lightning-based builds like the Stormweaver.

    Constitution:

    Provides a significant boost to maximum Life, making it an excellent choice for tanky builds or those who need additional survivability.

    Heart of Ice:

    Increases Cold Damage and offers additional freeze-related benefits. Essential for Frost-based builds like Ice Spear or Freezing Pulse setups.

    Deadly Draw:

    Boosts Projectile Damage and increases Accuracy. This is perfect for bow builds or projectile-based attacks.

    Charisma:

    Reduces the Mana Reservation cost of skills. Charisma is a go-to Anoint for builds relying on multiple auras.

    Righteous Decree:

    Provides increased Mana and reduced Mana Costs for skills. This is invaluable for mana-intensive builds that need efficiency in spamming abilities.

Using POE 2 Currency for Anointing

POE 2 Currency plays a vital role in enabling the Anointing process. Since oils can often be rare or hard to farm, trading with other players is a reliable way to acquire the ones you need. Here's how you can use currency effectively:

    Chaos Orbs are the standard trading currency in PoE 2 and are often accepted for mid-tier oils.

    Exalted Orbs are used for higher-tier trades, especially when purchasing rare oils like Distilled Emotions or Golden Oil.

    Divine Orbs may also be used for highly valuable trades in some cases.

When farming oils directly, it's wise to use Blight Maps or focus on Blight Encounters in endgame content, as they offer the best chances of obtaining rare oils.

Final Thoughts

Anointing in Path of Exile 2 is a game-changing mechanic that allows players to customize their builds in unique ways. By understanding the process, gathering the right oils, and leveraging POE 2 Currency effectively, you can unlock powerful Notable Passives to enhance your gameplay.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to PoE, mastering the art of Anointing is essential for tackling the challenges of Wraeclast. From increasing your DPS to bolstering your defenses, the right Anoint can mean the difference between success and failure in the deadly world of Path of Exile 2.

MMOexp POE 2 Team