Path of Exile 2 is one of the most eagerly anticipated sequels in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre. It promises to expand upon the foundations laid in Path of Exile 1 (PoE), introducing new mechanics, skill gems, and extensive improvements to gameplay. One such exciting build is the Fulminating Concoction Pathfinder, a dynamic and explosive character focused on area-of-effect (AoE) damage and lightning-based abilities.
The Fulminating Concoction is a new skill gem in Poe 2 trade that utilizes the power of Potion Flask mechanics and lightning-based damage to deliver massive AoE destruction. As a Pathfinder, this build gains access to one of the most potent Flask-oriented ascendancies, making it a great choice for players who want a high-damage, high-mobility character that can tackle end-game content with ease.
In this guide, we'll explore how to build a Fulminating Concoction Pathfinder in Path of Exile 2, covering skill choices, passive tree options, gear, and playstyle tips.
What is Fulminating Concoction?
Fulminating Concoction is a new skill gem introduced in Path of Exile 2. This gem allows you to throw a flask at a targeted area that detonates, dealing significant lightning damage in an area around the explosion. The catch? The damage from Fulminating Concoction scales directly with the amount of charges left on your flask. This makes flask management a crucial part of the build.
The concept of the build revolves around using your Flasks effectively and making sure you have a constant uptime on charges so that the Fulminating Concoction detonates with maximum potency. This means that your Flask uptime, whether it's Mana Flasks, Life Flasks, or Quicksilver Flasks, will be an integral part of your gameplay.
Ascendancy: Pathfinder
The Pathfinder ascendancy is one of the best choices for a Fulminating Concoction build due to its synergy with Flask mechanics. Pathfinder excels in increasing Flask effectiveness, duration, and uptime, which are all essential for a Fulminating Concoction Pathfinder to perform optimally.
Here are the key Pathfinder ascendancy nodes you should focus on for this build:
- Master of the Wilds
This node grants a bonus to your Flask Effect and Flask Duration, both of which increase the damage and effectiveness of your Fulminating Concoction. The increased Flask Duration will ensure that your flasks remain active for longer, giving you more chances to use them strategically.
- Nature's Boon
This is one of the best nodes for Flask-based builds. It allows you to start a flask's effect with no charges spent, essentially giving you a free flask effect every few seconds. This synergizes well with the Fulminating Concoction, as you'll be able to get a powerful flask-based explosion even without worrying too much about running low on flask charges.
- Master Alchemist
This node grants you increased elemental damage, immunity to elemental ailments, and reduced flask charges used. Since Fulminating Concoction is a lightning-based skill, this node will boost the damage of your explosions while also providing useful protection against elemental ailments like Shock or Freeze.
- Perfect Agility
Perfect Agility increases your movement speed and evasion rating. Given that Pathfinder is a fast-paced class, this node helps with mobility and dodging while using Fulminating Concoction to clear swarms of enemies. It also synergizes well with Quicksilver Flasks for more mobility during combat.
Core Skill: Fulminating Concoction
The core of this build is the Fulminating Concoction skill gem itself. To maximize its damage output and effectiveness, you need to focus on the following aspects of the build:
- Flask Charges and Duration
The more charges and duration you have on your Flasks, the better the damage potential of Fulminating Concoction. As a Pathfinder, your ascendancy nodes will already increase Flask effectiveness and duration, but you should also prioritize Flask Charge Generation and Flask Duration on your gear and tree.
- Scaling Lightning Damage
Since Fulminating Concoction is a lightning-based skill, you should focus on increasing lightning damage modifiers wherever possible. This can be achieved through gear (like rings, amulets, and wands), passive skill tree nodes, and buy POE 2 Chaos Orbs support gems like Added Lightning Damage or Elemental Focus.
- AoE Scaling
Fulminating Concoction is an AoE skill, meaning that it scales with area of effect damage. You want to increase your AoE as much as possible to ensure that the explosions hit as many enemies as possible. Consider support gems like Increased Area of Effect or Concentrated Effect to increase the radius of your explosions.
