Understanding the Power of Hexblast in Path of Exile
Hexblast is a potent spell in Path of Exile that deals chaos damage to a single enemy. Its true power, however, is unleashed when the target is afflicted by a hex curse. When Hexblast strikes a cursed foe, it triggers a devastating area of effect (AoE) explosion around the target, significantly increasing its damage potential. Furthermore, the spell removes the hex curse with the shortest remaining duration from each hit enemy. This core mechanic of relying on cursed enemies and removing curses upon impact is central to understanding and maximizing the effectiveness of Hexblast builds. It’s not just a simple chaos damage spell; it’s an engine for tactical gameplay, requiring careful curse application and timing to achieve its full potential. The unique interplay with curses and the ability to trigger devastating explosions make it a compelling skill to build around.
Core Mechanics of Hexblast
Curse Dependency
The heart of Hexblast’s power lies in its interaction with hex curses. The AoE explosion and increased damage only activate when the targeted enemy is already suffering under a hex curse. This makes curse application a mandatory part of any effective Hexblast build. Without a curse present, Hexblast functions as a basic, single-target chaos damage spell, diminishing its impact significantly. Therefore, players must meticulously plan how to consistently apply curses to enemies to utilize Hexblast’s full damage potential.
Hex Removal and Timing
Another crucial aspect of Hexblast is its curse removal mechanic. On impact, the spell removes the hex curse with the shortest remaining duration from each affected enemy. This might seem like a disadvantage, but it’s a vital part of the spell’s dynamic. It forces players to strategize the timing of curse applications, potentially utilizing multiple curses to maximize damage output, or using a curse on hit method to constantly reapply hexes. Understanding this mechanic is vital for optimizing DPS and maintaining constant AoE damage.
Area of Effect Damage
The AoE explosion triggered upon hitting a cursed enemy significantly enhances Hexblast’s ability to clear packs of enemies. This area of effect damage makes it a much more versatile and effective skill, especially for map clearing. It turns a single-target chaos skill into one that excels against groups, further amplifying the importance of hex curses to its overall efficacy. This powerful burst makes Hexblast viable for both single target damage and clearing maps effectively.
Interaction with Blasphemy
Hexblast also synergizes uniquely with Blasphemy. When an enemy is affected by a Blasphemy Aura, every single Hexblast will explode. This makes Blasphemy a very popular choice when making a Hexblast build, which creates an aura around the player that automatically curses any enemy that walks inside the area. Furthermore, even if that curse is replaced by another via something like Curse on Hit gloves, Hexblast will still explode. This interaction makes Blasphemy an important part of how the skill is utilized.
Hexblast Mines
Hexblast also works exceptionally well when converted to mines using the High-Impact Mine Support gem. The skill is then thrown as a mine, which then activates Hexblast, allowing the user to control where the damage is delivered. This method of play also allows a strong damage modifier to be applied to it. This is a popular strategy for many Hexblast builds, providing a way to deliver massive bursts of damage and is used by many Saboteur Ascendency builds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hexblast
1. Does Hexblast work with Blasphemy?
Yes, Hexblast works exceptionally well with Blasphemy Support. When an enemy is under the effect of a Blasphemy Aura, every hit with Hexblast will trigger the area-of-effect explosion, even if the curse is applied by an outside source like Curse on Hit gloves.
2. How do Hexblast Mines work?
When linked with High-Impact Mine Support, Hexblast is converted into a mine skill. Instead of directly casting the spell, you throw a mine that, once triggered, releases Hexblast. If the target is cursed, the mine-triggered Hexblast will deal AoE damage and 100% more damage.
3. How do you scale Hexblast damage?
Hexblast damage scales with several modifiers including:
* Increased Chaos Damage/Mine Damage
* Increases Critical Strike Chance/Critical Strike Multiplier
* Generic Damage Increases (like those from Frenzy Charges)
* Increased Mine Throwing Speed
* + to Gem Levels
4. Is Hexblast a damage over time (DoT) skill?
No, Hexblast is not a damage over time (DoT) skill. While it relies on curses for its core functionality, it is a hit-based skill. The curses are removed upon hit, and do not cause any damage over time from Hexblast. While a hex like Flammability may contribute to damage by reducing resistances, Hexblast’s damage itself is not a DoT effect.
5. Does Hexblast remove marks?
No, Hexblast does not remove marks. Hexblast only interacts with hex curses, and a mark on a target will not trigger Hexblast’s AoE explosion. However, marks and hexes share the same curse limit, so applying a hex will overwrite a mark and vice-versa.
6. What is the best Pantheon for Hexblast?
The Brine King Pantheon is a strong choice for Hexblast builds. It offers stun resistance, particularly helpful for mine builds that can be exposed during mine deployment. Upgrading the pantheon further grants immunity to freezing.
7. Can Hexblast chill, freeze or shock?
Yes, Hexblast can contribute to ignite, freeze, and shock through a modifier that allows all damage types to apply these ailments. However, this doesn’t grant a percentage chance to apply them. It does not affect other ailments like chill.
8. What is the best Ascendancy for Hexblast?
The Saboteur Ascendancy is frequently considered the best for Hexblast. Its “Demolitions Expert” node amplifies the aura power of mines and reduces enemy movement speed around mines, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
9. What is a Curse Aura Skill?
A curse aura skill, like those created through Blasphemy Support, turns a hex curse into an aura around the player. Enemies that enter this aura are automatically cursed with the supported curse skill(s).
10. Is Sniper’s Mark a curse?
Yes, Sniper’s Mark is a curse. It marks a single target, causing them to take increased damage from projectiles, but it does not trigger hex-based interactions with Hexblast.
11. Do Marks count as Hexes?
Marks are considered a type of curse and share the same curse limit as hexes. You can have a mix of hexes and marks up to your curse limit. You are still limited to one mark per target.
12. How do I use Hexblast effectively?
For hit-based builds, it is essential that the target is hexed before hitting with Hexblast. For Ignite/Poison Hexblast, you need to apply curses before using the skill to get the 40% multiplier and AoE. You also need to continue applying curses to reduce resistances for the damage over time effects.
13. Does spell damage affect Impending Doom?
Yes, Impending Doom is considered a spell, so modifiers to spell damage apply to its damage output. This means that Hexblast builds can make good use of Impending Doom to improve their damage output.
14. Does Hexproof prevent Hexblast?
Hexproof only protects against Hex curses, not marks. Curse immunity prevents both from being applied. This means if a creature is hexproof, hexes will not work, but marks will, and if it is curse immune, then neither will work.
15. What is the max Doom a Hex can reach?
The maximum Doom a Hex can reach by default is 30. Each hex has its own Doom counter. Triggered curses are not counted as self-casted.
Understanding the core mechanics, interactions, and limitations of Hexblast is vital for creating a strong and effective build in Path of Exile. By planning around its curse dependency, optimizing curse application, and strategically using supports, players can harness the true power of this potent chaos spell.