Boneshatter has long been a favorite among melee players in Path of Exile, so its inclusion in Path of Exile 2 was a pleasant surprise. However, the skill works differently in the sequel, and players may find it challenging to adapt. This guide will break down the Boneshatter Titan build, showcasing its strengths and optimal playstyle, ensuring that you get the most out of it in PoE 2's Patch 0.2.0.

Why Play the Boneshatter Titan?

Boneshatter is available early for the Warrior class in Path of Exile 2. While it is not the flashiest ability, its ability to create an area-of-effect (AoE) shockwave when hitting an enemy "primed for stun" makes it extremely powerful.

Understanding "Primed for Stun"

An enemy is "primed for stun" when they are about to be stunned. This is indicated by a visual marker above their head. Using Boneshatter at this moment creates a devastating shockwave, dealing massive damage to enemies in the area.

How to Prime Enemies for Stun

• Mace Strike: Early on, this is your go-to attack for priming enemies for stun. Pair it with the Overpower support gem to achieve this in just a few hits.

• Armor Breaker (Unlocks at Level 6): Once available, switch to Armor Breaker, as it not only primes enemies for stun but also reduces their armor, increasing your overall damage output.

Transitioning to Fire Damage in the Endgame

While this build begins as a physical damage setup, it transitions into a fire damage build in the late game. The Avatar of Fire keystone converts a large portion of physical damage to fire damage. However, it also prevents you from dealing with any non-fire damage, so ensure that your gear has "Adds Fire Damage to Attacks" to keep your damage output high.

Choosing the Titan Ascendancy

Boneshatter can work with any Warrior ascendancy, but Titan is the optimal choice for this build due to:

• Hulking Form: Increased damage and health.

• Mysterious Lineage: Boosts overall survivability and consistency.

For comparison, Warbringer provides better armor-breaking potential and defensive benefits, but the Titan offers more raw damage and survivability.

Avoid Crushing Impacts

Do NOT allocate Crushing Impacts. While it is a great passive for other builds, it interferes with the Boneshatter mechanic by prematurely triggering stun effects, reducing the effectiveness of your main skill.

Optimal Ascendancy Node Order:

1. Colossal Capacity – Increases strength and physical damage.

2. Hulking Form – Grants survivability and more damage.

3. Mysterious Lineage – Enhances overall effectiveness.

4. Stone Skin – Further boosts durability.

Playstyle and Skill Rotations

Your playstyle revolves around setting up enemies for stun before unleashing Boneshatter.

1. Early Game:

   • Use Mace Strike or Armor Breaker to prime enemies.

   • Look for the "Primed for Stun" indicator.

   • Follow up with Boneshatter for a high-damage AoE shockwave.

2. Mid-to-Late Game:

   • Replace Mace Strike with Armor Breaker.

   • Utilize Infernal Cry to apply fire damage bonuses.

   • Against bosses:

      • Fully break armor with Armor Breaker.

      • Use Infernal Cry and Flammability for fire resistance reduction.

      • Spam Perfect Strike until the armor break duration ends.

Boneshatter Titan Gear Recommendations

This build does not require many unique items, making it affordable. However, certain gear choices can optimize its performance.

Weapon Choices:

• Expert Cultist Greathammer: High AoE splash damage for Boneshatter.

• Expert Leaden Greathammer: Adds fire damage and boosts melee skills.

• Expert Oak Greathammer: Higher stun build-up potential.

Armor & Accessories:

• Body Armor: Expert Vaal Cuirass – Increased stun threshold and high armor.

• Helmet: Giant's Blood – Allows dual-wielding two-handed weapons.

• Gloves: Physical and fire damage bonuses.

• Boots: Focus on armor, movement speed, and resistance.

• Amulet: Xoph's Blood – Increases life and applies Fire Exposure to enemies.

Final Thoughts

The Boneshatter Titan is a powerhouse in PoE 2, offering high damage and AoE clear while remaining tanky. By correctly priming enemies for stun and transitioning to fire damage, this build becomes an efficient and reliable option for both leveling and endgame content. Be sure to optimize your gear with "Adds Fire Damage to Attacks" and avoid passive skills like Crushing Impacts that can hinder its performance.

For the best experience, check out our PoE 2 trade hub for powerful rare Path Of Exile 2 Currency items that will enhance your Boneshatter Titan build without the grind!