Passive Skill Tree

The Passive Tree is a vast, interconnected web of passives in Path of Exile 2 that allows players to customize their character's abilities and attributes. It serves as the primary progression system for character development, providing access to numerous bonuses, such as increased damage, survivability, or utility. Players allocate Passive Skill Points on the Passive Tree by leveling up or completing certain quests, enabling deep build customization and unique playstyles.

Passive Tree Nodes

Passive Tree Nodes are individual points on the Passive Tree that grant specific bonuses when allocated. Nodes come in various types:

• Attribute Nodes (Travel Nodes): Adds +5 to any attribute selected. This node can be changed freely for half the gold cost to respec. The passive does not need to be respeced to be changed to a different attribute.
• Small Nodes: Provide minor stat boosts, such as increased damage or life.
• Jewel Socket Nodes: Specialized nodes that allow players to insert jewels, granting bonuses or effects to enhance their character's build.
• Notable Nodes: Dramatically alter gameplay mechanics, often providing powerful benefits alongside drawbacks.
• Keystone Nodes: Unlock after allocating Small Nodes in a cluster, allowing players to select additional specialized bonuses.

Nodes are interconnected, and players must allocate points in a path to reach desired nodes.

Passive Skill Points

Passive Skill Points are points earned by leveling up or completing specific quests in Path of Exile 2, which can be allocated on the Passive Skill Tree to unlock nodes. These allow players to enhance their character's attributes, abilities, and synergies, providing the foundation for build customization and progression.

Passive Skill Tree Sections

The Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 is divided into distinct sections, each indirectly associated with one of the game's three primary attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. These sections influence the types of bonuses and playstyles available in each area and dictate the starting points for characters based on their class:

• Strength Section
  • Focuses on physical power, survivability, and melee combat.
  • Provides bonuses like increased life, armour, melee damage, and block buffs.
  • Starting area for classes like the Warrior.
• Dexterity Section
  • Emphasizes agility, evasion, and critical hit.
  • Offers bonuses such as increased movement speed, attack speed, projectile damage, and evasion.
  • Starting area for classes like the Ranger and Monk.
• Intelligence Section
  • Specializes in spell casting, energy shield, and utility.
  • Grants bonuses like increased mana, spell damage, energy shield, and elemental resistances.
  • Starting area for classes like the Witch and Sorceress.

Transition Zones

The Passive Skill Tree's layout allows for smooth transitions between these sections, enabling hybrid builds. For example, nodes near the borders of the Strength and Intelligence areas cater to spellcasters who want to blend tankiness with magic, while nodes between Dexterity and Strength favor agile melee characters.

This structure ensures that starting positions reflect each class's core identity, while the flexibility of the Passive Skill Tree allows for highly customized builds that can explore other sections as desired.

Re-Specialize (Respec)

Re-Specialization, commonly referred to as Respec, is the process of reallocating Passive Skill Points in Path of Exile 2. Players can remove previously allocated nodes on the tree by spending Gold, with the cost increasing as the character's level rises. This system allows for build adjustments, experimentation, or correcting mistakes in skill allocation while balancing accessibility with resource management.

Weapon Specialization

The first Weapon Specialization Slots can be obtained via the Book of Specialization, awarded after defeating the optional boss The Crowbell in Act 1.

When you use a Book of Specialization, you gain two key benefits:

1. Two Passive Skill Points that can be allocated anywhere in the Passive Skill Tree.
2. Two Weapon Specialization Slots for each weapon set, allowing you to allocate Passive Skill Points differently between Weapon Set 1 (red) or Weapon Set 2 (green) with the exception of Keystone and Jewel Socket Nodes.

If you allocate points to both weapon sets, refunding these points requires removing one from each weapon set to reclaim a single normal Passive Skill Point. This system provides flexibility for builds that utilize multiple weapon setups or prefer to invest in general passives.