Path of Exile 2 continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering a rich, deep, and highly customizable action RPG experience. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is its vast array of support gems—special items that can drastically alter how skills function, giving players the freedom to experiment with countless playstyles. Unlike simple upgrades, many support gems involve a careful give-and-take, balancing benefits with poe2 rmt. This system rewards creativity and strategic thinking, encouraging players to try new combinations to discover powerful synergies. Among the most talked-about gems in early access was the Scattershot support gem, now known as Multishot, which remains a favorite for projectile-focused builds.

Understanding Support Gems in Path of Exile 2

Support gems in Path of Exile 2 act as modifiers for your active skills. Unlike standard upgrades that increase damage or reduce cooldowns directly, support gems offer unique effects, often changing the fundamental mechanics of a skill. For instance, some gems allow a skill to hit additional targets, modify its elemental type, or change the way projectiles behave.

The game’s support gem system is more than just a numbers game; it introduces a layer of strategy where players must weigh pros and cons. Some support gems might increase a skill’s area of effect but reduce its damage, while others can boost critical strike chances at the cost of casting speed. This give-and-take design ensures that each choice feels meaningful. Players are not merely stacking upgrades—they are crafting a character build that aligns with their preferred playstyle, whether it’s a rapid-firing archer, a devastating spellcaster, or a melee juggernaut.

The Early Days of Scattershot

When Path of Exile 2 first entered early access, the Scattershot support gem immediately attracted attention. Its unique ability to enhance projectile skills while introducing trade-offs made it a standout option for dexterity-based characters. Players experimenting with bow builds quickly discovered the gem’s potential: firing multiple projectiles at once could clear waves of enemies more efficiently and significantly increase damage output against groups.

However, the Scattershot gem was not without its drawbacks. Supporting a skill with Scattershot reduced its overall damage and slightly slowed its casting speed. This balance made the gem an interesting tactical choice—players had to decide whether the increased coverage of multiple projectiles outweighed the reduction in raw damage. The result was a gem that encouraged experimentation and rewarded thoughtful planning.

Scattershot Becomes Multishot

Over time, the Scattershot support gem was renamed to Multishot. Despite the new name, the gem’s core functionality remains unchanged. This rebranding did not alter how the gem is obtained or used; it simply reflects a refinement in the game’s terminology. For players familiar with Scattershot, the transition to Multishot is seamless, while new players can still access the gem’s powerful effects without needing prior knowledge of the older system.

The Multishot support gem functions as follows:

Damage Reduction: Supported skills deal 35% less damage.

Projectile Increase: Supported skills fire two additional projectiles.

Skill Speed Reduction: Supported skills have 20% less skill speed.

Requirement: 5 Dexterity

As with many support gems, the trade-offs are clear. Players gain the benefit of multiple projectiles, significantly increasing their potential to hit multiple enemies, but must contend with slightly reduced damage and slower skill execution. These considerations make Multishot a gem best suited for players who prioritize area control and versatility over pure single-target damage.

Finding and Using Multishot in Path of Exile 2

For new players entering Path of Exile 2, locating the Multishot gem might seem daunting, especially given the early hype surrounding Scattershot. Fortunately, the process is straightforward once you know what to look for.

Obtain a Support Gem: Multishot is a support gem, so the first step is to acquire a standard support gem. These gems are typically found through quest rewards, drops from enemies, or purchases from NPC vendors.

Engrave into Multishot: Once you have a support gem in your inventory, you can convert it into Multishot. In the game menu, Multishot appears as a green-colored Projectile support gem, distinguishing it from other types.

Equip and Link: To activate the Multishot effect, link it to an active skill. Linking gems in Path of Exile 2 allows the support gem to modify the chosen skill, applying all benefits and trade-offs.

The process of acquiring and equipping Multishot is simple, but its strategic applications are vast. By carefully selecting which skill to support, players can dramatically enhance their combat effectiveness, turning a single-target attack into a multi-projectile barrage capable of devastating groups of enemies.

Strategic Considerations for Multishot Builds

Multishot is particularly effective for builds that rely on rapid projectile attacks. Bow users and certain dexterity-based spellcasters benefit from its ability to hit multiple enemies simultaneously. However, the reduction in damage and skill speed requires players to think tactically about positioning, timing, and skill synergy.

For example, pairing Multishot with skills that already have high base damage can offset the 35% damage reduction, maintaining strong output while gaining the advantage of additional projectiles. Additionally, combining Multishot with effects that increase area damage or elemental spread can further amplify its effectiveness.

Players should also consider defensive implications. Firing multiple projectiles at once can clear enemies more quickly, reducing the number of incoming attacks. Conversely, the slower skill speed could leave the player vulnerable in high-pressure situations. Understanding these nuances is key to maximizing the gem’s potential.

Why Support Gems Make Path of Exile 2 Unique

The excitement around gems like Multishot highlights a broader truth about Path of Exile 2: the game thrives on experimentation. Every player has the freedom to mix and match support gems, creating custom builds that reflect personal preferences and tactical goals. Unlike other RPGs where skill upgrades are linear, Path of Exile 2 encourages creativity, offering meaningful choices at every turn.

This design philosophy not only enhances replayability but also fosters a strong community culture. Players frequently share builds, strategies, and gem combinations online, inspiring others to explore unconventional setups. Gems like Multishot serve as perfect examples of this system, offering powerful effects balanced by trade-offs that encourage critical thinking and experimentation.

Tips for Mastering Multishot

For players eager to leverage Multishot in their builds, here are some practical tips:

Pair With High-Damage Skills: To compensate for the 35% damage reduction, link Multishot to skills with naturally high base damage. This maximizes the benefit of additional projectiles without sacrificing too much damage output.

Optimize Positioning: Since Multishot allows for multiple projectiles, positioning is crucial. Ensure you can hit as many enemies as possible with each attack to take full advantage of the gem’s capabilities.

Synergize With Other Support Gems: Consider combining Multishot with gems that increase projectile speed, area of effect, or critical strike chance. These combinations can create devastating effects while balancing the gem’s drawbacks.

Experiment With Playstyles: Don’t be afraid to test different skills and setups. The give-and-take nature of support gems means that even unconventional pairings can lead to surprisingly effective results.

Monitor Dexterity Requirements: Multishot requires 5 Dexterity. Ensure your character meets this requirement to use the gem effectively. For low-Dexterity builds, alternative gems may be more suitable.

The Community’s Reaction to Multishot

Multishot has enjoyed widespread popularity among the Path of Exile 2 community, largely because it embodies the game’s ethos of experimentation and strategic choice. Veteran players appreciate the subtle trade-offs, which prevent builds from becoming overpowered while still providing significant benefits. Newer players are drawn to the gem’s ability to transform a simple skill into a multi-target powerhouse, making it a staple recommendation for projectile-based builds.

Online forums, streaming channels, and social media are filled with guides demonstrating creative uses for Multishot. From clearing crowded dungeons to boss fights, players continue to discover new ways to harness its potential. The gem’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity paired with strategic depth—a combination that few other game mechanics achieve so elegantly.

Conclusion

Support gems like Multishot are a shining example of what makes POE 2 Chaos Orbs for sale such a compelling RPG. By offering powerful effects balanced with meaningful trade-offs, these gems challenge players to think creatively, experiment boldly, and tailor their builds to personal playstyles. Multishot, in particular, has earned a reputation as a transformative support gem for projectile-based builds, turning ordinary attacks into multi-projectile barrages capable of decimating enemies.

Whether you are a veteran of the original Path of Exile or a newcomer diving into early access, understanding the strategic potential of support gems is essential. Gems like Multishot exemplify the game’s depth, versatility, and enduring appeal. By mastering how to acquire, equip, and optimize these gems, players unlock the full range of possibilities within Path of Exile 2, ensuring countless hours of rewarding gameplay.

In a world where skill choices matter more than ever, Multishot proves that the right support gem can make all the difference—transforming your attacks, enhancing your strategy, and defining your unique path through Wraeclast.