How to stun enemies in Path of Exile 2
Stunning in Path of Exile 2 is a mechanic that allows you to interrupt or immobilize enemies. It is especially effective for controlling bosses and high-threat targets. Stunning can be used through physical damage and certain abilities, with two distinct types: Stun and Heavy Stun.
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about stunning enemies in Path of Exile 2.
What is a stun in Path of Exile 2?
Stun refers to a brief interruption of the enemy’s current action, causing a slight stagger or pause. This is more effective on smaller enemies, although not so against bosses. In contrast, Heavy Stun results in a full knockdown, rendering the target unable to react for several seconds. This effect is triggered by building up the Heavy Stun Meter, a yellow bar that fills as the enemy takes physical damage.
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How does a stun work in Path of Exile 2?
Stunning relies on the amount of damage dealt to an enemy. Regular stuns occur when a physical hit surpasses the target’s evasion and dodge chances. Meanwhile, Heavy Stun depends on cumulative damage, as each hit contributes to filling the Heavy Stun Meter. When the yellow bar is filled, the target is knocked to the ground and remains immobile until the bar drains.
Physical damage is the primary driver of both types of stuns, although spells and ranged attacks (excluding Damage over Time effects) also contribute to Heavy Stun buildup. Smaller enemies are more prone to regular stuns, while larger enemies and bosses require significant damage to fill their Heavy Stun Meter.
Stun mechanics for Bosses
Bosses are resistant to regular stuns, making the Heavy Stun Meter critical for controlling them. Each physical hit adds to the meter, and once it fills, the boss is knocked down for several seconds. This period of immobilization gives you a window to unleash high-damage skills or apply crowd-control effects safely. Consistently dealing significant damage is needed to effectively stun bosses.
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How to improve a stun in Path of Exile 2
Improve stun or crit rate
Maximizing damage per hit increases the likelihood of triggering regular stuns and accelerates Heavy Stun buildup. Critical hits are particularly effective at filling the Heavy Stun Meter, making them valuable for stun-focused builds.
Passive skill tree
The passive skill tree offers several nodes that enhance stun mechanics. These nodes are primarily located in the bottom-left section of the tree and include bonuses for Stun Buildup (increasing Heavy Stun Meter gain) and Stun Duration (extending the knockdown period).
Gear and modifiers
Equipment with modifiers like "Increased Heavy Stun Buildup" or "Increased Stun Duration" significantly improves stun efficiency. Prioritize magic or rare items with these stats to maximize your build's potential.
Skill choices
High-damage skills, particularly those with large physical damage components, are essential for stunning. Consider support gems that amplify damage or provide stun-related effects to enhance your build.