The Ultimate PoE2 Scattershot Explosive Shot Guide

If you’re like me—a Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) degenerate who lives for screen-wide explosions and dopamine-inducing clearspeed—then Scattershot Explosive Shot is the build that’ll make you question why you ever played anything else. This Deadeye/Ranger setup isn’t just about deleting entire packs with one click; it’s about doing it with style. Think fireworks meets artillery fire. Think "I am the storm." Let’s break down how to turn your character into a walking war crime.

Why Scattershot Explosive Shot? (Spoiler: It’s Broken)

The Scattershot Explosive Shot combo is the brainchild of PoE2’s most unhinged theorycrafters, including community legend Palsteron. Here’s the elevator pitch:

• Scattershot turns your Explosive Shot into a shotgun blast of 5+ projectiles.

• Explosive Shot detonates on impact, dealing AoE damage that scales with projectile count.

• Combine them, and you get overlapping explosions that vaporize bosses and clear maps faster than a juiced-up Headhunter build.

This isn’t a "safe" build. You’ll be squishy. You’ll die to off-screen porcupines. But when you’re shattering entire screens with a single button? Worth it.

Skill Setup: The Art of Controlled Chaos

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Your main skills are split into two setups: one for mapping, one for bossing.

Mapping Setup (5-Link):

• Explosive Shot (Main Skill)

• Scattershot Support (turns 1 projectile into 5+)

• Martial Tempo Support (attack speed = more explosions)

• Conduction Support (chain lightning for extra clear)

• Fire Infusion Support (ignite proliferation for cleanup)

This combo turns you into a walking fireworks display. Scattershot’s spread ensures every corner of the screen gets hit, while Fire Infusion’s burns finish off stragglers.

Bossing Setup (6-Link):

• Shockburst Rounds (single-target nuke)

• Concentrated Effect Support (tightens AoE for higher damage)

• Lightning Infusion Support (shock stacks for 50%+ damage amp)

• Primal Armament Support (flat lightning damage scaling)

• Lightning Penetration Support (ignore resists)

• Heft Support (bonus damage based on projectile count)

Swap to this when facing tanky rares or pinnacle bosses. The single-target DPS here is disgusting—think 10M+ Shaper DPS with decent gear.

Gear: Prioritize Projectiles, Speed, and Explosions

Mandatory Items:

Triple Dragon Warhelm (Helmet):

• Adds 2 extra projectiles to Explosive Shot.

• 30% increased AoE for overlapping explosions.

• Farmable in high-tier maps or buy it on PvPBank if you’ve got the poe 2 currency.

Physical Crossbow (400+ DPS):

• Prioritize high physical damage (400+).

• Suffix: “+2 Projectiles per Volley” for extra projectiles.

• Crafting tip: Use Deafening Essence of Zeal for attack speed.

Soulforged Amulet:

• Grants +50 to maximum mana to sustain Herald skills.

• Look for “% increased projectile speed” to widen Scattershot’s spread.

Flex Slots:

• Boots: Dread Hoof (35% movement speed) for zoom-zoom gameplay.

• Gloves: Rare with life, resistances, and “attack speed per Dexterity.”

• Rings: Focus on flat physical damage and crit chance.

Passive Tree & Ascendancy: Go Full Glass Cannon

Deadeye Ascendancy:

• Ricochet: Chains projectiles for extra coverage.

• Gathering Winds: Stack attack speed for faster explosions.

• Powerful Precision: 30% increased projectile damage.

• Wind Ward: Some defense (lol) against reflect mobs.

Key Passives:

• Projectile Damage nodes in the Ranger area.

• Elemental Overload for non-crit builds (yes, this works with lightning damage).

• Dexterity-to-Damage conversion near the Duelist start.

Playstyle Tips: Don’t Stand Still, Ever

Kite Like Your Life Depends on It (because it does):

• Use Wind Dancer + Blind Support to dodge hits.

• Bind movement skills to left-click (trust me).

Manage Reloads Like a Pro:

• Emergency Reload Support + Persistence = instant reloads when low on ammo.

• Never let your ammo drop to 0—reload during boss invulnerability phases.

Herald Stacking:

• Activate Herald of Ash (burn), Herald of Thunder (shock), and Herald of Ice (shatter).

• Use Herald of Ice + Ice Bite for frenzy charges.

Common Pitfalls (And How to Fix Them)

Problem: “My Game Crashes During Explosions!”

• Solution: Lower particle effects in settings. Use network optimizer tools like ExitLag or WTFast to stabilize performance.

Problem: “I Can’t Find the Crossbow Base!”

• Solution: Farm Cataclysm’s Wake (Tier 3+ maps) for item level 85+ bases. Use poe 2 currency to buy fractured items on PvPBank.

Problem: “I Die to Reflect Mobs!”

• Solution: Swap in Syndicate Operative’s Mark (reflect immunity) for map mods.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos

The Scattershot Explosive Shot build isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a high-risk, high-reward playstyle that demands perfect positioning and a tolerance for occasional one-shots. But when it clicks? There’s nothing like watching an entire legion of monsters dissolve into a symphony of lightning and fire.