POE 1 Update: 3.28 Teasers Day 9 - New Lightning Slam Skill

Exciting New Skill: Holy Hammers

The latest teaser in Path of Exile's series reveals a compelling new skill known as Holy Hammers. This skill appears to be a physical and lightning hybrid slam, reminiscent of Smite but with the heft and impact of a slam skill. Here's a closer look at the unique aspects of Holy Hammers and what it might bring to the game.

Key Observations from the Teaser

1. Skill Dynamics: The Holy Hammers skill features a distinct animation where the character initiates with a slow leap slam, suggestive of an early progression character. This is followed by a methodical windup before unleashing the slam.
2. Propagation Mechanics: Unlike instantaneous attacks like Val Ground Slam, Holy Hammers propagates its damage in waves. The initial strike impacts the area directly in front, followed by outgoing waves that extend the damage over a larger area.
3. Visual Effects: During the skill animation, visible effects such as power charges and blue orbs appear, adding layers of mystery. These could be aesthetic or have gameplay implications still to be fully understood.

Potential Gameplay Implications

Holy Hammers could introduce new strategies within the Path of Exile landscape, especially if its propagation allows hitting enemies multiple times. Here are some potential uses:

• Knockback Mechanics: Players might exploit knockback effects for multiple hits, despite knockback historically being unpopular. Using the Blunderbore unique chestplate, which includes a shrine effect that knocks back enemies, could create new strategic opportunities.

• Skill Conversions: The skill likely converts 50% of physical damage to lightning, aligning with the game's standard elemental conversion mechanics. This makes it suitable for bolstering lightning-themed builds.

Elements to Consider for Builds

The use of Holy Hammers involves certain considerations:

• Strength Requirements: The Blunderbore, with its high strength requirement, is a potential option for maximizing the knockback strategy. Players can either build around this stat or mitigate it using specific game mechanics like the timeless jewel.

• Enemy Impact: The skill's ability to potentially hit multiple times requires validation and testing for its true effectiveness. Understanding how this functions in real scenarios will be important for optimizing build strategies.

Propagation and Damage Patterns

For players eager to delve further into the mechanics:

With the teaser hinting at a balance overhaul, this new addition might signal a shift in meta strategies. As Path of Exile enthusiasts ponder the nuances of Holy Hammers, the question remains how best to integrate this skill into existing and new builds.

Potential of Divine Retribution

Divine Retribution presents an intriguing new skill that appears to blend both spell and attack elements. Players have noted its resemblance to a weapon strike, though it functions as a spell. Understanding its viability will depend heavily on its numerical attributes and synergy with current slam builds. If the skill aligns with slam mechanics, it could inspire adaptations or entirely new strategies. However, the full capabilities will only become clear with the release of the 2020 gem details, traditionally released very close to the patch launch.

Anticipated Patch Notes

The upcoming patch notes, expected to release alongside a major live stream announcement from Grinding Gear Games, will clarify many of the current ambiguities. These notes will detail not only Divine Retribution but other incoming changes for the 3.28 update. Enthusiasts of Path of Exile are eagerly awaiting this substantial information drop, which promises to illuminate the future of gameplay strategies.

• Key Expectations:

1. Clarification on whether Divine Retribution is indeed a slam.
2. Insights into how it utilizes power charges distinctively.
3. Understanding of its interaction with existing or new build options.

Engaging with New Content

The speculation surrounding the new skill highlights the dynamic nature of gameplay in Path of Exile. While Divine Retribution's exact impact remains to be seen, it is clear that it offers an opportunity to explore innovative builds. Players can look forward to exploring these changes and potentially redefining their approach to slams and power charges. With the live stream on the horizon, dedicated fans will soon have a more comprehensive understanding of what to expect in 3.28.

• Player Preparation:

• Watch on Twitch for potential exclusive bonuses.
• Prepare to adjust strategies based on power charge utility.

As players await the unfolding changes, the excitement around new skills like Divine Retribution captures the essence of evolving challenges and opportunities within the game world of Rayclast. May your quests be filled with exciting discoveries and formidable foes.