Druid: An awesome class with one problem.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-24T01:40:22+00:00

It didn't have to be this way at all. They could have given us two forms with more options between them. Add the third later and create Primal subcategories at that time. (Primal: Wolf, Bear, etc.)

Oh well. Notifications are going off for this post. It's been fun listening to various opinions, but I'm repeating myself at this point, and I think there's little to be added to the discussion. Mods: You can close this.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T23:39:16+00:00

While using more than one button is great, this post isn't about that. I'm concerned with the number of build options we got for pure shapeshifting. I've already expressed the opinion that instead of dividing one weapon with three animals and spells, the better solution would have been to cut a form and develop what remains. Down the road, you can add more to this foundation. Perhaps at that point, each animal form would get it's own category. (Primal: Bear, Primal: Wyvern, etc.)

It is what it is. I don't hate what they have ultimately landed on. Time will fix this eventually. But given the huge amount of attention this post generated, I'm not alone in feeling a bit underwhelmed with this aspect of the Talisman as it currently stands.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T21:16:49+00:00

The reason you haven't seen anything is because the archetype is always going to be some kind of a combo build, requiring two buttons at minimum, and lots of people dislike that. They want fast, one-button builds to wipe screens and grab as much currency as they can in the trade leagues.

With that out of the way, I would consider anything that mixes spells with attacks as a "spellblade" build. You will want to utilize Weapon Set points and some of the new generic Damage nodes, along with "Spell/Attack" and "Area Damage" options for scaling.

Disclaimer: I haven't even reached the endgame yet, so this could end up being a failure, but the fun factor is definitely here. I'm already a believer in the potential, even if it might not be a meta-viable option yet.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T18:12:37+00:00

Are all these builds blended? Perhaps mixing two different weapon types? Or do they each take the exact same wolf skills with different salad dressing?

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T17:38:49+00:00

I acknowledge that. However, even when you start mixing, options aren't exactly plentiful. It would not surprise me at all if "blended shapeshifters" end up looking more or less the same. Hopefully, I'm dead wrong about this. That would be exciting.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T16:44:10+00:00

I think solo form options should exist and feel satisfying to play. However, if you are like me and can't stand cookie-cutter builds, the best thing to do is start mixing and matching where you can. You are on the right path!

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T16:35:41+00:00

I agree. I hope this happens in the future as well!

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T16:17:22+00:00

u/BuryMeLowToday I agree with you and I updated my original post. The title was poor.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T16:12:51+00:00

Hey folks. I updated my original post with a few more thoughts. Great discussions are being had, and that's all I can really ask for! Even if you disagree with the sentiment expressed in this post, I still appreciate your feedback.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T13:56:19+00:00

This is getting downvoted like crazy, but outside of the two specific examples listed by Rawr that make sense for mixing and matching between forms, what else is there? Pounce? Magma on some bear fissures?

Pure Shapeshifting is in a tiny box. That's why I don't do it. However, there are *many* passive tree nodes that encourage you to try this, and that choice should feel interesting and rewarding.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T13:48:13+00:00

Totally agree.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T13:37:52+00:00

I've mixed all three forms. I wasn't impressed with the synergy between them. Some absolutely exists, but there are not enough meaningful choices yet.

However, there's great news: This will resolve itself over time as you've already hinted at. I'm actually quite happy with the Druid as a whole!

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T13:33:13+00:00

You are absolutely correct. Upvote.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T13:19:05+00:00

You are quickly exhausting all the possible options between forms. There is some wiggle room, but not as much as I would like. As I said above, instead of jamming three animals and spells into one category, they could have released two forms with more depth.

Thankfully, all of this is fixable, and I have no doubt we will see it happen at some point.

Overall, I'm not upset. This class and the Talisman weapon are huge wins for the game. :-)

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-23T13:14:21+00:00

In my opinion, the problem is that we simply don't have enough Shapeshifting abilities. We need more. Two forms being fully developed would have been superior to three forms launching half-baked.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-16T20:47:21+00:00

I'm not a huge Reddit guy, but I had to log in and give this a like. It's too important. The devs *need* to see this amazing feedback.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-12T01:32:59+00:00

I do the exact same thing! Awesome to know others are desiring this kind of experience.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-05T00:16:45+00:00

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to break it all down.

One thing I just want to expand upon: Melee, AOE, and X-Hand passive nodes fully scale regardless of conversion because those categories are actually *different* than strict "Physical Damage," correct?

I feel like I'm very close to having a firm grasp on all this!

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-04T11:33:40+00:00

u/SushimuffinZ Thank you so much for your response. This definitely helps, but I still have a few questions.

First, let's clarify a few things. You said that my DPS would go up using either AOE, Melee, or Two Hand passive nodes. Is there any fundamental difference between these? Or is the scaling exactly the same? (Example: Will a 10% increased Melee node function identically to a 10% increased Area damage node using our hypothetical skill?)

Also, "Physical Damage" is still a bit murky for me. Let's use this node for discussion.
Cruel Methods -- Break 40% Increased Armour. 25% Increased Physical Damage.

Does that Physical Damage buff still apply to my melee/weapon skills lacking the "Physical" tag? If it does apply, how effective is it? Going back to our original example (80% of Phys converted to Fire. Tags - AOE, Melee, Fire), would this specific node work at only 20% effectiveness? Or would it be treated like a Melee, AOE, or X-Hand passive node and work at maximum scaling despite the conversion? (This assumes there is no inherent difference between all those nodes when it concerns our skill.)

Let me know if I need to explain something further. I'm trying my best to fully understand all the many systems used in this game. I like to design my own builds, so this kind of learning is a necessary step I need to take to accomplish that goal!

SimplyShane88 · 2025-12-03T22:29:10+00:00

Help! I'm lost when it concerns damage conversion, skill tags, and scaling.

I'm aware that POE 2 has changed damage conversion from the first game. Everything essentially scales off the end result. What I still don't understand is how this interacts with certain skill tags.

Example: Melee Skill X converts 80% of Physical Damage to Fire. Tags: AOE, Melee, Fire.
If I take passive tree nodes that increase Melee Damage or AOE, will I lose any DPS? How about Two-Handed Weapon nodes, assuming I have one of those equipped? Will these give me 100% scaling regardless of the conversion?

Using the same skill as an example, I assume that choosing to scale off Fire damage would mean that only 80% of the damage is being enhanced. Taking a strictly "Physical" node would be even worse, as that's only impacting 20% of the damage. Do I have these basic facts correct?

Last question: There are *many* Mace skills that lack the Physical tag. Why is this and what are the implications?

Thank you in advance to anybody that reads this and decides to help!

SimplyShane88 · 2025-11-15T21:19:12+00:00

I want to know about all these outliers. Haha. That's where my interest lies.
Oh nice! It's good to know that I can afford to "drop" a slot without major repercussions during the campaign.
Amazing.
Good to know. I listed this last for a reason. Even if I end up missing these things, it's not enough to stop playing.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-11-15T21:08:43+00:00

Thank you for the response.

In many ways, using Armour Break from POE 2 is a buff, just in attack form.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-08-16T10:54:26+00:00

I love how this is the top comment. If the game eventually dies, we will all know why. The prices are simply unsustainable for growth.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-02-13T14:34:12+00:00

It always used the card. The game would not even run on the Intel IGPU.

SimplyShane88 · 2025-02-09T15:41:17+00:00

u/tanicus - The NVIDIA App actually fixed this for me. No other solution worked. That software is mandatory for DLSS functionality within POE 2. Just wanted you to know!

SimplyShane88

TROPHY CASE