The arrival of the 0.3 Edict update has reshaped the Path of Exile 2 meta, with Damage over Time strategies—especially Poison—rising to dominance in endgame encounters. A major driver of this shift is the introduction of the Riven Armor set, which transforms traditional poison stacking into a devastating chain-reaction mechanic. By combining high-frequency poison application with this set’s unique bonuses, players can achieve extraordinary DPS potential capable of erasing bosses and clearing entire screens in seconds. For those looking to maximize efficiency, having a strong economy to acquire gear, such as through PoE 2 Currency, can significantly accelerate build progression.

Core Mechanics: Poison Meets Riven Armor

Poison in Path of Exile 2 remains a stacking Chaos Damage over Time effect, where each stack operates independently. To optimize its damage output, focus on:

• Increased Poison Damage: Directly boosts the base damage of each stack.
• Chaos Damage over Time Multiplier: A separate multiplier that scales final DPS significantly.
• Poison Duration: Extends stack longevity, allowing more stacks to accumulate.
• Attack or Cast Speed: Increases the rate of poison application.

The Riven Armor set consists of four pieces—Body Armour, Helmet, Gloves, and Boots. While each piece offers solid defenses and chaos resistance, the set bonuses redefine Poison gameplay:

• (2) Set Bonus: 100% increased Poison Duration.
• (4) Set Bonus: Enemies with 10+ poison stacks become Rivenmarked, taking 30% more ailment damage. On death, their poison stacks transfer to nearby enemies with refreshed durations.

This mechanic enables both exceptional single-target damage and explosive map clearing, as one kill can spread hundreds of poison stacks across an entire group.

Skill Selection and Synergy

To capitalize on these mechanics, choose skills with high hit frequency. Spectral Throw stands out for its multi-hit potential per attack.

• Spectral Throw – Core skill delivering multiple poison applications.
• Vile Toxins Support – More damage per poison stack.
• Unbound Ailments Support – Extends duration and increases effect.
• Deadly Ailments Support – Prioritizes ailment damage over hit damage.
• Greater Multiple Projectiles Support – Enhances clear speed and hit count.
• Void Manipulation Support – Additional Chaos Damage multiplier.

Auras and Buffs for Maximum Impact

• Malevolence: More DoT damage and skill duration.
• Grace: Scales with evasion for strong defense.
• Herald of Agony: Boosts poison damage and ensures high poison chance.

Optimized Gear and Stat Priorities

Beyond the Riven Armor, gear should focus on Chaos DoT scaling and survivability. Below is a priority table for key slots:

Passive Tree and Ascendancy Choices

The Pathfinder ascendancy excels here due to flask synergy and ailment enhancements.

• Nature's Reprisal: Poison proliferation and chaos damage boost.
• Master Toxicist: Increased poison damage and duration.
• Nature's Adrenaline: High flask charge generation.
• Master Alchemist: Ailment immunity during flask effects.

On the passive tree, prioritize clusters like Swift Venoms, Toxic Strikes, and Growth and Decay. The Perfect Agony keystone is vital for converting critical strike multiplier into poison scaling.

Playstyle and Practical Execution

In maps, a couple of Spectral Throw casts into a pack will trigger Rivenmark spread, wiping enemies instantly. Against bosses, maintain distance while stacking poisons rapidly. Use Withering Step to apply Withered debuffs, amplifying chaos damage taken. Pathfinder’s flask uptime ensures constant mobility and defenses, allowing you to dodge mechanics while maintaining pressure. For players seeking to push this build to its peak, investing in top-tier gear through resources like buy PoE 2 Currency can be the difference between strong performance and absolute dominance.