Path of Exile 2: How to Find a Use for the Relic in Act 2

In Path of Exile 2, relics are a unique and powerful gameplay mechanic introduced in Act 2. These items hold significant importance as they provide you with special abilities and buffs that can aid you in your journey through Wraeclast. However, knowing how to effectively use the relic can be a challenge for new players, especially since it isn’t always clear how to integrate it into your playstyle.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to find a use for the Relic in Act 2, and how it can complement your existing build while adding extra layers of depth to your character progression.

What is the Relic in Act 2?

The Relic is an item introduced in Act 2 of PoE 2, typically tied to a questline or narrative element in the expansion. Think of it as an artifact that grants powers or buffs that can enhance your abilities and potentially change how you interact with the world around you.

While the Relic itself is not a traditional gear slot like a weapon or armor piece, it plays a role in advancing the story and improving your character’s abilities in Act 2. Relics can be linked to various attributes and skills, and their use often requires careful consideration of your playstyle and the challenges you face in the expansion.

How to Find the Relic in Act 2

To begin utilizing the Relic in Act 2, you first need to acquire it. Here’s how to find it:

1. Follow the Main Questline:
   • The Relic is introduced as part of the main questline in Act 2. It will be handed to you after completing a series of tasks, often tied to the narrative progression and interactions with NPCs within the story.
   • You’ll be required to visit key locations, defeat certain bosses, and interact with special NPCs that will grant you access to the Relic.
2. Quest Specifics:
   • The Relic is often associated with a specific quest that you’ll need to progress through in order to unlock its full potential. Pay close attention to quest markers and dialogues with NPCs who provide clues on where to find and how to use it.
   • As you continue progressing, the Relic may evolve or open new paths in the story.

How to Equip and Activate the Relic

Once you’ve obtained the Relic, it’s important to know how to equip and activate it. While it may not occupy a traditional gear slot, it still needs to be activated to provide path of exile 2 currency buffs and abilities.

1. Equip the Relic:
   • The Relic is typically placed in a dedicated relic slot within your inventory or character screen. It will not interfere with your other gear, like weapons or armor, but will instead enhance your abilities or provide passive bonuses.
2. Activation:
   • Some Relics require you to activate them using a resource or specific in-game mechanic. This might be a mana cost, a timed cooldown, or a special charge that is replenished as you kill enemies or progress through the game.
   • You may also need to unlock the Relic’s full potential by completing certain tasks. These could involve using the Relic in specific areas, defeating enemies with its help, or even making a choice during a questline.
3. Relic Effects:
   • Relics often provide passive buffs or active abilities that can significantly affect your playstyle. These effects may include enhanced damage, defensive bonuses, or utility skills that aid you in battle. Some relics even have synergies with certain ascendancy classes or specific builds.

Types of Relic Effects and How to Use Them

Depending on the type of Relic you acquire, the effects and how they impact gameplay will vary. Here are a few examples of the kinds of buffs and abilities you might receive and how to effectively use them:

1. Damage Buffs

• Some Relics provide a significant damage boost to your abilities. For example, they may increase your elemental damage, physical damage, or enhance the power of your spells.
• How to Use: If you’re running a damage-heavy build, activate the Relic when preparing to take on tougher enemies or during boss fights to maximize your damage output. Use the Relic to focus on clearing high-density areas quickly or to stack damage multipliers before significant encounters.

2. Defensive Buffs

• Defensive Relics might increase your health regeneration, provide damage reduction, or give you access to temporary shields.
• How to Use: For players running a glass cannon build, this type of Relic is perfect to provide survivability during intense fights. Use it as a defensive safeguard when you expect to face high-damage enemies or to help you endure challenging fights.

3. Utility Abilities

• Some Relics provide special utility skills, such as movement speed, summonable minions, or area-of-effect buffs that affect a large number of enemies.
• How to Use: Use these types of Relics in situations where crowd control and mobility are important. Summoning minions can help to absorb damage or distract enemies, while movement speed boosts can help you clear areas faster or evade dangerous attacks.

4. Synergistic Effects

• Certain Relics work well in synergy with specific Ascendancy classes or builds, providing abilities that enhance your skill rotations or unlock special interactions with your existing skills.
• How to Use: If your build focuses on a specific mechanic, such as auras, elemental spells, or weapon-based attacks, look for Relics that enhance these areas. Make sure the Relic complements your skill tree choices for maximum efficiency.

When to Use the Relic in Act 2

Knowing when to activate and use your Relic in Act 2 is just as important as understanding its effects. Here are some general guidelines for making the most of your Relic during this part of the game:

1. Boss Fights:
   • Activate your Relic before significant boss encounters, especially if it offers damage boosts or defensive buffs. Using it during boss mechanics or high-damage phases can tip the scales in your favor.
2. Difficult Areas:
   • Use the Relic when navigating through high-risk areas or during monster-filled zones that require fast clearing. Relics that boost your movement speed or provide defensive bonuses can make these sections far easier to handle.
3. Resource Management:
   • Pay attention to any resource cost associated with using the Relic. Don’t waste it on trivial encounters; instead, save it for moments when you need a significant advantage, such as during Elite monster encounters or high-density areas.
4. Exploration and Discovery:
   • Relics that enhance your scouting ability or allow for more efficient exploration should be activated when you’re venturing into new areas or completing side objectives. Relics with utility buffs like summoning minions can be especially helpful when farming loot or exploring dungeons.

Also read : Path of Exile 2: Top Early Skill Gems for Dominant Witch Builds

Conclusion

The Relic in Path of Exile 2 is an exciting new gameplay mechanic introduced in Act 2, offering unique buffs and abilities that can complement your build and enhance your journey. Finding the right use for the Relic can be tricky at first, but with a little experimentation, you’ll be able to unlock its full potential.

By carefully considering your playstyle, build, and encounter requirements, you can determine when and how to make the most of your Relic to give you the edge in battle. Whether you’re enhancing your damage output, improving survivability, or unlocking special utility effects, the Relic is a powerful tool that can change the way you approach PoE 2’s content.

If you’re still unsure of how to use the Relic effectively or need help optimizing your build, be sure to check out U4GM for helpful guides, expert tips, and strategies that will help you master every aspect of Path of Exile 2 and make the most out of your Relic.