Thorns

Thorns

Tooltip

Thorns damage is a kind of Hit Damage you can deal. Thorns damage is not Attack damage or Spell damage and is not affected by modifiers specific to those.

If you have Thorns damage, you inherently Retaliate against Melee Attack Hits, dealing your Thorns damage to the enemy that Hit you.

Some skills and other effects may also deal your thorns damage to enemies at other times.

Retaliate with Thorns

Tooltip

Retaliating specifically refers only to the inherent ability to deal Thorns damage to enemies when they Hit you.

Some effects may cause you to deal Thorns damage in other ways, but those are not Retaliation, and effects which specifically care about when you Retaliate will ignore them.

Thorns is a stat that deals damage to enemies that hit you with a melee attack. Mechanically, this works as if enemies are "hitting" themselves and triggers "all damage" effects back at them. Thorns damage is not attack damage or spell damage and is not affected by modifiers specific to those.

Mechanics

Thorns can trigger off from any melee hit, including blocked hits and hits that deal no damage, but not evaded hits. Thorns damage does not scale with the amount of damage the hit that triggered it dealt.

Thorns damage does not count as a character's own hit, and any effects inflicted by thorns damage (such as ailments) also do not count as originating from the player.

Thorns damage can be scaled by all relevant modifiers to damage, such as generic damage, physical damage (or other damage types for non-Physical thorns/with conversion), and critical hit chance/critical damage bonus. Thorns has a base critical hit chance of 0%, but can be increased through sources of base crit such as BriarpatchBriarpatch
Laced BootsEvasion: 38Requires Level 11, 20 Dex(10–20)% increased Movement Speed
+(40–60) to maximum Life
+(60–80) to Stun Threshold
+25% to Thorns Critical Hit Chance
(10-15) to (20-25) Physical Thorns damageThe druids walk the Grelwood without fear. and Thornhide. Resolute Technique also removes thorns crit chance. Thorns damage can also be converted, including regular conversion (Avatar of Fire) and gain conversion.

Thorns can inflict ailments to enemies based on their chance to inflict ailments on all hits (for example an enemy with all damage shocks will shock themselves when they hit you). Thorns can inflict elemental ailments based on the damage it deals (such as if your thorns do fire damage from Avatar of Fire). Thorns do not benefit from players' increased chance to inflict ailments, but it does benefit from effects that apply to all hits, such as Shaper of Winter.

Crown of the Pale KingCrown of the Pale King
Cultist CrownArmour: 44
Energy Shield: 19Requires Level 16, 18 Str, 18 Int(50–100)% increased Armour and Energy Shield
+(40–80) to maximum Life
10% increased Rarity of Items found
(10-15) to (20-25) Physical Thorns damage
Thorns damage is triggered by all HitsA lightless world
a silent reign
two sightless eyes
feed on your pain. allows thorns to trigger from non-melee hits except from thorns damage.

Sources

Thorns can roll as explicit prefixes on belts, body armours, and shields.

Related gems

Skill gems

Gem	Tier

Spirit gems

Gem	Tier
Scavenged PlatingScavenged PlatingBuff, Persistent, Physical, Duration Tier: 4 Level: (1-20) Reservation: 30 SpiritWhile active, uses fragments of armour scavenged from enemies to bolster your own. Fully Breaking an enemy's Armour grants you stacks of Scavenged Plating for a duration based on the enemy's rarity, and you gain Armour and Thorns per stack. Normal enemies grant 1 stack, Magic enemies grant 2 stacks, Rare enemies grant 5 stacks and Unique enemies grant 10 stacks.Scavenged Plating duration is 8 seconds 4% more Armour per Scavenged Plating Maximum 10 Scavenged Plating (2-43) to (2-64) Thorns per Scavenged Plating Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: Scavenged Plating duration is (0.1-2) secondsSkills can be managed in the Skills Panel.	4

Support gems

Gem	Tier
Crackling BarrierCrackling BarrierSupport, Lightning, Channelling Category: Crackling Barrier Tier: 2Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Channelling Skills. While Channelling Supported Skills, you gain Lightning Thorns based off of your maximum Mana.Gain 15% of your maximum Mana as Lightning Thorns Damage while Channelling Supported SkillsPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.	2
Thornskin IThornskin ISupport, Buff, Persistent Category: Thornskin Tier: 2 Additional Reservation: 20 SpiritSupport Requirements: +5 StrSupports Persistent Buff Skills, causing you to deal increased Thorns Damage while the Supported Skill is active.Deal 40% increased Thorns Damage while a Supported Skill is activePlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.	2
CaltropsCaltropsSupport, Attack, AoE, Projectile, Trigger, Physical, Duration, Hazard Tier: 3 Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Support Requirements: +5 DexSupports Ranged Spear Attacks. Supported Skills create Caltrops when Projectiles they create reach the end of their flight.Support Projectiles from Supported Skills trigger Caltrops when they reach the end of their flight Caltrops Attack Time: 0.00 sec Critical Hit Chance: 5.00% Increases and reductions to Thorns Damage apply to Hit Damage with this skill Maim on Hit Caltrop radius is 0.5 metres Caltrops land within a 3 metre radius of Projectile impact Creates 1 Caltrop Caltrop duration is 8 seconds Deals 60% of your Dexterity as Physical Damage on HitPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple copies of the same Support Gem socketed at the same time.	3
Barbs IBarbs ISupport, Attack, Melee, Strike Category: Barbs Tier: 3 Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Support Requirements: +5 StrSupports Melee Strike Skills. Supported Skills deal your Thorns Damage on Hit after you've Retaliated with Thorns Damage.Supported Skills deal your Thorns Damage on their next 4 Hits after you Retaliate with ThornsPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.	3
Quill BurstQuill BurstSupport, Attack, AoE, Melee, Trigger, Physical Tier: 3Support Requirements: +5 StrSupports Melee Attack Skills. Supported Skills trigger Quill Burst, which deals your Thorns Damage in an Area around the target struck. Quill Burst can only be triggered on Hit after you've Retaliated with Thorns Damage.Supported Skills trigger Quill Burst on their next 3 Hits after you Retaliate with ThornsPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple copies of the same Support Gem socketed at the same time.	3
Thornskin IIThornskin IISupport, Buff, Persistent Category: Thornskin Tier: 4 Additional Reservation: 40 SpiritSupport Requirements: +5 StrSupports Persistent Buff Skills, causing you to deal increased Thorns Damage while the Supported Skill is active.Deal 70% increased Thorns Damage while a Supported Skill is activePlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.	4
Barbs IIBarbs IISupport, Attack, Melee, Strike Category: Barbs Tier: 5 Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Support Requirements: +5 StrSupports Melee Strike Skills. Supported Skills deal your Thorns Damage on Hit after you've Retaliated with Thorns Damage.Supported Skills deal your Thorns Damage on their next 6 Hits after you Retaliate with ThornsPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.	5
Barbs IIIBarbs IIISupport, Attack, Melee, Strike Category: Barbs Tier: 5 Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Support Requirements: +5 StrSupports Melee Strike Skills. Supported Skills deal your Thorns Damage on Hit twice after you've Retaliated with Thorns Damage.Supported Skills deal your Thorns Damage twice on their next Hit after you Retaliate with ThornsPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.	5

Related sockets

Item	Stack size	Description	Drop level
Greater Rune of TithingGreater Rune of TithingStack Size: 10Martial Weapon: Meta Skills gain 10% increased Energy Armour: 1 to 100 Lightning Thorns damagePlace into an empty Rune Socket in a Weapon or Armour to apply its effect to that item. Once socketed it cannot be retrieved but can be replaced by other socketable items.	10	Martial Weapon: Meta Skills gain 10% increased Energy Armour: 1 to 100 Lightning Thorns damage	65
Stag TalismanStag TalismanStack Size: 10Helmets: 50% increased Thorns Critical Hit Chance Sceptres: Allies in your Presence deal 1 to 40 added Attack Lightning DamagePlace into an empty Rune Socket in a Weapon or Armour to apply its effect to that item. Once socketed it cannot be retrieved but can be replaced by other socketable items.	10	Helmets: 50% increased Thorns Critical Hit Chance Sceptres: Allies in your Presence deal 1 to 40 added Attack Lightning Damage	35

Related unique items

Item	Base item		Stats
Crown of ThornsCrown of Thorns Twig CircletEnergy Shield: 19+(100-150) to maximum Energy Shield Lose 5 Life when you use a Skill (3-5) to (6-10) Physical Thorns damage Pain AttunementLift it lightly, don it slow. The spikes point out and in, you know.	Twig Circlet	1	+(100-150) to maximum Energy Shield Lose 5 Life when you use a Skill (3-5) to (6-10) Physical Thorns damage Pain Attunement
The Blood ThornThe Blood Thorn Wrapped QuarterstaffQuartertaff Physical Damage: 7-12 Critical Strike Chance: 10.00% Attacks per Second: 1.40Adds (8-12) to (16-18) Physical Damage +(10-15) to Strength Causes Bleeding on Hit (4-5) to (8-10) Physical Thorns damageTouch not the thorn, for only blood and pain await.	Wrapped Quarterstaff	1	Adds (8-12) to (16-18) Physical Damage +(10-15) to Strength Causes Bleeding on Hit (4-5) to (8-10) Physical Thorns damage
BriarpatchBriarpatch Laced BootsEvasion: 38Requires Level 11, 20 Dex(10–20)% increased Movement Speed +(40–60) to maximum Life +(60–80) to Stun Threshold +25% to Thorns Critical Hit Chance (10-15) to (20-25) Physical Thorns damageThe druids walk the Grelwood without fear.	Laced Boots	11	(10–20)% increased Movement Speed +(40–60) to maximum Life +(60–80) to Stun Threshold +25% to Thorns Critical Hit Chance (10-15) to (20-25) Physical Thorns damage
Edyrn's TusksEdyrn's Tusks Iron CuirassArmour: 96 Movement Speed: -5.0%Requires Level 11, 24 Str(120-160)% increased Armour 50% chance to inflict Bleeding on Hit 50% reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on You (15-20) to (25-30) Physical Thorns damageIn death, the legendary boar's tusks were turned to the slaying of Phaaryl's Eternal oppressors.	Iron Cuirass	11	(120-160)% increased Armour 50% chance to inflict Bleeding on Hit 50% reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on You (15-20) to (25-30) Physical Thorns damage
Crown of the Pale KingCrown of the Pale King Cultist CrownArmour: 44 Energy Shield: 19Requires Level 16, 18 Str, 18 Int(50–100)% increased Armour and Energy Shield +(40–80) to maximum Life 10% increased Rarity of Items found (10-15) to (20-25) Physical Thorns damage Thorns damage is triggered by all HitsA lightless world a silent reign two sightless eyes feed on your pain.	Cultist Crown	16	(50–100)% increased Armour and Energy Shield +(40–80) to maximum Life 10% increased Rarity of Items found (10-15) to (20-25) Physical Thorns damage Thorns damage is triggered by all Hits
IcetombIcetomb Mail VestmentsArmour: 67 Energy Shield: 28 Movement Speed: -4.0%Requires Level 16, 20 Str, 20 Int+(20–30) to Strength +(20–30) to Intelligence +(30–40)% to Cold Resistance Gain Cold Thorns equal to (10-18)% of your Maximum ManaWhen Solaris closes his burning eye At the end of time, the world will perish in ice.	Mail Vestments	16	+(20–30) to Strength +(20–30) to Intelligence +(30–40)% to Cold Resistance Gain Cold Thorns equal to (10-18)% of your Maximum Mana
Cloak of FlameCloak of Flame Silk RobeEnergy Shield: 61 Movement Speed: -3.0%Requires Level 22, 47 Int+(30-50)% of Fire Resistance (30-50)% reduced Ignite Duration on You 40% of Physical Damage taken as Fire Damage 25 to 35 Fire Thorns damageHe who sows an ember shall reap an inferno.	Silk Robe	22	+(30-50)% of Fire Resistance (30-50)% reduced Ignite Duration on You 40% of Physical Damage taken as Fire Damage 25 to 35 Fire Thorns damage
KaltenhaltKaltenhalt Ridged BucklerBuckler Chance to Block: 20% Evasion: 43Requires Level 22, 33 DexGrants Skill: Parry(80–120)% increased Evasion Rating +5% to Maximum Cold Resistance +40% to Cold Resistance Modifiers to Stun Buildup apply to Freeze Buildup instead for Parry 100% of Parry Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage 25 to 35 Cold Thorns damageCold, miserable and alone... but alive.	Ridged Buckler	22	Grants Skill: Parry(80–120)% increased Evasion Rating +5% to Maximum Cold Resistance +40% to Cold Resistance Modifiers to Stun Buildup apply to Freeze Buildup instead for Parry 100% of Parry Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage 25 to 35 Cold Thorns damage
DreadfistDreadfist Bolstered MittsArmour: 58Requires Level 27, 44 Str(60-100)% increased Armour (20-30)% increased Critical Damage Bonus Critical Hits inflict Impale Critical Hits cannot Extract Impale (20-31) to (31-49) Physical Thorns damageWhat is worse, the sting of the past, the pain of the present, or the fear of the future?	Bolstered Mitts	27	(60-100)% increased Armour (20-30)% increased Critical Damage Bonus Critical Hits inflict Impale Critical Hits cannot Extract Impale (20-31) to (31-49) Physical Thorns damage
Belly of the BeastBelly of the Beast Explorer ArmourArmour: 114 Evasion: 101 Movement Speed: -4.0%Requires Level 33, 39 Str, 39 Dex(100-150)% increased Armour and Evasion +(100-150) to maximum Life +(100-150) to Stun Threshold Life Recovery from Flasks is instant (25-30) to (35-40) Physical Thorns DamageThere is no safer place Than the Belly of the Beast	Explorer Armour	33	(100-150)% increased Armour and Evasion +(100-150) to maximum Life +(100-150) to Stun Threshold Life Recovery from Flasks is instant (25-30) to (35-40) Physical Thorns Damage
Prized PainPrized Pain Iron RingRequires Level 48Adds 1 to 4 Physical Damage to Attacks+(20–30) to Strength Skills gain a Base Life Cost equal to 10% of Base Mana Cost Deal your Thorns Damage to Enemies you Stun with Melee Attacks (24–35) to (35–53) Physical Thorns damageAgony brings clarity to those of pure mind.	Iron Ring	48	Adds 1 to 4 Physical Damage to Attacks+(20–30) to Strength Skills gain a Base Life Cost equal to 10% of Base Mana Cost Deal your Thorns Damage to Enemies you Stun with Melee Attacks (24–35) to (35–53) Physical Thorns damage
BeetlebiteBeetlebite Velour ShoesEvasion: 74 Energy Shield: 29Requires Level 52, 50 Dex, 50 Int(20–30)% increased Movement Speed (60–120)% increased Evasion and Energy Shield Aggravate Bleeding on Enemies when they Enter your Presence 100% increased Thorns damageThey crawl and chitter and swarm in the shadow of his presence.	Velour Shoes	52	(20–30)% increased Movement Speed (60–120)% increased Evasion and Energy Shield Aggravate Bleeding on Enemies when they Enter your Presence 100% increased Thorns damage

Version History

Version	Changes
0.2.0e	Fixed a bug where it was possible to apply Thorns damage to yourself, such as through using the Crown of the Pale King and Fireflower Unique Items.
0.2.0	Physical Thorns damage on Rare item Modifiers has been buffed by up to 3.5 times for the highest tier modifier, scaling down to unchanged for the lowest tier modifier.
0.1.0	Introduced to the game.