Passive skill

Every character in Path of Exile 2 has access to the passive skill tree. Each node on this tree is a passive skill. Passive skills can improve the stats and attributes of a character in various ways, such as a bonus to certain types of damage or a certain defence. The tree is organised into many clusters of similar passive skills.

All classes use the same tree, but start in different places on the tree. When a character levels up or completes certain quests, they gain one skill point. A skill point allows the player to allocate a node on the skill tree, provided that it is connected to an already allocated node. This is how the character's passive 'path' is formed.

There are several types of passive skill nodes:

• Attribute passive: When taking this node, choose whether it will give you Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence.
• Jewel socket: This node gives no stats on its own, but can be filled with a Jewel.
• Small passive: These nodes make up the bulk of themed clusters and usually give a small bonus to one or two stats.
• Notable passive: These nodes are medium sized and give much larger bonuses, sometimes giving unique stats which cannot be found elsewhere.
• Keystone passive: These large nodes significantly alter how a character functions, usually coming with a downside.

You can refund a passive skill to regain the skill point using gold, so long as that does not break the path to any other nodes you have allocated. Refunding attribute passives is cheaper than other passives.

Dual specialisation allows you to allocate some passive skills to different nodes depending on which weapon set you are using, allowing you to switch between two specialisations. Dual specialisation cannot apply to Keystone passives.

Ascendancy skill tree

Gaining an Ascendancy class will give you access to an extra passive skill tree. This new tree is found on the passive skill tree screen in the center of the tree, but uses its own skill points which can only be earned through Ascension trials.