Path of Exile 2: Damage & Defence Full Order of Path of Exile 2 Currency Operations



Path of Exile 2 elevates the complexity of its combat mechanics, particularly in how damage is calculated and mitigated. Understanding the full order of operations for both offensive and defensive layers is critical for theorycrafting optimized characters and interpreting why you live or die in a given encounter.



This article breaks down the exact sequence that determines how much damage you deal and take from hit checks to mitigation, blocking, and final resource loss-giving you insight into the true value of modifiers, gear, Path of Exile 2 Currency, and keystones.



Step 1: Avoiding the Hit



Before anything else, the game checks whether a Hit can be avoided entirely. If the Hit is avoided, no further damage steps are processed.



Avoidance mechanics applied at this step:

Evasion

Dodge rolls

Modifiers that Avoid specific Hit types (e.g., Projectile, Melee)



Example: A dodge roll or evasion roll that succeeds here stops everything else from happening.



Important Note: Some effects-like Perfidy's "Avoid Physical Damage from Hits", do not prevent the Hit itself and are handled later.



Special Triggers Before Hit:

Defiance of Destiny triggers before you take a Hit: "Recover 10% of Missing Life before being Hit by an Enemy."



Step 2: Damage Calculation



Once a Hit is confirmed, we calculate how much base damage it will do.



2.1 Flat Damage



Base damage is calculated depending on the skill type:



Attacks use:

Weapon damage

Unarmed base (if no weapon)

Shield damage (if shield skill)

Totem skill base (not weapon-based)



Spells used:

Damage from the Skill Gem



Added Flat Damage from gear, supports, and buy Path of Exile 2 Orbs passives is then applied.