U4GM - Using Tailwind in PoE 2: A Guide to Increased Movement Speed
In Path of Exile 2, movement speed plays a crucial role in both survival and efficiency. Whether you're speeding through maps, dodging deadly attacks, or reaching objectives faster, having a quick and responsive character can dramatically change your gameplay experience. One of the most effective ways to boost movement speed is through the use of Tailwind—a powerful buff primarily found on boots or triggered by certain skills or items. This guide will help you understand how to use Tailwind in PoE 2 and how it ties into your overall progression, including how to wisely spend your PoE 2 currency to achieve optimal speed.
What is Tailwind?
Tailwind is a buff that increases action speed, which includes movement, attack, and cast speed. While it may seem like a small increase at first glance, the compound benefits it offers over time are substantial. In PoE 2, Tailwind is typically granted through modifiers on rare boots or as a notable modifier in certain item crafting systems.
How to Get Tailwind in PoE 2
Rare Boots with Tailwind Mod: The most common source of Tailwind is boots with the "You have Tailwind if you have dealt a critical strike recently" mod. These boots are often crafted using high-tier PoE 2 currency such as Exalted Orbs, Chaos Orbs, or new crafting items introduced in the sequel.
Ascendancy Classes: Some classes or subclasses in PoE 2 might offer Tailwind as part of their ascendancy skills. This method can be especially reliable for characters that critically strike often.
Cluster Jewels or Passive Tree: Tailwind might appear as a passive bonus in cluster jewels or specific nodes on the new passive skill tree. It's a good idea to plan your passive path with movement and action speed in mind if you're aiming to capitalize on Tailwind effects.
Flasks and Buffs: Some flasks and temporary buffs can synergize with Tailwind, further increasing your speed. Investing in flask effect duration and uptime can make your Tailwind buff more effective.
Maximizing the Effect of Tailwind
To fully leverage Tailwind, it’s important to build around it. Here are a few tips:
Stack other sources of movement speed, such as on your boots, from passive skills, and aura buffs.
Combine Tailwind with Onslaught, another speed buff, for compounded effect.
Tailwind benefits heavily from uptime, so ensure your build can reliably trigger it—especially if it's tied to critical strikes.
Using Your PoE 2 Currency Wisely
The market for Tailwind boots or items with Tailwind modifiers can be competitive. Here are a few currency tips:
Use Chaos Orbs and Regal Orbs to craft or reroll rare boots with desirable mods.
Save your Exalted Orbs or equivalent PoE 2 currency for high-end crafting, especially if you're attempting to create a hybrid item with Tailwind and other rare movement speed boosts.
Consider trading for Tailwind gear early in a league when prices might be lower and demand is still stabilizing.
Conclusion
Tailwind is one of the best buffs in PoE 2 for players who value speed and fluid gameplay. Whether you're mapping, delving, or just enjoying smooth movement, learning to incorporate Tailwind into your build can greatly enhance your performance. With smart use of your PoE 2 currency and a clear strategy, you’ll be flying through Wraeclast in no time.