Vaal Ground Slam of Earthshaking: A Comprehensive Exploration

Introduction

The Vaal Ground Slam is a devastating skill in Path of Exile that unleashes a thunderous shockwave, shattering the ground and pulverizing enemies below. Introduced in the Awakening expansion, this skill stands as a testament to the unrivaled power of physical combat.

This guide delves into the intricacies of the Vaal Ground Slam, providing invaluable insights on its mechanics, strategies, and benefits. With meticulous analysis and practical advice, we aim to empower you with the knowledge to harness its earth-shattering force.

Mechanics of Vaal Ground Slam

• Skill Type: Melee attack that deals physical damage.
• Cast Time: 0.75 seconds.
• Area of Effect: 20-radius circle around the character.
• Damage: Scales with character strength and physical damage modifiers.
• Mana Cost: 20 (60 for Vaal version).
• Additional Effects: Creates a surge of energy upon landing, damaging enemies standing in the area.

Strategies for Effective Use

1. Physical Damage Scaling:
Maximize the damage output of Vaal Ground Slam by investing in physical damage modifiers through items, support gems, and passives. Consider using items with increased physical damage rolls, such as Ambu's Charge or the Voidforge.

2. Area of Effect Scaling:
Enhance the area of effect of Vaal Ground Slam to increase the number of enemies affected. Support gems like Greater Area of Effect or Explosive Impact can significantly enlarge the impact radius.

3. Attack Speed and Movement:
Increase attack speed to execute more Vaal Ground Slams in a shorter duration. Additionally, prioritize movement speed enhancements to swiftly reposition and avoid enemy attacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mistiming the Skill:
Vaal Ground Slam has a solid cast time, which requires precise execution. Avoid casting it prematurely, as it will waste mana and result in missed damage.

2. Poor Positioning:
Pay attention to your positioning when using Vaal Ground Slam. Ensure you are positioned close enough to enemies to maximize damage and avoid hitting obstacles that could obstruct the ground slam.

3. Neglecting the Surge of Energy:
The surge of energy created upon landing is a valuable damage dealer. Position yourself strategically to ensure that enemies remain within its area of effect.

Why Vaal Ground Slam Matters

• Unmatched Physical Damage: Vaal Ground Slam deals devastating physical damage, making it a formidable option for melee builds.
• Crowd Control Potential: The large area of effect effectively stuns and damages multiple enemies simultaneously, providing crowd control in chaotic encounters.
• Synergy with Melee Builds: Vaal Ground Slam complements melee builds by offering a burst of high-impact damage, especially when combined with other melee support gems.

Benefits of Using Vaal Ground Slam

• Exceptional Damage Output: The skill has the potential to deal enormous physical damage, clearing large packs of enemies efficiently.
• Versatile Applications: Vaal Ground Slam can be used in various content, from boss fights to league mechanics, where its area of effect and damage prove invaluable.
• Scaling Potential: The skill scales exceptionally well with both character level and gear, allowing for significant damage growth throughout the endgame.

Comparison with Other Skills

Ground Slam vs. Vaal Ground Slam:
* Vaal Ground Slam has a significantly higher mana cost (60) compared to Ground Slam (12).
* Vaal Ground Slam deals more damage and has a larger area of effect than Ground Slam.
* Both skills have similar cast times (0.75 seconds) and require close proximity to enemies.

Earthquake vs. Vaal Ground Slam:
* Earthquake has a smaller area of effect than Vaal Ground Slam, but it targets all enemies in its area, regardless of proximity.
* Vaal Ground Slam deals more damage than Earthquake on a single target.
* Earthquake has a higher mana cost (30) than Vaal Ground Slam (20).

Effective Table for Gems, Supports, and Links

Common Questions

• What is the best weapon for Vaal Ground Slam?
• Optimal weapons include Two-Handed Maces, Mjolner, and Terminus Est.
• Which ascendancy class synergizes well with Vaal Ground Slam?
• Berserker and Juggernaut offer notable damage bonuses and defensive capabilities.
• What is the recommended constellation setup for Vaal Ground Slam?
• Focus on constellations that increase physical damage, area of effect, and critical strike chance.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Scaling Factors for Vaal Ground Slam Damage

Table 2: Comparison of Vaal Ground Slam with Similar Skills

Table 3: Pros and Cons of Vaal Ground Slam