Endurance Charges: A Guide to Survivability in Path of Exile

Endurance charges are a defensive mechanic in Path of Exile that reduce the physical damage taken by a character. They are gained by using the Enduring Cry skill gem or by being in the presence of an aura from the Iron Will passive skill.

Endurance charges are very valuable, especially in high-level content where physical damage is the most common source of death. A single endurance charge can reduce physical damage by 4%, which can make a significant difference in your survivability.

How to Gain Endurance Charges

There are two main ways to gain endurance charges:

1. Enduring Cry skill: This skill grants you one endurance charge on use. It has a cooldown of 6 seconds and costs 25 mana.
2. Iron Will passive skill: This passive skill grants you one endurance charge every second while you are within range of an aura. The Iron Will aura has a radius of 30 meters and costs 10 mana per second.

Benefits of Endurance Charges

Endurance charges provide a number of benefits, including:

• Reduced physical damage taken: Each endurance charge reduces the physical damage you take by 4%. This can make a significant difference in your survivability, especially in high-level content.
• Increased armor: Each endurance charge grants you 2% increased armor. This can help you mitigate physical damage even further.
• Increased damage: Each endurance charge grants you 1% increased melee physical damage and 1% increased ranged physical damage. This can help you deal more damage to enemies.

Effective Strategies for Using Endurance Charges

Here are some effective strategies for using endurance charges:

• Use Enduring Cry frequently: The Enduring Cry skill is the most reliable way to gain endurance charges. Try to use it as often as possible, especially when you are about to engage in a fight.
• Place the Iron Will aura in strategic locations: The Iron Will aura can provide you with a steady stream of endurance charges. Try to place it in areas where you will be fighting often, such as near a boss arena or a difficult encounter.
• Use items that generate endurance charges: There are a number of items in Path of Exile that can generate endurance charges. These items include the Belly of the Beast unique belt and the Romira's Banquet unique amulet.
• Build around endurance charges: There are a number of passive skills and ascendancy classes that can enhance the effectiveness of endurance charges. For example, the Fortify passive skill grants you 20% increased armor and reduced physical damage taken for each endurance charge you have.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for using endurance charges:

• Use the Enduring Cry skill when you are about to take a big hit. This will help you mitigate the damage and stay alive.
• Place the Iron Will aura in areas where you will be fighting often. This will help you generate endurance charges more quickly.
• Use items that generate endurance charges. These items can help you supplement your endurance charge generation.
• Build around endurance charges. There are a number of passive skills and ascendancy classes that can enhance the effectiveness of endurance charges.

Call to Action

Endurance charges are a powerful tool that can help you increase your survivability in Path of Exile. By using the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you can make the most of endurance charges and become a more effective player.

Tables

Table 1: Endurance Charge Generation

Table 2: Benefits of Endurance Charges

Table 3: Items that Generate Endurance Charges