Atziri's Contempt: The Pronged Spear of Power in Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 2, one of the most coveted unique weapons is Atziri's Contempt, a powerful Pronged Spear that boasts unique mechanics and exceptional stats. A weapon that stands out in the chaotic world of Path of Exile, it is not only sought after for its strong offensive capabilities but also for its complex interactions with specific skills and buffs. Whether you're a seasoned player or just beginning your journey, Atziri's Contempt offers the potential to dramatically enhance your combat potential. Its rarity and power make it a prestigious item in the game, often seen as a prize for those willing to go the distance in acquiring it. As players pursue it, some might even consider using POE 2 Currency to boost their efforts or trade for it, but the true value lies in the ability to wield it effectively. Here's a detailed breakdown of what makes this weapon an iconic choice for certain builds.

Mechanics: The Power of Shattering Spite and Bloodstone Lance

Atziri's Contempt has a signature mechanic known as Shattering Spite, a skill granted at levels 17-20. This skill utilizes the Bloodstone Lance debuff, which is a stackable debuff with no direct effects on its own but plays a crucial role when interacting with Shattering Spite. The Bloodstone Lance stacks can be applied through various spear skills, such as the newly introduced Spearfield. These stacks work as a trigger for Shattering Spite's effects, increasing the weapon's damage output and triggering additional debuffs that make it deadly in combat.

The Bloodstone Lance is unique in that it can stack up to a maximum of 30 on each target, allowing players to exploit this mechanic for sustained damage. The ability to apply this debuff with spear skills provides flexibility, as the stacking can happen rapidly during combat. This mechanic not only boosts the weapon's raw damage but also interacts with other skills and passives, creating opportunities for synergies that make Atziri's Contempt one of the most complex and rewarding weapons to master.

For example, the Spearfield skill introduces an exciting new method of applying the Bloodstone Lance, as it can rapidly stack debuffs on multiple enemies, creating a chain reaction of effects that devastate crowds. The Shattering Spite skill ensures that the damage increases substantially when you trigger the effect, making every hit feel more impactful as the stacks accumulate. This interaction between Shattering Spite and Bloodstone Lance emphasizes the weapon's dual role as both a strategic tool and a damage-dealing powerhouse.

Item Acquisition: How to Obtain Atziri's Contempt

Unlike many other unique items in Path of Exile, Atziri's Contempt cannot be obtained through random drops or vendor recipes. This makes the acquisition of the spear a more challenging pursuit, and rightly so. Players must follow specific methods to obtain it, adding a sense of prestige to its ownership. Atziri's Contempt can only be found as a drop after defeating Atziri, the Red Queen, within Atziri's Vault in Atziri's Temple. This location is one of the most perilous dungeons in the game, requiring players to navigate through traps, enemies, and increasingly difficult challenges as they move deeper into the vault.

Once players have traversed the depths and reached the final encounter, they will face Atziri herself, one of the most notorious bosses in the Path of Exile franchise. Defeating her is no easy feat, and it demands both skill and preparation. The battle against Atziri features multiple phases, with the Queen using a variety of attacks and abilities designed to punish even the most prepared players. Only those who truly master the mechanics of the fight will have a chance at earning the coveted spear as a drop.

Obtaining Atziri's Contempt requires not only overcoming Atziri in combat but also managing the many aspects of the Temple, such as mob density, enemy buffs, and the ever-present threat of traps. This makes the spear not just a reward for defeating a difficult boss but also a testament to a player's perseverance and prowess in the game.

Atziri's Contempt Stats and Bonuses

Atziri's Contempt is a formidable weapon in terms of raw stats, making it an excellent choice for a variety of builds. Here are some of its key attributes:

Physical Damage: 60-66 to 178-195.8

Elemental Damage: 83-97 to 123-153 Fire Damage, 1 to 193-207 Lightning Damage

Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%

Attacks per Second: 1.71-1.80

Weapon Range: 1.5 meters

Required Level: 72, 46 Str, 115 Dex

In addition to these base stats, Atziri's Contempt grants some powerful bonuses:

100-120% increased Physical Damage

(10-16)% increased Attack Speed

(60-80)% increased Presence Area of Effect

Grants the Spear Throw skill, allowing players to throw the spear for ranged damage.

The Physical Damage stats make Atziri's Contempt a powerhouse in terms of direct damage output, especially when combined with the Shattering Spite debuff and Bloodstone Lance stacks. Additionally, the weapon's high attack speed bonuses make it suitable for fast-paced, high-speed combat, especially in synergy with other attack-speed-related modifiers.

What truly makes Atziri's Contempt stand out is its versatility. The elemental damage-including Fire and Lightning-ensures that the weapon isn't limited to purely physical builds. It supports hybrid builds that focus on both physical and elemental damage, allowing players to target a wider array of enemies and customize their playstyle. For instance, players who specialize in Spear Throw will appreciate the added ranged damage potential, while others might prefer to use the spear in close-range combat, benefiting from the boosted Presence Area of Effect.

Conclusion: A Weapon Fit for the Elite

Atziri's Contempt is a weapon that rewards players who enjoy spear-based combat and are capable of managing its unique mechanics, such as the Shattering Spite and Bloodstone Lance. While it's challenging to obtain, the power it offers makes it a coveted prize for those who conquer Atziri's Temple. Whether you're looking to maximize physical damage or integrate elemental attacks into your build, Atziri's Contempt offers the perfect balance of power and utility.

For those looking to complete their builds with Atziri's Contempt, be prepared to invest time and effort into obtaining it. Acquiring the spear requires not only defeating a powerful boss but also mastering the mechanics of the weapon and understanding how it interacts with your chosen skills. If you're interested in accelerating your progress, you might even consider buy POE 2 Orbs to enhance your gameplay or trade for the weapon. Whatever your approach, Atziri's Contempt remains one of the most iconic and powerful weapons in Path of Exile 2, a fitting choice for those who aspire to achieve greatness in Wraeclast.