Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling evolution of the action RPG genre, blending brutal combat, deep character builds, and intricate loot systems. Among the many base weapons catching players' eyes during the early leveling stages is the Cultist Greathammer, a powerful two-handed mace designed for strength-based characters. If you're looking to dominate with splash damage and physical force, this weapon is a standout.
In this guide, we'll explain how to get the Cultist Greathammer, what makes it special, and how to enhance its value using POE 2 Currency. Whether you're a hardcore grinder or a casual explorer, this guide will give you the edge you need.
What Is the Cultist Greathammer
The Cultist Greathammer is a base weapon type in Path of Exile 2, categorized under two-handed maces. It's built for strength-focused characters who want to deal significant area-of-effect physical damage. Here are its core stats:
Physical Damage: 32–43
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Attacks per Second: 1.05
Weapon Range: 1.3 metres
Level Requirement: 22
Stat Requirement: 52 Strength
Special Modifier: Strikes deal splash damage to targets within 1.8 metres
These attributes make it a formidable weapon in early to mid-game progression, especially for melee builds such as Juggernauts, Slayers, or Chieftains.
How to Obtain the Cultist Greathammer
There are several ways to acquire the Cultist Greathammer in Path of Exile 2, depending on your progression, build strategy, and access to currency:
1. World Drops
The most straightforward way to obtain this weapon is via natural drops. Since its drop level is 22, it becomes eligible to drop from monsters or chests once you reach areas at or above that level. These can include:
Act 2 and Act 3 wilderness and dungeon areas
Delve or Labyrinth encounters beyond level 22
Heist contracts that scale item level
Keep in mind, though, that base weapons drop randomly, so this method relies heavily on RNG (random number generation).
2. Vendors
Sometimes, Act 2 or Act 3 weapon vendors may stock the Cultist Greathammer if you check after leveling up. While they're not guaranteed to have it, cycling through inventory after leveling or completing quests can refresh available items.
3. Crafting with POE 2 Currency
The most reliable method involves crafting or trading for the base and customizing it using POE 2 Currency. Once you get a white (normal) version of the Cultist Greathammer, you can improve it significantly using currency items like:
Blacksmith's Whetstone – Increases quality, which boosts base physical damage
Transmutation Orbs – Adds a magic property to the item
Alteration Orbs – Re-rolls the magic modifiers
Alchemy Orbs – Upgrades the item to rare with random properties
Chaos Orbs – Re-rolls the rare modifiers
Essences – Forces specific modifiers, such as attack speed or flat physical damage
Using currency efficiently allows you to tailor the Cultist Greathammer to fit your build, turning a basic weapon into a powerhouse.
Understanding Weapon DPS
Let's break down the Weapon DPS (Damage Per Second) for the Cultist Greathammer:
Physical DPS: 39.4
Phys + Chaos DPS: 39.4
Total DPS: 39.4
Since this weapon deals pure physical damage, it's especially effective with support skills that scale with physical damage, such as Earthshatter, Ground Slam, or Tectonic Slam. If you convert physical to elemental through gear or skill gems, it can be even more flexible.
The splash damage effect, automatically striking enemies within 1.8 metres, makes this hammer a beast for clearing packs of enemies, a vital trait in both leveling and endgame mapping.
Enhancing the Cultist Greathammer
Once you have the base weapon, the real fun begins. Here's how to make the most of it:
Step 1: Increase Quality
Use Blacksmith's Whetstones to bring the weapon's quality to 20%. This boosts base physical damage, directly increasing DPS.
Step 2: Choose Your Rarity
Magic: Use a Transmutation Orb to make it magic. Ideal for low-level characters.
Rare: Use an Alchemy Orb or a Regal Orb to make it rare for more affix slots.
Crafted: Use the crafting bench to add modifiers (e.g, "+% to Physical Damage", "Attack Speed").
Step 3: Optimize with Chaos or Essences
If you're in mid-game, start rerolling with Chaos Orbs or Essences to lock in desired stats. Essences like Essence of Contempt (adds flat physical damage) or Essence of Zeal (adds attack speed) are ideal for this weapon.
Step 4: Corruption or Enchants (Optional)
If you're bold, you can use a Vaal Orb to corrupt the weapon for special effects, though this carries risk. Later in the game, Labyrinth enchantments can also boost damage or quality-of-life.
Final Thoughts
For strength-based builds in Path of Exile 2, the Cultist Greathammer provides solid early DPS, reliable AoE splash damage, and strong upgrade potential. It's also relatively accessible without needing high-tier gear or currency.
And during your journey, as you grind, trade, or craft, don't forget to build your stash of POE2 Currency. Whether you're crafting this weapon into a legendary mace or trading for something rarer, currency is your key to power in Wraeclast.
MMOtg POE 2 Team
