A New Weapon Category: What Talismans Actually Are
Talismans will be a full-fledged weapon category, with Path of Exile 2 Currency all the crafting potential, affixes, tiers, and item chase associated with rare weapons.
Based on the data-mined information revealed through a bug, Talismans appear to be:
Two-handed weapons
Strength + Intelligence scaling
Designed exclusively for the Druid class
This places Talismans in a unique item niche. PoE2 currently has no two-handed hybrid Str/Int weapons, which means the Druid will be the first to wield an entirely new gear archetype.
Tips: Talismans may not behave like conventional weapons at all. They appear to function as stat carriers that determine power while the Druid is shapeshifted.
Why the Druid Needs Talismans
The class was described as able to shapeshift freely without using traditional weapons. But how do you give a shapeshift build real item progression without weapon scaling?
Removing the weapon slot would eliminate one of the most important parts of the gear loop. It would also:
Reduce build diversity
Limit affix options
Remove a major chase item category
Make shapeshift forms difficult to balance
The introduction of Talismans solves every one of these issues.
Talisman:s Define Your Shapeshifted Stats
Just like Demon Form eventually received weapon scaling late in PoE1's development, the Druid's shapeshifting forms will likely inherit the stats of the equipped Talisman. This means:
Your damage scales with your Talisman, not your base human form.
Builds can specialize around hybrid Strength + Intelligence scaling.
Endgame crafting becomes meaningful for shapeshifters.
This also increases the value of Path of Exile 2 Currency, as high-end Talisman crafting will require a steady flow of materials. Once the Druid becomes widely played, the market may see players rushing to buy POE2 Currency to perfect their Talismans early in cheap POE 2 Orbs the patch.
