Executing a Ground Slam in the popular MOBA, Pokémon Unite, is a crucial skill for any player seeking to dominate the battlefield. This powerful move can not only deal significant damage but also create opportunities for your team to secure objectives or eliminate opponents. Mastering the art of the Ground Slam requires an understanding of its mechanics, timing, and strategic implications. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of this devastating move, providing you with the knowledge and tactics necessary to leverage it effectively.
To initiate Ground Slam, Wigglytuff must first charge it for a brief period. During this time, its movement speed is reduced, making it vulnerable to enemy attacks. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right moment to unleash this skill. Ideally, you want to perform the Ground Slam when an enemy is within range and has low health. This will ensure maximum impact and minimize the risk of being interrupted during the charge-up phase.
Understanding the Basics of Ground Slam
Ground Slam is a powerful attack spell in Path of Exile that deals physical damage to enemies in an area around the caster. To use Ground Slam effectively, it is crucial to understand its mechanics and key elements:
**Spell Requirements:**
- Requires a melee weapon equipped to cast.
- Has a mana cost and a cooldown between uses.
**Damage Output:**
- Physical damage based on weapon properties and modifiers.
- Scales with strength and melee damage-related bonuses.
**Area of Effect:**
- Creates an area of impact around the caster.
- Enemies within the area take damage based on their distance from the center.
**Knockback Effect:**
- Enemies close to the center of the impact are knocked back.
- Can be advantageous for crowd control or setting up for follow-up attacks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Executing Ground Slam
Ground Slam is a powerful melee attack in Path of Exile that deals significant damage to nearby enemies. It is a versatile skill that can be used by multiple classes and playstyles. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to executing Ground Slam effectively:
1. Choosing the Right Gear and Setup
Before using Ground Slam, it is essential to choose the right gear and setup to maximize its effectiveness. This includes selecting weapons with high physical damage, equipping armor with increased strength and melee damage, and utilizing gems and skills that enhance melee combat.
2. Positioning and Targeting
Positioning and targeting are crucial for successful Ground Slam execution. To prepare for the attack, follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Determine the desired target area where you want to slam. |
| 2. | Move to a short distance away from the target area. |
| 3. | Face towards the target area and ensure there are no obstacles in your path. |
| 4. | Hold down the skill key for Ground Slam (default: Q) and release it when the ground indicator aligns with the target area. |
Optimizing Ground Slam for Maximum Damage
Stat Prioritization
Strength increases the base damage of Ground Slam. Investing heavily in strength is crucial for maximizing damage output. Physical damage increases, such as those provided by physical damage jewels, further enhance the damage potential of Ground Slam.
Support Gems
The choice of support gems significantly impacts Ground Slam’s effectiveness. Some key considerations include:
Melee Physical Damage
A core support gem that boosts the physical damage of Ground Slam. It provides a substantial increase in overall damage.
Fortify Support
Grants increased armor on hit, enhancing survivability while also providing a slight damage boost due to the increased melee physical damage from Fortify.
Elemental Damage with Attacks
Converts a portion of physical damage to elemental damage, potentially increasing overall damage if elemental ailment exposure is present.
Impale Support
A potent support gem that causes critical strikes to inflict stacking impale damage over time.
Itemization and Mechanics
Choosing items that complement Ground Slam’s mechanics is essential. Consider the following strategies:
Increasing Area of Effect
Enlarging the area of effect of Ground Slam effectively increases its damage coverage. Gems like Pulverize or the Champion of the Cause passive skill provide this increase.
Flat Damage Bonus
Flat damage bonuses from items or gems, such as Abyssus or the Brutal Fervor cluster jewel, significantly boost the base damage of Ground Slam before other modifiers are applied.
Attack Speed and Critical Strike Chance
Increasing attack speed allows Ground Slam to be used more frequently, while a higher critical strike chance increases the likelihood of triggering critical hits, which inflict significantly more damage.
Combining Ground Slam with Other Abilities
Ground Slam works well with various abilities and items to enhance its damage output and utility. Here are some ways to combine Ground Slam with other abilities:
Seismic Trap
Seismic Trap can be placed before using Ground Slam to deal additional physical damage. The trap’s explosion also triggers Ground Slam’s AoE effect, making it easier to hit multiple enemies.
Ice Crash
Using Ice Crash prior to Ground Slam grants additional cold damage to the latter. This can be especially effective against enemies vulnerable to cold, such as Act Bosses.
Molten Shell
Casting Molten Shell before Ground Slam grants a temporary shield that absorbs damage. This shield helps mitigate damage taken while performing the ability, making it possible to survive heavy enemy attacks.
Additionally, the Ground Slam damage bonus applies to the shield damage, creating a defensive and offensive combo.
Here’s a table summarizing the additional abilities that can be combined with Ground Slam:
| Ability | Effect |
|---|---|
| Seismic Trap | Additional physical damage and AoE hit |
| Ice Crash | Additional cold damage |
| Molten Shell | Temporary damage shield with increased damage |
Runes and Talents for Enhancing Ground Slam
Runes
Choosing the right runes can significantly boost the damage and effectiveness of Ground Slam. Here are some recommended runes:
* Berkana: Increases the attack power of Ground Slam.
* Uruz: Reduces the cooldown of Ground Slam.
* Thurisaz: Adds bleeding damage to Ground Slam.
* Sowilo: Converts a portion of Physical damage to Fire damage.
Talents
Activating specific talents can further enhance the abilities of Ground Slam. Consider the following talents:
* Earthshaker: Increases the area of effect and damage of Ground Slam.
* Seismic Wave: Creates a shockwave that stuns enemies near the impact zone of Ground Slam.
* Shattering Impact: Reduces the target’s Defense, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.
* Avalanche: Grants a chance for Ground Slam to trigger an additional AoE attack that stuns nearby enemies.
Recommended Talent Build
Here’s a suggested talent build that optimizes Ground Slam’s effectiveness:
| Talent | Description |
|---|---|
| Earthshaker | Increases Ground Slam’s area of effect and damage. |
| Seismic Wave | Stunning shockwave on Ground Slam impact. |
| Shattering Impact | Defense reduction on hit by Ground Slam. |
Build Variety for Ground Slam
Ground Slam is a versatile skill that can be customized to fit different playstyles and content. Here are a few popular variations:
Leap Slam + Voidforge
This build focuses on combining the mobility and damage of Leap Slam with the unique properties of the Voidforge sword. Voidforge applies a debuff to enemies that increases damage taken from slams, making it a powerful choice for Ground Slam builds.
Earthshatter + Pious Path
This build uses the Earthshatter support gem to deal massive AoE damage while also stunning enemies. Pious Path is a notable passive skill that converts some physical damage to chaos damage, making it effective against certain enemies.
Molten Strike + Champion
Molten Strike is a melee skill that hits multiple enemies and deals fire damage over time. When paired with the Champion ascendancy, this build gains access to powerful defensive bonuses that make it well-suited for tanking large groups of enemies.
EQ Juggernaut
This build combines the power of Earthquake with the tankiness of the Juggernaut ascendancy. Earthquake is a powerful AoE skill that deals physical damage in a large area, while the Juggernaut ascendancy provides a variety of defensive bonuses that make it difficult to kill.
Sunder + Berserker
Sunder is a melee skill that deals physical damage to enemies in a cone-shaped area. When combined with the Berserker ascendancy, this build gains access to a variety of offensive bonuses that increase damage output. However, the Berserker ascendancy also comes with some drawbacks, such as reduced defenses and increased damage taken.
Ground Slam + Ascendant
This build utilizes the versatility of the Ascendant ascendancy to combine elements from multiple classes. Some popular combinations include:
| Combination | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Gladiator + Slayer | Increased physical damage, attack speed, and bleeding |
| Hierophant + Inquisitor | Increased mana regeneration, spell damage, and critical strike chance |
| Chieftain + Berserker | Increased fire damage, melee damage, and attack speed while at low life |
Combo Slam
As you hold the button for Ground Slam, you’ll inflict reduced damage until the slam releases. If you tap the button again before the release, you will perform an early release and follow up with a secondary slam. This quick combo can burst down enemies quickly.
Leap Slamming
By tapping the leap skill during Ground Slam, you can leap into the air and slam down at a target location. This allows you to close the gap on distant enemies or change your positioning during the slam.
Shockwave Timing
Ground Slam creates a shockwave when it hits the ground. Timing the release of the skill just before an enemy crosses the shockwave’s path will maximize its damage output.
Multiple Enemies
Ground Slam can hit multiple enemies within its area of effect. Aiming the skill carefully can allow you to hit multiple enemies for optimal damage output.
Area Denial
The shockwave from Ground Slam can disrupt enemy movement and positioning. By placing the shockwave strategically, you can create a zone of area denial, hindering enemy movement and making them easier to engage.
Positioning
The positioning of Ground Slam is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Consider the following factors when choosing your slam position:
| Factor | Tips |
|---|---|
| Enemy location | Aim for enemy clusters or high-priority targets. |
| Shockwave placement | Position the shockwave to hit multiple enemies or disrupt enemy movement. |
| Ally positioning | Avoid slamming into allies or interfering with their abilities. |
Animation Canceling
By canceling the Ground Slam animation with another skill, such as leap or shadow strike, you can slightly reduce the delay before the next action. This technique can help you burst down enemies more quickly or reposition yourself more efficiently.
Countering Enemies While Using Ground Slam
Ground Slam is a powerful skill, but it can be difficult to use effectively against certain enemies. Here are some tips for countering enemies while using Ground Slam:
Enemies with Knockback Resistance
Some enemies, such as bosses, have knockback resistance. This means that Ground Slam will not knock them back as far, making it more difficult to follow up with attacks. To counter this, try to use Ground Slam in conjunction with other knockback sources, such as Whirlwind or Leap Slam.
Enemies with High Movement Speed
Enemies with high movement speed can be difficult to hit with Ground Slam. To counter this, try to predict where the enemy will move and use Ground Slam accordingly. You can also use other skills, such as Earthquake or Firestorm, to slow down the enemy.
Enemies with Invulnerability
Some enemies, such as spirits, are invulnerable to Ground Slam. To counter this, try to use other skills to damage these enemies. You can also use Ground Slam to knock them back into obstacles, which can temporarily stun them.
Enemies with Reflect
Some enemies, such as Revenants, have reflect. This means that any damage you deal to them will be reflected back at you. To counter this, try to use Ground Slam in conjunction with other damage sources, such as totems or minions. You can also use the Immortal Call skill to prevent yourself from taking damage from the reflection.
Enemies with Temporal Chains
Some enemies, such as Zombies, have temporal chains. This will slow you down, making it more difficult to dodge enemy attacks. To counter this, try to use Ground Slam in conjunction with other movement skills, such as Leap Slam or Whirling Blades. You can also use the Flame Dash skill to quickly move out of the way of enemy attacks.
Enemies with Vaal Oversoul
Some enemies, such as The Shaper, have Vaal Oversoul. This will greatly increase their damage and resistances. To counter this, try to use Ground Slam in conjunction with other damage sources, such as totems or minions. You can also use the Vaal Righteous Fire skill to deal damage to the enemy over time.
Enemies with Proximity Shields
Some enemies, such as Guardians, have proximity shields. This will protect them from damage when you are close to them. To counter this, try to use Ground Slam from a distance. You can also use the Leap Slam skill to jump over the shield and attack the enemy directly.
Enemies with Curses
Some enemies, such as Heretics, can cast curses on you. These curses can weaken you and make it more difficult to use Ground Slam effectively. To counter this, try to use Ground Slam in conjunction with other curse removal skills, such as Curse on Hit or Purifying Flame. You can also use the Immortal Call skill to prevent yourself from taking damage from the curses.
Synergies with Other Class Abilities
### Blood and Sand
Blood and Sand is a unique skill that scales off of physical damage dealt to nearby enemies. Ground Slam’s high physical damage output makes it an excellent synergy for this skill, allowing you to quickly stack up bleeding damage while performing the slam.
### Reap
Reap is a skill that deals damage to nearby enemies and grants life leech. The detonation effect of Ground Slam can trigger Reap’s attack, making it a good way to recover health and deal additional damage to nearby enemies.
### Vaal Double Strike
Vaal Double Strike is a Vaal skill that deals high physical damage and cannot be evaded. The impact of Ground Slam can trigger Vaal Double Strike’s attack, allowing you to instantly follow up with a devastating attack that cannot be dodged.
### Rage
Rage is a mechanic that grants increased physical damage and attack speed based on the amount of rage you have. Ground Slam can quickly generate rage due to its high physical damage, making it an excellent choice for builds that rely on rage.
### Bloodlust
Bloodlust is a notable passive skill that grants increased attack speed for a duration after killing an enemy. The large area of effect of Ground Slam makes it easy to kill multiple enemies at once, triggering Bloodlust and stacking its attack speed bonus.
### Ancestral Call
Ancestral Call is a support gem that causes your melee attacks to also be performed by your ancestors, dealing additional physical damage. The area of effect of Ground Slam makes it a great choice for Ancestral Call, allowing your ancestors to hit multiple enemies at once.
### Melee Splash
Melee Splash is a support gem that causes your melee attacks to splash to nearby enemies, dealing reduced damage. The area of effect of Ground Slam makes it a good candidate for Melee Splash, allowing you to spread your damage to a larger area.
### Pulverize
Pulverize is a notable passive skill that grants increased physical damage against enemies with less than 35% life. The high physical damage of Ground Slam makes it an excellent choice for Pulverize, allowing you to deal even more damage to weakened enemies.
### Ruthless
Ruthless is a notable passive skill that grants increased critical strike damage against enemies with low life. The high physical damage of Ground Slam makes it a good candidate for Ruthless, as it can quickly lower enemies’ life and trigger the increased critical strike damage.
Mastering Ground Slam for Greater Rift Success
Understanding Ground Slam’s Mechanics
Ground Slam is a devastating earthquake-like ability that deals massive damage to enemies below the Barbarian. It has a short cooldown and can be devastating in Greater Rifts.
Synergies and Builds
Ground Slam synergizes well with items that increase physical damage, critical strike chance, and damage to elites. Popular builds include Leapquake and Seismic Slam, which focus on mobility and stacking effects, respectively.
Stat Prioritization
Prioritize Dexterity for damage, Strength for toughness, and Vitality for survival. Critical Hit Chance, Critical Hit Damage, and Area Damage are also essential stats.
Skill Runes
Choose the rune that best suits your playstyle:
| Rune | Effect |
|---|---|
| Fissure | Creates a fissure that deals damage over time to enemies standing in it |
| Tremor | Knocks back enemies and slows their movement speed |
| Wrenching Smash | Damages and immobilizes enemies, preventing them from attacking |
Itemization
Look for items with the following affixes:
- Physical Damage
- Critical Hit Chance
- Critical Hit Damage
- Area Damage
Farming Strategies
Ground Slam is particularly effective in Greater Rifts with large groups of enemies. Use Leapquake to move quickly through the rift and Seismic Slam to stack Ground Slam’s damage.
Tips for Greater Rifts
- Use Ground Slam to clear groups of enemies and deal significant damage to elite packs.
- Position yourself carefully to maximize Ground Slam’s area of effect.
- Combine Ground Slam with skills like Avalanche to increase its damage.
A Comprehensive Guide to Playing Ground Slam with Poe
Ground Slam is a powerful melee ability for the Duelist in Path of Exile, and Poe excels in using it. Here’s a detailed guide to help you optimize your gameplay:
Ground Slam is a skill that slams the ground, damaging and knocking back nearby enemies. When used with Poe’s Ascendancy Class, Slayer, it gains additional benefits like increased damage and life leech, making it a formidable offensive tool.
To effectively play Ground Slam with Poe, consider the following:
- Weapon Choice: Choose a weapon with high physical damage and a fast attack speed, such as an axe or mace.
- Gems: Use Ground Slam as the main attack skill, linked with gems like Multistrike, Ruthless, and Melee Physical Damage.
- Buffs: Enhance your damage through buffs such as Blood Rage, Berserk, and War Banner.
- Positioning: Position yourself carefully to hit multiple enemies with each Ground Slam.
- Ascendancy: Slayer’s Brutal Fervor and Impact node enhances Ground Slam’s damage and knockback effects.
