Path of Exile 2 Deflection Mechanic - How to Build Stronger Defense

Sep-09-2025

 

With the release of the 0.3 "The Third Edict" patch, Path of Exile 2 (POE2)introduced a brand-new defense mechanic: Deflection. This system builds on top of traditional Evasion but goes far beyond it, providing a reliable layer of damage reduction that changes how players approach survivability.

 

Many players who tried it in early leagues already report that Deflection makes pure evasion builds far more consistent and viable. In this guide, we'll explain how Deflection works, how to scale it, and why it might become the cornerstone of your next Path of Exile 2 build defense.

 

 

POE2 Deflection Mechanic Explained

Deflection is a new defense mechanic that acts as an additional layer on top of Evasion:

When you successfully Deflect, the incoming hit deals 40% less damage (some unique items, like Ulaman's Gaze, can increase this to 43%).

 

Unlike Evasion, Deflection applies not only to direct hits but also to AOE attacks, projectiles, and ailment-causing skills.

 

If you manage to reach 100% Deflection chance, every hit against you will be reduced by at least 40%, no matter what.

 

In short: Evasion = chance to avoid, Deflection = guaranteed mitigation if you get hit.

 

Core Mechanics Explained

1. Triggering Deflection

Based on your Deflection Rating versus the enemy's Accuracy.

The higher your rating, the greater the chance to Deflect.

 

2. Damage Reduction

Default value: 40% damage reduction.

With uniques or special passives: up to 43% reduction.

 

3. Scaling from Evasion

Deflection Rating is usually gained by converting a percentage of your Evasion Rating.

This makes evasion-based gear and Dexterity passives especially valuable.

 

4. The Formula

Chance to Deflect = (1 − (AA × 0.9) / (AA + DD × 0.2)) × 100%

(AA = Accuracy Rating of the attacker, DD = your Evasion Rating)

 

5. Multiplicative Investment

Because Deflection scales with Evasion, every increase to your evasion also boosts your potential Deflection Rating.

This creates strong synergy for Dexterity builds focusing on avoidance.

 

Best Ways to Scale Deflection in Path of Exile 2

1. Prioritize Evasion Rating

Since Deflection scales directly from your Evasion Rating, the first step is to raise it as high as possible:

 

Equip armor pieces with naturally high evasion values.

Use item modifiers and affixes that increase Evasion Rating.

Invest in passive tree nodes that boost evasion.

 

2. Leverage the Blind Effect

Blind drastically lowers enemy Accuracy, which indirectly raises your effective chance to Evade and Deflect.

 

Certain skills, passives, and unique items can inflict Blind or enhance its power.

Combining Blind with high evasion creates a strong synergy for defense.

 

3. Target Specific Gear

Look for items that provide direct Deflection bonuses or effects that scale with Evasion.

 

Some unique items grant additional Deflection chance.

Others may offer hybrid defenses that strengthen both Evasion and Deflection simultaneously.

 

How Deflection Works with Other POE2 Defense Mechanics

No single defense mechanic in Path of Exile 2 is perfect. The best approach is layering Deflection with other forms of protection:

 

Energy Shield: Provides an additional life buffer, but be aware Chaos damage now bypasses and deals double damage to Energy Shield.

Block: Offers a chance to fully negate incoming hits but often comes with recovery penalties.

Resistances: Still mandatory for reducing elemental damage.

Dodge Roll: A skill-based, cooldown-free manual dodge that rewards player reflexes.

 

Community quotes:

> "Sustained 40% damage reduction basically doubles your effective HP."

> "At around 60% Deflection chance, I stopped feeling like a paper character."

 

Conclusion

Deflection isn't just another number to stack—it's a new way of defending that adds stability to POE2's defense ecosystem. By combining with Evasion, Armor, and Block, it creates hybrid defenses and unlocks new build paths.

 

If you're looking to maximize your survivability in Path of Exile 2, mastering Deflection alongside Evasion and Block is essential. Check out the latest POE2 builds and items to optimize your defense.