💀 Fear Mechanics Proposal for Path of Exile 2

I propose introducing a Fear mechanic into Path of Exile 2 as a new form of crowd control.

In many RPGs and MMOs, Fear causes enemies to flee uncontrollably for a short time, disrupting their actions and creating space for the player. PoE currently lacks any form of “panic” or psychological CC, and adding this could unlock new playstyles—especially for Chaos, Curse, and intell- or mind-based builds.

This mechanic would be supported through Support Gems, Passive Tree nodes, and could synergize well with DoT, Traps, or minion-based builds. It would add tactical space and CC options, especially in cluttered or high-density encounters.
😱 Fear – Core Effect:

Effect: Feared enemies flee in panic, losing control and becoming unable to attack or cast for a short time.

Duration: 1–2 seconds baseline, extendable with gear, passives, or gem quality.

Breaks on Hit: Optional — could be part of a specific support gem or unique mod.

Resistance:

Stronger monsters (magic, rare, unique) have increased resistance or are immune.

Fear could scale similarly to Stun: influenced by monster rarity and power.

💎 Support Gem: Intimidating Echo

“Causes enemies hit by this skill to become Feared for 1.5 seconds. Fear breaks if the enemy is hit again.”

Quality: Grants “+ up to 20% increased Fear duration.”

May Work well with Traps, Mines, and delayed explosions or detonating skills.

Adds utility to spells that don’t already have reliable crowd control.

🌲 Passive Tree Ideas:

"Lingering Dread": Enemies you Fear take 10% increased damage for 3 seconds.

"Terror Response": Enemies Feared recently deal up to 10% less damage, scaling with Fear duration.

"Psychic Detonation": Feared enemies explode on death, dealing X% of their max life as Damage dealt to them that broke the fear.

🎯 Use Cases in Gameplay:

Crowd Control in Dense Encounters:

Scatter packs around Shrines, Breach, Ritual Altars, Logbooks, etc.

Helps avoid being overwhelmed without relying on chill/freeze/electrocute, or strong multi-target skill.

Chaos & DoT Synergy:

Damage-over-time builds keep ticking while enemies flee helplessly.

Works well with curses and ailments.

Traps & Mines (Shadow-themed):

Thematically perfect—panic triggered by stepping into a trap or proximity mine.

Can buy time for setup or repositioning.

⚖️ Balance Considerations:

Does not affect Unique enemies, and Rare enemies may resist or require heavy investment.

Fear effects should not trivialize boss fights, and are best used as group-control tools.

Scales with player investment (like Chill/Freeze) and doesn't replace raw damage or permanent CC.

Let’s make enemies afraid again.
PoE 2 is a perfect time to explore psychological crowd control as a tactical layer of combat.

And... How about more attract/taunt, too?

I like this. This would solve a lot of issues with some mechanics being overwhelming without affecting ppl that clear fast.

Why the AIgen slop tho? I feel dirty just by replying to this

I like the idea of adding fear skills with support gems, etc. but these abilities should also be given to some monsters as well.

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CharlesJT#7681 が発言:

I like the idea of adding fear skills with support gems, etc. but these abilities should also be given to some monsters as well.

Imagine them monsters fearing your mount causing it to run in random directions till you die...😱 Or your minions stop fighting, because they are feared and you can't do anything, because you are with a scepter and a shield... 🤣

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vestolevs#5239 が発言:

"

CharlesJT#7681 が発言:

I like the idea of adding fear skills with support gems, etc. but these abilities should also be given to some monsters as well.

Imagine them monsters fearing your mount causing it to run in random directions till you die...😱 Or your minions stop fighting, because they are feared and you can't do anything, because you are with a scepter and a shield... 🤣

They could also add a unique amulet that makes you immune to fear status effects, give the players tools to protect against this.

"

CharlesJT#7681 が発言:

They could also add a unique amulet that makes you immune to fear status effects, give the players tools to protect against this.

This better be a corrupt mod for jewels, too. 😉

+1

Love the idea.

Reminds me of Naughty Bear if anyone else played that game. Could litterally stack fear so bad on enemies they'd kill themselves for you lol

+1

Bump

Thanks for the bupms, guys! Cheers!