Damage per second (DPS) is one of the most important stats in Path of Exile (PoE). Players use it to measure builds, compare weapons, and test boss-kill potential. With Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) reworking combat, the way DPS is calculated has changed.
Many players ask: How do PoE and PoE2 calculators differ, and which should I use? Curious how different potions or prayers affect your damage? Run a quick test in the OSRS DPS Calculator.
What DPS Really Means in PoE
In PoE, DPS combines multiple layers:
- Base skill or weapon damage
- Attack/cast speed (ticks per attack)
- Critical strike chance and multiplier
- Elemental/chaos conversions and penetrations
- Increased vs More multipliers from gear and passives
- Flasks, buffs, and debuffs
Because the in-game tooltip ignores many of these, serious players rely on external tools.
👉 To balance your overall setup, try checking the OSRS Combat Level Calculator before making adjustments.
How DPS Works in PoE2
PoE2 introduces slower combat pacing and more tactical gameplay. That changes how DPS needs to be measured:
- Skill links matter more: Support gems drastically alter output.
- Flask uptime reduced: No more inflated flask-based DPS.
- Enemy defenses scaled: Armor and resistances require penetration and debuff planning.
- Sustained fights: Burst DPS is less effective than consistent output.
👉 You can test these mechanics in the PoE2 DPS Calc, which is designed specifically for the new game systems.
PoE vs PoE2 Calculators Compared
| Feature | PoE Tools | PoE2 Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Burst + sustained DPS | Sustained DPS focus |
| Inputs | Gear, tree, buffs, flasks | Weapons, support links, resist scaling |
| Flasks | Huge part of DPS | Reduced importance |
| Output | Inflated burst possible | More realistic long-term DPS |
👉 For general PvE and boss testing, the PoE Average DPS Calculator is also a handy reference.
Example: Same Build in Both Games
- In PoE, a crit bow build may show extremely high DPS if flasks and buffs are stacked in Path of Building.
- In PoE2, the same type of build shows lower but steadier DPS because flask uptime is weaker and sustained fights matter more.
When to Use Each Calculator
- PoE (current) → Use detailed tools like Path of Building or quick pages like the PoE DPS Tool.
- PoE2 (future) → Use simplified weapon/stat-focused calculators like the PoE2 tool.
- Side-by-side planning → Test builds with both calculators to prepare for the transition between games.
FAQs
1. Why doesn’t the tooltip show real DPS?
Because it leaves out multipliers, crit scaling, penetration, and conditional buffs.
2. Which tool is best for PoE right now?
For accuracy, Path of Building is unmatched, but online tools like the Weapon DPS Calculator give quick answers.
3. Will PoE2 make DPS math simpler?
Yes—by reducing flask scaling and focusing more on sustained damage.
4. Should I compare my build in both PoE and PoE2?
Yes, especially if you want to see how your playstyle adapts to the slower combat pacing.
5. What’s more important in PoE2: burst or sustained DPS?
Sustained DPS is more critical for boss encounters and endgame fights.
Edwards is the creator of OSRSDPSCalc.online, a specialized calculator site designed to help Old School RuneScape players optimize their damage output and gear setups. With a focus on accuracy and ease of use, Edwards provides reliable tools and insights that save players time and enhance gameplay. His dedication to the OSRS community ensures each feature is built with precision, helping users make smarter in-game decisions.