Volcanic Fissure is one of the standout area damage skills in Path of Exile 2, perfectly suited for characters who like to dominate the battlefield with raw power and POE2 Currency explosive terrain control. For the Juggernaut class, which thrives on durability, endurance, and sustained offense, Volcanic Fissure offers an excellent blend of AOE clearing and single-target damage—especially when optimized with the right gear, passive tree choices, and combat strategy.

This guide covers how to obtain Volcanic Fissure, how the skill functions, and how to build around it effectively as a Juggernaut in Path of Exile 2.

What is Volcanic Fissure?

Volcanic Fissure is a fire-based area skill that causes molten cracks to erupt from the ground in a line, exploding into geysers of flame that deal area damage to enemies. It is mechanically similar to previous skills like Ground Slam or Earthquake, but with a distinct fire damage identity and delayed detonations that allow for strategic placement and rhythm-based combat.

The skill shines in:

Clearing large groups of enemies due to its chaining ground eruptions.

Controlling space with fire hazards.

Scaling damage with physical-to-fire conversion, critical strike boosts, and ignite synergies.

How to Obtain Volcanic Fissure in Path of Exile 2

Volcanic Fissure is primarily found during Act 3, unlocked as a reward for Strength-based classes. For Juggernauts, the skill becomes available upon completing a mid-act quest, commonly tied to a corrupted elemental boss fight in the Smoldering Expanse or similar fire-themed zone.

Steps to unlock Volcanic Fissure:

Progress through Act 3 until you reach the volcanic caverns.

Defeat the Flamecaller Revenant (boss encounter tied to fire magic and corrupted constructs).

After completion, visit the Skill Tutor NPC in the hub city and select Volcanic Fissure as your quest reward.

Slot the gem into a red socket and start leveling it up.

You can also obtain it later via gem drops or by trading with other players, but the quest reward is the earliest and most reliable method.

Why Juggernaut is Perfect for Volcanic Fissure

The Juggernaut Ascendancy focuses on armor scaling, endurance charges, stun resistance, and unwavering presence. This defensive powerhouse benefits immensely from close-range AOE skills like Volcanic Fissure, where the goal is to stand your ground and let waves of enemies crash into your inferno.

Here’s why the synergy works:

Endurance Charges: Boost physical damage reduction and synergize with fire conversion.

Unflinching / Untiring: Allow you to sustain in the heart of battle while casting.

Armor scaling: Volcanic Fissure scales well with gear that boosts Strength and survivability, which are Juggernaut’s strengths.

Gear and Weapon Setup

To make Volcanic Fissure shine, focus on two-handed weapons (Maces or Axes) for higher base damage. Here’s a breakdown of ideal gear choices:

Weapon:

Two-Handed Mace with Fire Penetration or Increased Area of Effect mods.

Look for modifiers that grant +Fire Damage to Attacks or % Increased Physical Damage (to convert later).

Armor:

Heavy Armor with +Life, +Strength, and Resistances.

Look for “% increased Armour” mods and Sockets for Red Gems.

Accessories:

Rings or Amulets with Added Fire Damage to Attacks, Fire Penetration, or Increased Ignite Duration.

Use Ruby Flasks for additional fire resistance and damage.

Skill Support Setup

Volcanic Fissure scales very well with both fire damage and AOE support gems. An optimal 5- or 6-link setup might look like:

Volcanic Fissure

Elemental Damage with Attacks Support

Physical to Lightning (if hybrid scaling) or Physical to Fire Support

Fire Penetration Support

Increased Area of Effect (for clearing) or Concentrated Effect (for bosses)

Inspiration Support or Burning Damage Support (if Ignite-focused)

Passive Tree Considerations

As a Juggernaut using Volcanic Fissure, focus on nodes that support Melee, Fire Damage, and Area of Effect. Some recommended keystone and notable nodes:

Lava Lash: Increases Fire Damage from Weapon Attacks.

Heart of Flame: Big boost to Fire Damage and elemental penetration.

Smashing Strikes: Grants Endurance Charge generation on melee crits.

Warrior’s Blood: Increases life regen and strength.

Amplify: Boosts AOE radius for better screen coverage.

If you're converting physical to fire, pick up nodes like Elemental Equilibrium (with proper setup) or Elemental Overload for crit-focused builds.

Combat Tips and Rotation

Aim ahead of enemies: Volcanic Fissure’s delayed explosions mean you should target where enemies are going, not where they are.

Chain the eruptions across choke points or doorways to control mobs.

Combine with Warcries like Seismic Cry to boost area and damage output.

Use Flame Dash or Leap Slam to reposition and kite if needed.

Boss Fight Strategy

Use Concentrated Effect for tight boss rooms.

Rotate Enduring Cry to maintain uptime on endurance charges and heal.

Dodge manually when needed—Juggernaut is tanky, but not invincible.

Conclusion

Volcanic Fissure is a dynamic, high-impact skill that perfectly complements the Juggernaut’s tanky, front-line playstyle. By unlocking the skill in Act 3 and buy POE2 Currency supporting it with fire-scaling gear, you can create a build that not only clears hordes of enemies but also holds its own against the toughest bosses. Whether you’re playing through the campaign or pushing endgame maps in Path of Exile 2, Volcanic Fissure brings both power and spectacle to your arsenal.

Ready to shake the ground and burn your foes? Then let the fissures erupt beneath your enemies' feet.