Path of Exile 2: Full Defence Calculation Order
Understanding the full defense calculation order in Path of Exile 2 is critical if you want to Path of Exile 2 Currency build a character that not only hits hard—but also survives the brutal content of Wraeclast. Whether you're fighting swarms in Siege Maps or taking on high-tier bosses, knowing how incoming damage is mitigated gives you the power to layer your defenses effectively.

Below, you'll find the step-by-step process the game follows whenever your character is hit.

What Is the Defence Calculation Order?
This is the sequence of mechanics used when your character is struck. Each defensive layer interacts with the next. Some reduce or avoid damage entirely; others delay, reduce, or absorb it. Missing a key layer often leads to your defenses being “leaky.”

Step-by-Step: Defence Calculation Order in Path of Exile 2
Step 1: Block Check
Spell Block / Attack Block: If the hit is blocked, the damage is either:

0 (with Glancing Blows or similar passive effects, partial damage may be taken).

Blocked entirely (in most cases).

Block is the very first line of defense. You either avoid the damage, or proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Dodge and Avoid Checks
Evasion: Chance to outright avoid attack-based hits.

Spell Avoidance: Chance to avoid spells entirely.

These checks are rolled independently and can stack with block. Dodging a hit skips the rest of the damage calculation.

Step 3: Ailment Avoidance
Even if a hit lands, the chance to avoid ailments (Freeze, Ignite, Bleed, etc.) is checked separately.

This affects status effects—not raw damage.

Step 4: Damage Conversion (If Applicable)
If you have modifiers like:

“10% of Physical Damage taken as Cold”

“15% of Fire Damage taken as Chaos”

Conversion applies before mitigation.

Example: If a hit deals 1000 Physical Damage, and cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency you convert 50% to Fire, then only 500 is considered Physical for armor, and 500 is treated as Fire for elemental mitigation.