Pierce is a behavior of projectiles that enables them to pass through targets, continuing along their original trajectory.
Mechanics
Arrows and projectiles apply their effects for each enemy they hit or pierce, so for skills that depend on applying a debuff, such as 
Essence DrainEssence DrainSpell, Projectile, Duration, Chaos, AoE
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-23) Mana
Cast Time: 0.70 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 60%Requires Level 12Fires a projectile that applies a damage over time debuff when it hits. You are healed for a portion of the debuff damage. The debuff is spread by Contagion.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent1% increased Chaos DamageRegenerate 0.01% of Debuff Damage as Life5% increased Damage with HitsDeals (31.2-1503.2) Base Chaos Damage per second
Regenerate 0.5% of Debuff Damage as Life
Base duration is 3.8 seconds
Deals (9-433) to (14-649) Chaos Damage
Modifiers to Spell Damage apply to this Skill's Damage Over Time effectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
, piercing can be very powerful. For skills that explode on hit, some, such as 
Ice ShotIce ShotAttack, Projectile, AoE, Cold, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (6-10) Mana
Attack Damage: (130-174)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (130-174)%
Projectile Speed: 3260
Radius: 23 / 10Fires an arrow that converts some physical damage to cold on its target and converts all physical damage to cold in a cone behind that target.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent1% increased Cold Damage0.5% increased Area of Effect1% of Physical Damage Converted to Cold DamageDeals (130-174)% of Base Attack Damage
60% of Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage
(2-75) to (3-113) Added Cold Damage
Chills Enemies as though dealing (100-195)% more Damage
(0-19)% increased Effect of Cold AilmentsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
and 
Caustic ArrowCaustic ArrowAttack, Projectile, AoE, Duration, Chaos, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (6-10) Mana
Attack Damage: (55-64)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (55-64)%
Projectile Speed: 3260
Radius: 20Fires an arrow which deals chaos damage in an area on impact, and spreads caustic ground. Enemies standing on the caustic ground take chaos damage over time.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent0.5% increased Area of Effect1% chance to inflict Withered for 2 seconds on Hit1% of Physical Damage Converted to Chaos DamageDeals (55-64.4)% of Base Attack Damage
Base duration is 2 seconds
Deals (8.8-1927.1) Base Chaos Damage per second
60% of Physical Damage Converted to Chaos Damage
Modifiers to Projectile Damage apply to this Skill's Damage Over Time effect
+(0-6) to radiusPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
, explode on every hit, while others like 
FireballFireballProjectile, Spell, AoE, Fire
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (6-25) Mana
Cast Time: 0.75 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 240%
Projectile Speed: 1040
Radius: 9Unleashes a ball of fire towards a target which explodes, damaging nearby foes.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent4Phantasmal1% increased Projectile Speed2% reduced Projectile Speed
3% increased Area of Effect3% increased Effect of non-Damaging Ailments on Enemies
-2% more Damage with Ignite0.25% chance to Debilitate Enemies for 1 second on HitDeals (9-1095) to (14-1643) Fire Damage
(20-39)% chance to Ignite enemies
Projectiles gain Radius as they travel farther, up to +(0-9) RadiusPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
only explode when the projectile disappears. A piercing effect overrides other projectile effects such as chaining, forking, and returning.
Arrow Pierce
All projectiles have an Arrow Pierce stat, regardless of whether the projectile is actually an arrow. A projectile's Arrow Pierce is equal to the sum of all Projectiles Pierce x additional Targets modifiers and Arrows Pierce an additional Target modifiers. The Arrows always Pierce modifier found on 
InfractemInfractem
Decimation BowBow
Quality: +20%
Physical Damage: (128.8-161.7) to (269.1-308.7)
Critical Strike Chance: (6.50%-7.50%)
Attacks per Second: 1.20
Weapon Range: 120Requires Level 53, 170 Dex(30-50)% increased Critical Strike Chance+(20-30) to Dexterity
(110-125)% increased Physical Damage
Adds (25-35) to (36-45) Physical Damage
10% increased Movement Speed
+(350-400) to Accuracy Rating
Cannot Leech Life
Arrows Pierce all TargetsMark us with mercy, then press on with care,
Execute us steadily, notch away at our despair.
provides infinite Arrow Pierces. Projectiles that inherently always pierce—such as those of 
Freezing PulseFreezing PulseSpell, Projectile, Cold
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (5-21) Mana
Cast Time: 0.65 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 200%
Projectile Speed: 1800An icy projectile which has a chance to freeze enemies it passes through. The projectile fades quickly, reducing damage and freezing chance until it dissipates.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent2% increased Projectile SpeedProjectiles gain Damage over time, dealing up to 3% more Damage by the time they dissipate
Deals 99% of DamageCannot Pierce EnemiesDeals (8-888) to (12-1332) Cold Damage
Projectiles Pierce all Targets
Projectiles lose Damage over time, dealing up to 50% less Damage by the time they dissipate
Projectiles have 25% chance to Freeze, which is lost over the first quarter of their flight
(0-19)% increased Projectile SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
—have infinite Arrow Pierces .[1]
Related effects
Some unique items or passive skills provide bonuses based off of pierce.
- Powerful Precision grants Projectiles Pierce Nearby Enemies, and 100% increased Critical Strike Chance for Piercing Projectiles.
DrillneckDrillneck
Penetrating Arrow QuiverRequires Level 36Arrows Pierce an additional Target(8-12)% increased Attack Speed
+350 to Evasion Rating
+(40-50) to maximum Life
Adds (10-14) to (19-24) Physical Damage to Bow Attacks
Arrows deal 50% increased Damage with Hits and Ailments to Targets they Pierce"Why waste such a fine arrow on just one man?"
- Kiravi, Vaal Archer grants the modifier Arrows that Pierce deal 50% increased Damage.- SlivertongueSlivertongue
Harbinger BowBow
Quality: +20%
Physical Damage: (174-192) to (404.4-428.4)
Critical Strike Chance: (6.50%-7.50%)
Attacks per Second: 1.20
Weapon Range: 120Requires Level 68, 212 Dex(30-50)% increased Critical Strike ChanceAdds (110-125) to (245-265) Physical Damage
(150-200)% increased Critical Strike Chance with arrows that Fork
Arrows Pierce all Targets after Forking
Arrows that Pierce have +50% to Critical Strike MultiplierA hundred blind heads, each seeking the taste of prey on the air. has 50% chance to inflict bleeding with Piercing arrows.
Sources
Basic Passive Skills
The passive skill tree provides up to piercing of 3 additional targets.
- Pierce (passive skill) with Projectiles Pierce an additional Target
- Piercing Shots with Projectiles Pierce 2 additional Targets
Ascendancy Passive Skills
- Powerful Precision for the Deadeye grants 100% increased Critical Strike Chance against Targets they Pierce and Projectiles Pierce all nearby Targets.
- Deadeye for the Ascendant grants Projectiles Pierce 2 additional Targets
Items
- InfractemInfractem
Decimation BowBow
Quality: +20%
Physical Damage: (128.8-161.7) to (269.1-308.7)
Critical Strike Chance: (6.50%-7.50%)
Attacks per Second: 1.20
Weapon Range: 120Requires Level 53, 170 Dex(30-50)% increased Critical Strike Chance+(20-30) to Dexterity
(110-125)% increased Physical Damage
Adds (25-35) to (36-45) Physical Damage
10% increased Movement Speed
+(350-400) to Accuracy Rating
Cannot Leech Life
Arrows Pierce all TargetsMark us with mercy, then press on with care,
Execute us steadily, notch away at our despair., always - VoidwalkerVoidwalker
Murder BootsQuality: +20%
Evasion: (481-555)
Energy Shield: (44-51)Requires Level 69, 82 Dex, 42 Int+(30-50) to Dexterity
(140-180)% increased Evasion and Energy Shield
30% increased Movement Speed
20% chance to Avoid Projectiles while Phasing
You have Phasing if you've Killed Recently
Projectiles Pierce 5 additional Targets while you have Phasing
Celestial FootprintsStep into the void
and experience true freedom., while Phasing - SlivertongueSlivertongue
Harbinger BowBow
Quality: +20%
Physical Damage: (174-192) to (404.4-428.4)
Critical Strike Chance: (6.50%-7.50%)
Attacks per Second: 1.20
Weapon Range: 120Requires Level 68, 212 Dex(30-50)% increased Critical Strike ChanceAdds (110-125) to (245-265) Physical Damage
(150-200)% increased Critical Strike Chance with arrows that Fork
Arrows Pierce all Targets after Forking
Arrows that Pierce have +50% to Critical Strike MultiplierA hundred blind heads, each seeking the taste of prey on the air., after chaining - Penetrating Arrow QuiverPenetrating Arrow QuiverRequires Level 36Arrows Pierce an additional Target with Projectiles Pierce an additional Target
- Poacher's AimPoacher's Aim
Viridian JewelLimited to: 1Projectiles Pierce an additional Target
10% increased Projectile DamageA sharp eye can be more deadly than a sharp blade.Place into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket. with Projectiles Pierce an additional Target - Horned TalismanHorned TalismanTalisman Tier: 2Projectiles Pierce 2 additional TargetsCorruptedThe Empire hides lies and falsehoods
Behind a mask of politeness and civility.
The First Ones teach us to look through the lies,
And that no beast can truly cover their tracks.
- The Wolven King between Projectiles Pierce (2 to 3) additional Targets - Greatwolf TalismanGreatwolf TalismanTalisman Tier: 4<Two random talisman implicit modifiers>CorruptedThe wolf greeted the king,
In the light of the harvest moon.
The wolf offered the strength of the wild,
And the king paid for it in blood. (and Eyes of the GreatwolfEyes of the Greatwolf
Greatwolf TalismanTalisman Tier: 4Requires Level 52
Implicit Modifier magnitudes are doubled<Two random talisman implicit modifiers> Projectiles Pierce 2 additional Targets
+1 to maximum number of Raised Zombies
(6-10)% increased Attack and Cast Speed
(20-30)% increased Attack Damage
(4-6)% chance to Freeze, Shock and Ignite
50% of Cold Damage from Hits taken as Fire Damage
50% of Cold Damage from Hits taken as Lightning Damage
Gain (6-12)% of Physical Damage as Extra Damage of a random Element
10% chance to gain an Endurance Charge on Kill
50% of Fire Damage from Hits taken as Cold Damage
50% of Fire Damage from Hits taken as Lightning Damage
10% chance to gain a Frenzy Charge on Kill
(15-25)% increased Global Defences
(12-16)% increased Attributes
(5-8)% increased Area of Effect
(19-31)% increased Chaos Damage
(20-30)% increased Cold Damage
(40-50)% increased Global Critical Strike Chance
+(24-36)% to Global Critical Strike Multiplier
(25-35)% increased Damage
(20-30)% increased Fire Damage
(6-10)% increased Quantity of Items found
(8-12)% increased maximum Life
(20-30)% increased Lightning Damage
(20-30)% increased maximum Mana
(20-30)% increased Global Physical Damage
50% of Lightning Damage from Hits taken as Cold Damage
50% of Lightning Damage from Hits taken as Fire Damage
Regenerate 2% of Life per second
10% chance to gain a Power Charge on Kill
(4-6)% additional Physical Damage Reduction
(20-30)% increased Spell Damage
CorruptedI am but a vessel for a greater force.
It acts through me. Speaks through me.
Decides what lives and dies through me.
And will change the world through me.)
Vaal Orb Corruption
- Bows can gain the Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 10Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again.
Shift click to unstack. implicit Projectiles Pierce an additional Target - Wands can gain the Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 10Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again.
Shift click to unstack. implicit Projectiles Pierce an additional Target
Being Pierced by Projectiles
Currently, there is only one source of being pierced.
- Lioneye's VisionLioneye's Vision
Crusader PlateQuality: +20%
Armour: (1923-2223)
Movement Speed: -5%Requires Level 59, 160 Str, 160 DexSocketed Gems are Supported by Level 15 Pierce
(200-250)% increased Armour
+(60-100) to maximum Life
0.4% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Mana
+160 Dexterity Requirement
Enemy Projectiles Pierce you"The Virtue Gems are a gift from the land,
our land, and we will not let our gifts
be destroyed by savages."
- Marceus Lioneye has the unique mod Always be Pierced
Skill Gems
- Sniper's MarkSniper's MarkSpell, Duration, Curse, Mark
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (16-33) Mana
Cast Time: 0.50 secRequires Level 24Curses a single enemy, increasing the damage they take from projectiles, and making projectiles split when hitting them, to hit other targets around them. You can gain charges for your life and mana flasks by hitting the cursed enemy. You can only have one Mark at a time.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3DivergentCursed enemies take 0.25% increased Damage from Projectile HitsCurse Skills have 1% increased Cast SpeedHits on Cursed Enemies have an additional 2% chance to KnockbackBase duration is (6-9.8) seconds
Projectiles which Hit Cursed Enemies Split towards (3-4) additional targets
Cursed enemies take (16-35)% increased Damage from Projectile Hits
You gain a Mana Flask Charge when you Hit Cursed Enemy, no more
than once every 0.5 seconds
You gain a Life Flask Charge when you Hit Cursed Enemy, no more
than once every 0.5 secondsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - Pierce SupportPierce SupportSupport, Projectile
Icon: p
Level: (1-20)
Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Supports projectile skills.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3DivergentSupported Skills deal 0.5% increased Projectile DamageProjectiles from Supported Skills Pierce 0.1 additional TargetsProjectiles from Supported Skills that have Pierced deal 2% increased DamageProjectiles from Supported Skills Pierce (2-4) additional Targets
Supported Skills deal (0-19)% more Projectile DamageThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Active Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket. - Lioneye's VisionLioneye's Vision
Crusader PlateQuality: +20%
Armour: (1923-2223)
Movement Speed: -5%Requires Level 59, 160 Str, 160 DexSocketed Gems are Supported by Level 15 Pierce
(200-250)% increased Armour
+(60-100) to maximum Life
0.4% of Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Mana
+160 Dexterity Requirement
Enemy Projectiles Pierce you"The Virtue Gems are a gift from the land,
our land, and we will not let our gifts
be destroyed by savages."
- Marceus Lioneye supports socketed skill gems with level 15 Pierce SupportPierce SupportSupport, Projectile
Icon: p
Level: (1-20)
Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Supports projectile skills.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3DivergentSupported Skills deal 0.5% increased Projectile DamageProjectiles from Supported Skills Pierce 0.1 additional TargetsProjectiles from Supported Skills that have Pierced deal 2% increased DamageProjectiles from Supported Skills Pierce (2-4) additional Targets
Supported Skills deal (0-19)% more Projectile DamageThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Active Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket.
The following skill gems have projectiles that pierce infinite targets:
- Spectral ThrowSpectral ThrowAttack, Projectile
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (7-9) Mana
Attack Speed: 110% of base
Projectile Speed: 1000Throws a spectral copy of your melee weapon. It flies out and then returns to you, in a spinning attack that damages enemies in its path.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent0.5% increased Attack Speed1% increased Projectile Speed0.5% reduced Projectile Speed
Fires an additional ProjectileDeals (80-100)% of Base Attack DamagePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - Galvanic ArrowGalvanic ArrowLightning, Attack, Projectile, AoE, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (6-10) Mana
Soul Gain Prevention: 0 sec
Attack Damage: (80-99)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (80-99)%
Projectile Speed: 3260Releases arrows along with a burst of lightning which damages all enemies in a cone. The arrows degrade in-flight as the lightning dissipates, soon vanishing.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent1% increased Projectile Speed1% reduced Enemy Stun ThresholdCone Area occurs 4% farther forwardDeals (80-99)% of Base Attack Damage
50% of Physical Damage Converted to Lightning Damage
Fires 2 additional Arrows
(1-9) to (5-179) Added Lightning Damage
Increases and Reductions to Arrow Speed also apply to
this Skill's Area of Effect
+(0-5) to radiusPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. (arrow) - Siege BallistaSiege BallistaAttack, Projectile, Totem, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (6-11) Mana
Attack Speed: 50% of base
Projectile Speed: 3260Requires Level 12Summons a ballista totem that attacks with piercing arrows.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent4Phantasmal1% increased Projectile DamageFires 0.1 additional Projectiles
1% reduced Attack Speed1% increased Projectile Speed1% chance to Impale Enemies on HitDeals (100-145)% of Base Attack Damage
Totem lasts 8 seconds
+(2-3) to maximum number of Summoned Totems
Arrows Pierce (6-9) additional TargetsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - Tornado ShotTornado ShotAttack, Projectile, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-10) ManaRequires Level 28Fires a piercing shot that travels until it reaches the targeted location. It will then fire projectiles out in all directions from that point, which will travel for a short time before disappearing.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent1% increased Projectile DamageConverts 3% of Physical Damage to a random Element0.5% increased Attack SpeedDeals (100-120)% of Base Attack Damage
Fires 3 secondary ProjectilesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. (initial arrow) - Freezing PulseFreezing PulseSpell, Projectile, Cold
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (5-21) Mana
Cast Time: 0.65 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 200%
Projectile Speed: 1800An icy projectile which has a chance to freeze enemies it passes through. The projectile fades quickly, reducing damage and freezing chance until it dissipates.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent2% increased Projectile SpeedProjectiles gain Damage over time, dealing up to 3% more Damage by the time they dissipate
Deals 99% of DamageCannot Pierce EnemiesDeals (8-888) to (12-1332) Cold Damage
Projectiles Pierce all Targets
Projectiles lose Damage over time, dealing up to 50% less Damage by the time they dissipate
Projectiles have 25% chance to Freeze, which is lost over the first quarter of their flight
(0-19)% increased Projectile SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - Module Error: Item link: No results found for search parameter "Frostbolt".
- Ice SpearIce SpearSpell, Projectile, Cold
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-23) Mana
Soul Gain Prevention: 0 sec
Cast Time: 0.70 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 7.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 80%
Projectile Speed: 1000Requires Level 12Launches shards of ice in rapid succession. After travelling a short distance they change to a second form, which moves much faster and pierces through enemies.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent4Phantasmal2% increased Projectile SpeedProjectiles Pierce 0.1 additional Targets1% increased Cold DamageTravels 1% reduced distance before changing formsDeals (22-383) to (33-575) Cold Damage
Second form has 600% increased Critical Strike Chance
Second form has 300% more Projectile Speed
Second form has +(30-49)% to Critical Strike Multiplier
Fires an additional ProjectilePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. (first form) - IncinerateIncinerateSpell, Fire, Channelling, AoE
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (2-4) Mana
Cast Time: 0.20 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 30%Requires Level 12Continuously launches a torrent of fire from your hand, repeatedly damaging enemies. As you channel this spell longer, the flames spread wider close to you and spread longer directly in front of you. When you stop channelling you release a wave of fire damage over a wide and long area that will apply a powerful Ignite.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent1% increased Fire Damage0.5% increased Area of Effect0.2% more Damage with Hits and Ailments for each stage
Final wave deals -10% more Damage with Hits
Final wave deals -10% more Damage with IgniteDeals (3-140) to (5-210) Fire Damage
8 maximum stages
Final wave deals 500% more Damage with Ignite
Final wave deals 500% more Damage with Hits
25% more Damage with Hits and Ailments for each stage
+(4-5) to radius per stage, up to +(15-19)
100% increased angle per stage, up to 300%
Final wave always IgnitesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - Holy Flame TotemHoly Flame TotemTotem, Spell, Projectile, Fire, Channelling, Physical
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (11-39) Mana
Soul Gain Prevention: 0 sec
Cast Time: 0.25 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 30%
Projectile Speed: 750Summons a totem that channels to fire a stream of flame at nearby enemies, and creates an area of consecrated ground around the totem.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent4Phantasmal1% increased Projectile SpeedFires an additional Projectile1% of Physical Damage Converted to Fire Damage1% increased Totem Placement speed
1% increased Totem DurationTotem lasts 8 seconds
Deals (3-134) to (5-202) Physical Damage
Fires 2 additional Projectiles
50% of Physical Damage Converted to Fire Damage
Projectiles Pierce all Targets
Consecrated Ground grants Immunity to Curses to you and AlliesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - UnearthUnearthSpell, Projectile, AoE, Physical
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (4-10) Mana
Cast Time: 0.30 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 90%Requires Level 10Fires a projectile that will pierce through enemies to impact the ground at the targeted location, creating a Bone Archer corpse where it lands.Per 1% Quality:1Superior2Anomalous3Divergent4Phantasmal0.5% increased Cast Speed1% increased Physical DamageMaximum of 0.1 corpses allowedCorpses Spawned have 2% increased Maximum LifeDeals (15-407) to (22-611) Physical Damage
Spawns corpses with Level (12-80)
Maximum of 10 corpses allowed
Projectiles Pierce all TargetsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Version history
| Version | Changes |
|---|---|
| 3.0.0 |
|
References
- ↑ Mark_GGG (November 22, 2015). "Deadeye Keystone Nodes should be more generic". Official Path of Exile Forums. Retrieved March 7, 2017.