**Introduction: The Great Volley Debate**
Ah, the *Greater Volley* support gem in *Path of Exile*—a true enigma. If you’ve ever seen a *Greater Volley* in action, you’ve probably wondered, “How does something so simple create such chaos on the battlefield?” The ability to fire multiple projectiles in rapid succession seems like a fun and exciting gameplay mechanic, right? But, as with many things in *POE*, this gem doesn’t come without its quirks and complexities. In this article, we’re diving into everything you need to know about *POE Greater Volley*, from the insane damage potential to the tricky challenges that some players face. Buckle up, because things are about to get… *volleyed*.
**What’s the Deal with Greater Volley?**
Before we dive into the issues, let’s break down what *Greater Volley* actually does. This support gem is a game-changer for players who love their ranged skills to hit multiple enemies at once. When linked to a projectile skill, *Greater Volley* increases the number of projectiles fired. It sounds like the dream for any build that loves the idea of overwhelming enemies with sheer volume of arrows, fireballs, or whatever ranged projectiles you fancy.
But here’s the catch—while it sounds fantastic on paper, the reality can sometimes be… less than perfect. You see, it’s not always smooth sailing when you’re trying to get the most out of this gem. The increased projectiles come with some trade-offs, particularly in terms of accuracy, clear speed, and in some cases, performance issues. These nuances are where things can get a little tricky.
**The Problem with Greater Volley: Too Many Projectiles, Too Little Room**
One of the most obvious concerns with *Greater Volley* is the sheer number of projectiles it launches. Sure, it’s great when you’re trying to obliterate a group of enemies, but what happens when those projectiles start bouncing off walls or flying into empty space? Suddenly, your carefully calculated clear speed can go down the drain, especially in tight spaces like dungeons or labyrinths. More projectiles mean more chances for things to go awry.
In some cases, the game’s physics engine doesn’t always play nice with the overwhelming number of projectiles on screen. Players have reported experiencing FPS drops or stuttering when activating the gem, particularly on lower-end machines. For a game that already demands a lot from your hardware, *Greater Volley* can sometimes be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, making performance issues an unwelcome companion to your speedy kills.
And let’s not forget the accuracy issue. If you’re using *Greater Volley* with a high projectile count, your aim becomes a bit more… “wild.” The gem doesn’t guarantee that all projectiles will hit their target, and when you’re facing off against a nimble boss or high-tier enemies, that’s a problem. Sometimes, even your best efforts at targeting get lost in a sea of arrows, causing you to miss valuable hits.
**The Solution: Tuning It Down a Bit (or Not)**
So, how can you make sure that *Greater Volley* doesn’t cause you more headaches than it’s worth? First off, don’t throw it into every build without careful consideration. If you’re experiencing lag or accuracy issues, try reducing the number of projectiles. This can be done by either choosing a different support gem or combining *Greater Volley* with some form of projectile accuracy boosts.
For the performance concerns, make sure your system is up to par for handling heavy combat sequences. If you’re on a low-end PC, consider dialing down the graphics settings or turning off extra visual effects. And for those who experience consistent stuttering, updating your graphics drivers or using a game optimization tool might do the trick.
It’s also worth noting that, as with many *POE* mechanics, timing is everything. Sometimes it’s just about knowing when to let loose the *Greater Volley*—picking the right moment for that explosive damage can make all the difference. Perhaps consider saving the full “volley” for big boss fights or clearing mobs, rather than using it for every encounter.
**Player Feedback: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly**
Of course, no *POE* mechanic is complete without a sampling of community feedback. Players on Reddit and the official forums have expressed both love and frustration with *Greater Volley*. Some players rave about its power to melt bosses in mere seconds, while others express frustration with its unpredictability.
One player on Reddit shared, “I love the damage it does, but sometimes I feel like I’m fighting the game more than the enemies. My arrows go everywhere except where I want them to go. It’s both satisfying and rage-inducing at the same time.” Ah, the classic *POE* experience!
Others recommend mixing *Greater Volley* with mods that increase projectile accuracy or specific damage scaling to help reduce the chaos. Many agree that the gem requires a bit of finesse and that it’s not the right fit for every build.
**Final Thoughts: Is Greater Volley Worth It?**
So, after all the hype and the hiccups, the question remains: Is *Greater Volley* worth it? If you love the idea of rapid-fire destruction and don’t mind the occasional performance hiccup, then *Greater Volley* is absolutely a gem to consider. However, it’s not without its quirks, and players should approach it with a bit of caution. For those who enjoy fine-tuning their builds to perfection, this gem offers great rewards, but only if you’re willing to work around its challenges.
**What’s your experience with *Greater Volley*? Have you faced any of the same issues, or do you have a secret trick to make it work flawlessly? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s get the volley going!**
