In  U4GM Path of Exile 2 patch 0.4, players looking for a flexible, high-scaling bow build will find Elemental Hit Deadeye to be one of the most exciting options available. Known for its massive elemental damage potential and adaptable playstyle, Elemental Hit thrives in both mapping and boss encounters when built correctly. With PoE 2’s refined combat pacing and improved elemental mechanics, this classic skill feels more impactful and rewarding than ever.

This guide explains how Elemental Hit works in PoE 2, why Deadeye is the ideal ascendancy, and how to scale damage and survivability effectively in patch 0.4.

Why Elemental Hit in PoE 2?

Elemental Hit is unique among bow skills because it randomly chooses an element—fire, cold, or lightning—each time it attacks, dealing heavy elemental damage based on the selected type. In Path of Exile 2, the skill has been refined to feel smoother and more consistent, with clearer visual feedback and better elemental scaling.

What makes Elemental Hit stand out is its raw damage potential. Rather than spreading damage across large areas like Tornado Shot or Lightning Arrow, Elemental Hit delivers powerful, focused hits that scale exceptionally well with elemental bonuses. This makes it particularly strong against rare monsters and bosses.

In patch 0.4, improved elemental ailment interactions allow Elemental Hit to benefit greatly from ignite, freeze, and shock effects, adding both damage and utility.

Why Deadeye Is the Best Ascendancy

Deadeye remains the top ascendancy choice for Elemental Hit due to its projectile-focused bonuses and mobility.

Deadeye provides:

  • Increased projectile damage and speed

  • Extra projectiles for better coverage

  • Strong accuracy and critical strike scaling

  • High mobility for consistent repositioning

While Elemental Hit doesn’t rely on screen-wide clears, Deadeye’s bonuses ensure that each shot hits hard, travels fast, and reaches targets reliably. In patch 0.4, Deadeye’s early-game power curve also makes Elemental Hit feel strong from leveling through endgame.

Core Damage Scaling

Elemental Hit Deadeye primarily scales through:

  • Elemental damage with attacks

  • Fire, cold, and lightning damage

  • Critical strike chance and multiplier

  • Attack speed

  • Projectile damage

Unlike damage-over-time builds, Elemental Hit is a hit-based skill that benefits heavily from critical strikes. High crit chance not only boosts damage but also increases the effectiveness of elemental ailments such as shock and freeze.

Weapon choice is extremely important. A bow with high base damage and strong elemental scaling will significantly outperform lower-tier options, even without perfect modifiers.

Skill Setup and Supports

Your main skill is Elemental Hit, supported by gems that enhance elemental damage and attack consistency.

Recommended support focuses include:

  • Increased elemental damage

  • Critical strike chance and multiplier

  • Attack speed

  • Projectile enhancements

Because Elemental Hit excels at single-target damage, it often does not require a separate bossing skill. However, some players prefer adding a secondary clearing skill or utility setup for smoother map progression.

Movement and defensive skills are essential, as Elemental Hit Deadeye relies on positioning rather than brute-force defenses.

Defensive Layers and Survivability

Elemental Hit Deadeye uses avoidance and mobility as its primary defensive tools.

Key defensive priorities include:

  • Evasion as the main defense layer

  • Life scaling across all rare gear

  • Capped elemental resistances

  • High movement speed to avoid telegraphed attacks

Elemental ailments provide additional safety. Freezing enemies slows combat pace significantly, while shock can shorten dangerous encounters by increasing damage taken by enemies.

Gearing Priorities

Early-game gearing should focus on:

  • A bow with solid base damage

  • Quivers with elemental or projectile bonuses

  • Life and resistances on armor pieces

As you move into mid and late game, prioritize:

  • Increased critical strike chance on weapons

  • Elemental damage to attacks

  • Attack speed on gloves and quivers

  • Evasion-based armor with high life rolls

Patch 0.4’s crafting improvements allow players to gradually optimize gear rather than relying on rare drops, making Elemental Hit easier to scale than in previous versions.

Mapping and Playstyle

Elemental Hit Deadeye favors a precise and aggressive playstyle. Instead of blanketing the screen with projectiles, you focus on eliminating enemies quickly with powerful, accurate shots.

In maps, aim to stay mobile—fire, reposition, and continue moving forward. The build performs best when enemies are killed before they can surround or overwhelm you.

Boss encounters are where Elemental Hit truly shines. Maintain distance, dodge mechanics, and apply consistent damage. High burst potential allows you to shorten fights significantly, reducing overall risk.

Final Thoughts

The 0.4 Elemental Hit Deadeye is an excellent choice for players who want a high-damage, skill-driven bow build in Path of Exile 2. Its strong single-target performance, scalable elemental damage, and smooth progression make it a reliable option for both mapping and bossing.

If you enjoy precise combat, big elemental hits, and a build that rewards good positioning, Elemental Hit Deadeye is a fantastic pick in PoE 2 patch 0.4.