In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), passive skills are a core element of character customization and power progression. Among the many passives available, Storm Charge stands out as a potent option for elemental damage builds. Whether you’re a seasoned Exile or a POE2 Currency newcomer diving into the depths of Wraeclast, understanding how Storm Charge functions—and how to apply it effectively—can give your character a powerful edge in combat.

What Is Storm Charge?
Storm Charge is a passive skill that can be acquired in two ways:

By spending skill points in the passive skill tree.

By applying it directly to an amulet using the infusion system.

Its effects are particularly valuable for players who rely on elemental damage or critical hit-based playstyles. Here’s what Storm Charge does:

40% increased elemental damage if you've dealt a critical hit recently

20% increased critical strike chance

“Recently” in PoE terms generally refers to the last 4 seconds. This means that as long as you land a critical hit at least once every four seconds, the elemental damage boost will remain active. Importantly, this bonus applies to all elemental damage, not just critical strikes. Even skills that cannot crit—such as certain damage-over-time or trap effects—will benefit from this bonus if a critical strike has been registered recently.

This flexibility makes Storm Charge a valuable tool for hybrid builds that combine critical hits with sustained elemental damage. For example, a build might use a spell like Fireball to land critical hits while relying on Ignite or Shock DoT effects for sustained damage output. As long as the critical hits are maintained periodically, the elemental boost will remain active.

How to Anoint Storm Charge in PoE 2
Storm Charge can also be infused onto an amulet, allowing you to gain its effects without investing in the passive skill tree. To do this, players need a set of special items known as Distilled Emotions. Specifically, you’ll need the following:

Distilled Fear

Distilled Terror

Distilled Envy

These items are typically obtained in one of two ways:

As random drops from Delirium enemies in the Ultimate Delirium map.

By purchasing Distilled Mood at the Currency Exchange, available by talking to Alva in your Hideout.

Note: Monsters in maps accessed using an Infused Waystone will not drop Distilled Mood, so be cautious when choosing your farming method.

Infusing Storm Charge onto an Amulet
Once you’ve gathered the required components, the infusion process is straightforward:

Place the amulet you wish to infuse into your inventory.

Make sure you have all three Distilled Emotions (Fear, Terror, and Envy) in your inventory as well.

Right-click on any of the Distilled Emotions to open the Infusion window.

Place your amulet in the top slot of the infusion window.

Place the Distilled Emotions in the bottom slots, in this exact order:

Distilled Fear

Distilled Terror

Distilled Envy

If the ingredients are correct, the infusion interface will display “Storm Charge” at the bottom.

Click Infuse to complete the process.

After infusion, equipping the amulet will grant you the benefits of Storm Charge immediately, even if you haven't selected it on your passive skill tree.

Final Thoughts
Storm Charge is a cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency powerful passive that enhances elemental damage based on critical hit activity. Its versatility makes it useful for many build types, including elemental crit-based casters, bow users, and DoT-heavy playstyles. By understanding how to obtain and apply it—either through the passive tree or via amulet infusion—players can add a significant damage boost to their arsenal. Whether you're battling through Delirium maps or facing off against endgame bosses, Storm Charge could be the extra edge you need in PoE 2.