In Path of Exile 2, the ever-evolving world of Wraeclast continues to deliver thrilling weapons, powerful uniques, POE2 Currency and complex crafting systems that reward dedicated players. One such weapon gaining attention from players running physical builds, especially cleave-style or bleed-focused warriors, is the Splitting Axe. This unique two-handed axe combines devastating area-cleave capabilities with utility and control, making it an excellent weapon for both leveling and mid-to-late game content, depending on how it's rolled or found.

In this guide, we'll explore how to obtain the Splitting Axe, the mechanics behind it, which builds benefit most from it, and how to best farm or craft one for your arsenal.

What is the Splitting Axe in Path of Exile 2?

The Splitting Axe is a powerful two-handed unique axe that stands out due to its interaction with cleave-based attacks and area of effect (AoE) mechanics. It enhances your physical damage and adds the ability to "split" enemies—often interpreted as spawning multiple projectiles or area damage zones when hitting or killing enemies. This synergizes incredibly well with skills like Cleave, Earthquake, and Rupture, as well as newer melee-focused attacks introduced in PoE 2.

Here are the key attributes typically associated with a Splitting Axe (note: these may vary slightly depending on league changes and balancing):

High base physical damage

Increased AoE or cleave radius

Chance to inflict Bleed or Rupture on enemies

Special effect: Enemies hit by Cleave may explode or split into damaging fragments

May apply debuffs like Maim, Vulnerability on Hit, or Shock based on affixes

Its power lies in synergy. Combined with bleed or rupture mechanics, this weapon can tear through groups of enemies while still offering solid single-target potential.

Where to Find the Splitting Axe

1. Random Drop (Natural World Drop)

The most straightforward—albeit RNG-heavy—method to obtain the Splitting Axe is as a random drop. Like many uniques in Path of Exile 2, it can drop from high-level enemies, rare monsters, elite packs, or bosses. To increase your chances:

Run higher-tier maps and areas: The Splitting Axe is generally not a low-level item. Focus on level 45+ zones.

Prioritize physical-themed regions: Based on internal loot tables, some weapon types drop more frequently in specific regions or acts. Forests, ruined barracks, or war camps often spawn axe-wielding enemies and are good candidates.

Elite enemies and mini-bosses: In Acts 3 and 4, elite monsters have higher chances of dropping unique weapons. Always clear them thoroughly.

2. Target Farming with Rune Totems and Waypoints

In Path of Exile 2, Rune Totems allow players to enhance encounters for better rewards. By equipping Runes that increase the chance of weapon drops or improve rarity, you can farm for specific item types.

Use"Weapon-Focused” Runes in high mob-density zones.

Equip runes that increase two-handed weapon drop rates or unique drop chances.

Run Totem-enhanced dungeons where warbands or mercenary enemies spawn, as they often carry axes.

3. Crafting and Rune Combination

In PoE 2, the new crafting system lets you combine runes to create specific item modifiers. While the Splitting Axe itself cannot be"crafted” from scratch, you can significantly influence its drop rate or upgrade a rare base into the unique using:

Runic Transmutation Stones: Occasionally allow a rare item to be transformed into a unique version of its type.

Blessing of Blood Split (hypothetical name): A rare currency that modifies a two-handed axe into a Splitting Axe (or has a chance to).

Farming these crafting components may require multiple runs of elite dungeon bosses or corrupted areas.

4. Boss-Specific Drops

There is speculation among the player base (based on league playthroughs and internal leaks) that the Act 4 War Leader or the Champion of Ruin boss has a relatively higher drop chance for the Splitting Axe. Players have reported receiving the item after farming these bosses repeatedly.

Recommended method: Farm the War Leader boss in Act 4 using gear that increases item rarity or by activating totems that boost weapon drop rates.

Bring magic find flasks or support gems to increase loot quantity.

Optimal Builds for the Splitting Axe

The Splitting Axe fits well in several builds due to its cleave synergy and bleed enhancement:

1. Bleed Berserker

Core Skill: Cleave or Rupture

Focuses on applying high DoT effects

Uses support Path of Exile 2 Orbs like Brutality, Melee Physical Damage, and Ruthless

2. Earthquake Juggernaut

Uses the Splitting Axe for its AoE bonus

Combines high armor and stun immunity with area burst damage

Prioritizes endurance charges and defensive scaling

3. Warcry Champion

Relies on Intimidating Cry and Rallying Cry to boost damage

Uses Fist of War and Pulverize to deal massive area damage with each swing

Perfect for clearing groups quickly using the splitting effect

Tips for Farming the Splitting Axe Efficiently

Increase Item Rarity and Quantity

Equip gear with"+% increased rarity” and run maps with high item quantity modifiers.

Use rarity-flavored runes when entering zones.

Party Play

Farming in a group increases monster density and loot potential.

Coordinate with other players running melee builds for efficient dungeon runs.

Use the Trade Market

If you're struggling with RNG, check the PoE 2 Trade System.

In most leagues, the Splitting Axe is mid-priced early but drops in price mid-season.

Check Vendor Recipes (if available)

Some vendors in PoE 2 have specific recipes or random unique axes for sale if you bring them rare weapons or kill certain bosses.

Conclusion

The Splitting Axe in Path of Exile 2 is more than just a heavy two-handed weapon—it's a unique item with exciting synergy for cleave-focused melee builds, offering both AoE destruction and bleed utility. While acquiring it can involve RNG and grinding, targeted farming through bosses, runes, and dungeon-enhanced mechanics gives players a clear path forward. Whether you're a solo warrior or a co-op juggernaut, securing the Splitting Axe could be the game-changer for your build in Wraeclast's brutal world.