If you’ve been playing Path of Exile 2 for a while, you know that the right gear can completely change the way your character fights. One of the most exciting new PoE 2 items I’ve tried lately is the Dread Core Cannonade Crossbow—and trust me, this weapon is pure fire. Once I equipped it, my gameplay felt like an entirely new experience. The power, speed, and control it offers make it one of the most fun and effective items you can use right now.

So, what makes this crossbow so special? First, its explosive shot mechanic. Every bolt you fire can trigger a burst of fire damage that hits enemies in an area, making it perfect for clearing groups of monsters. But it doesn’t stop there—the weapon also boosts your critical strike chance with fire skills. This means that if your build focuses on fire damage or burning effects, this crossbow takes it to a whole new level.

Here’s the best part: the Dread Core Cannonade Crossbow isn’t just for one playstyle. Whether you prefer a pure damage build or a balanced defense setup, this weapon adapts beautifully. For example, pairing it with gear that increases fire resistance and projectile speed can help you survive longer while still dealing massive damage. You can even mix it with items that enhance ignite duration for insane burn effects.

Now, let’s talk strategy. If you want to make the most of this weapon, here’s a simple setup I recommend:

  1. Use Flameburst Trap or Molten Bolt to stack burning effects.
  2. Combine the crossbow with PoE 2 items that give fire penetration or attack speed bonuses.
  3. Keep your mana regeneration high—this weapon shines when you’re attacking nonstop.

A smart move is to keep experimenting with different PoE 2 items that enhance your chosen skill tree. The game’s new crafting system allows you to modify attributes and even reroll certain stats. So, instead of waiting for luck, you can customize your gear to match your ideal setup.

If you’re wondering where to get strong PoE 2 items like this quickly, I picked up mine from u4gm, and it saved me a ton of farming time. That means more time to actually enjoy the game instead of grinding endlessly for drops.

To sum it up—if you want a weapon that makes you feel unstoppable, the Dread Core Cannonade Crossbow is worth every bit of hype. It’s not just strong; it’s fun, fast, and fits perfectly into almost any fire-focused build. Start upgrading your setup today, buy PoE 2 items that match your build, and unleash chaos like never before. Once you fire that first explosive bolt, you’ll understand exactly why I said this crossbow is absolute fire.