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Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated ARPG sequels in recent memory, promising a wealth of new mechanics, deeper progression systems, and POE2 Currency a staggering arsenal of gear. Among the new two-handed weapons being praised for their sheer brutality and build versatility is the Zealot Greathammer, a massive two-handed mace that excels in delivering high-impact physical damage with splash effects. If you're aiming to build a melee powerhouse or simply want to crush your foes with divine fury, this weapon is worth seeking out. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Zealot Greathammer—how to get it, where to farm it, its stats, and how to maximize its effectiveness.

What Is the Zealot Greathammer?

The Zealot Greathammer is a rare and powerful two-handed mace in Path of Exile 2. As part of the game's overhauled weapon system, this greathammer is designed for characters who want to deal massive area-of-effect (AoE) damage through slam-style melee attacks and stun-locking abilities. With high base physical damage, moderate attack speed, and solid Strength scaling, it fits perfectly into heavy melee builds such as Warriors, Cleric-Smite hybrids, and Monk-inspired bruisers that prioritize strength, endurance, and raw force over finesse.

Key characteristics of the Zealot Greathammer:

Base Weapon Type: Two-Handed Mace

Weapon Class: Slam / Crush

Stat Scaling: Strength-heavy, with potential bonuses from passive tree clusters and gear

Damage Profile: High base Physical Damage, slower attack speed, but large AoE radius

Unique Affixes (when rolled as Unique or Crafted): May include increased stun duration, splash damage radius, and bonus physical-to-fire conversion

How to Get the Zealot Greathammer

There are several methods to acquire a Zealot Greathammer, though its rarity and power mean you’ll need to invest time and strategy to find the best one. Here are the top methods:

1. World Drops in Act 4+ Zones

Starting in Act 4 of Path of Exile 2, two-handed maces like the Zealot Greathammer can begin dropping from monsters and chests. The best farming zones include:

Ruins of Theos: An area with a high density of melee-based enemies and minibosses. Zealot-themed monsters have a higher drop chance for thematic gear like the Greathammer.

The Desecrated Citadel: Often farmed in endgame for gear bases, this area has a solid drop pool for melee weapons, especially with increased rarity modifiers.

Corrupted Catacombs (endgame map): Known for high-tier monster packs and elite bosses that frequently drop two-handed weapons.

Tip: Equip gear or flasks that boost Item Rarity and Quantity to increase your chances of finding the Greathammer. Party play also improves drop rates.

2. Weapon Vendors & Crafting Benches

Once unlocked, Weapon Vendors in towns past Act 5 may occasionally sell white or magic-base Zealot Greathammers. These are excellent for early crafting. Use these methods to enhance them:

Essences of Contempt / Rage – Convert a normal Greathammer into a magic or rare item with guaranteed physical or slam-related modifiers.

Crafting Bench Recipes – As you progress, you’ll unlock modifiers like “+% to Melee AoE” or “Gain % of Physical Damage as Fire,” both of which work excellently on this weapon.

If you're running a Strength-focused character, prioritize the +X to Strength, +% Physical Damage, and +% Area Damage affixes. You can also experiment with Corruption Altars for unique or double-influenced outcomes.

3. Boss Drops & Targeted Farming

Certain bosses have a chance to drop improved versions of the Zealot Greathammer, especially in Acts 6 through 10 and during endgame map encounters. Notable bosses to farm include:

High Priest Karulis (Act 7 Temple District) – Known to drop holy or zealot-themed gear.

Crusader of the Light (Act 9 Religious Ruins) – Has a unique loot table with mace-type weapons.

Tier 5+ Map Bosses – Have a decent drop chance for base-type two-handers, especially when modded with extra loot rewards (from Scarabs, sextants, or map mods).

Zealot Greathammer Stats & Sample Rolls

While stats can vary due to PoE’s deep RNG crafting system, here’s a typical range you might find on a rare Zealot Greathammer:

Stat Value Range

Physical Damage 200–350 base

Attack Speed 1.0–1.2 attacks per second

AoE Radius Bonus +10–20%

Increased Stun Duration +15–30%

Added Fire or Lightning Damage +20–50

Strength Requirement ~155

If you manage to find or craft a Unique Zealot Greathammer, it could include thematic bonuses like:

“Crush the Heretic” – Gain Consecrated Ground on Slam

“Righteous Conviction” – Enemies ignited by this weapon take increased damage from all sources

Best Builds to Use the Zealot Greathammer

Because of its raw strength scaling and high base damage, the Zealot Greathammer thrives in:

Slam Juggernaut

Uses Earthshatter, Fist of War, and Enduring Cry

Prioritizes armor, regen, and endurance charges

Benefits from the AoE and stun bonuses on the hammer

Fire Conversion Inquisitor

Converts physical damage to fire via ascendancy or support gems

Uses Searing Bond, Flameblast, and a weapon like Zealot Greathammer to trigger burning effects

Great synergy with Righteous Fire and Consecrated Ground

Totem Chieftain (Ancestral Slam)

Drops Ancestral Warchief or Earthbreaker Totems that benefit from the Greathammer’s high damage

Focuses on totem placement speed and physical to elemental conversion

Final Tips for Farming & Crafting

Run Delve and Heist: These mechanics often yield powerful rare weapons in large quantities.

Trade Smart: Check community trading sites or in-game trade boards for Zealot Greathammers with perfect rolls.

Use Orbs of Binding: To quickly turn white Greathammers into 4-linked rares with a chance for strong starter modifiers.

Corrupt Strategically: Zealot Greathammers corrupted with +1 to socketed support gems or AoE increase can become build-defining.

Conclusion

The Zealot Greathammer is more than just a big stick to smash enemies—it’s a weapon of divine reckoning that fits right into the evolving endgame of Path of Exile 2. Whether you find it during your campaign journey or craft one to perfection, this mace is a deadly asset in the hands of Strength-based warriors. Equip it with the right supports, buff it with the right crafts, and you’ll have the power to Path of Exile 2 Orbs crush both mobs and bosses alike with one divine swing.