Path of Exile (PoE) is a game of unparalleled depth and complexity. One of the more nuanced mechanics that has seen increasing popularity—particularly for speed-based and critical strike builds—is Tailwind. Leveraging this mechanic effectively can make a marked difference in both movement speed and overall build performance, especially in endgame scenarios. Whether you’re new to Tailwind or looking to maximize its uses, this guide explores the mechanics, synergy, and strategic builds that utilize Tailwind to its fullest potential.
TL;DR Summary
Tailwind is a buff that increases action speed by 8%, granted primarily through the Ascendancy node on a Deadeye or crafted mods on boots. While simple on the surface, Tailwind significantly impacts gameplay when combined with cast speed, movement speed, and cooldown modifiers. Builds that use crit, bows, or focus on high mobility benefit most. Key upgrades and crafting options can take advantage of stacking speed and utility, creating a highly responsive and lethal character.
What Is Tailwind?
Tailwind is a buff that increases your action speed by 8% for four seconds. This includes movement speed, cast speed, and attack speed—essentially affecting everything your character does.
The most common ways to obtain Tailwind are:
- From the Deadeye Ascendancy via the node Tailwind on Critical Strike
- By crafting “Tailwind if you have dealt a Critical Strike Recently” as a Suffix on boots using the Hunter influence
This buff applies to the user only unless otherwise specified and can only exist once per character. It does not stack if obtained from multiple sources.
How Tailwind Works
Tailwind increases the action speed of the affected character. Note that action speed is a multiplier, separate from additive sources like increased movement speed or attack speed. This means that it applies after those bonuses, making it multiplicative and particularly powerful.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what Tailwind can affect:
- Movement Speed: Applies gradual acceleration to transitions like dodging and repositioning
- Attack Speed: Impacts both bow and spell builds with faster strikes and more fluid performance
- Cast Speed: Especially useful for casters relying on kinetic burst delivery like Spark or Arc
In essence, Tailwind can help any build that benefits from faster execution and animations. It is more potent on builds that are already stacking speed bonuses, enhancing the exponential scaling of their performance.
Deadeye and Ascendancy Interactions
The most popular Ascendancy for Tailwind-focused builds is the Deadeye. The specific notable is:
Gale Force, which includes:
- Tailwind effect applies to you and nearby allies
- 10% increased effect of Tailwind Buffs on you per Gale Force
A Deadeye can accumulate Gale Force stacks up to a maximum of 10, representing incremental boosts to Tailwind’s impact. At 10 stacks, Tailwind becomes an 18% action speed buff—more than double the base rate.
This makes Tailwind-centric Deadeye builds some of the fastest in the game—perfect for bow-based meta builds such as Tornado Shot, Ice Shot, or Lightning Arrow.
Crafting Boots with Tailwind
If you’re not playing Deadeye or want a second source of Tailwind, the most viable method is crafting it on boots. Here’s how:
Requirements:
- Hunter-Influenced Boots: Tailwind is exclusive to boots with Hunter influence
- Elevated Modifiers: With Awakener’s Orbs, you can combine Tailwind with other desired suffixes like Onslaught or Elusive
- Aisling Crafting (Betrayal): For removing undesired mods and instating unveiled versions
Tailwind suffix reads: “You have Tailwind if you have dealt a Critical Strike Recently”. This means that crit-based builds can reliably maintain the buff.
Optimal Mod Combinations:
- Tailwind + Elusive
- Tailwind + Onslaught
- Tailwind + Movement Speed (Hybrid Mods)
Beware, though: Tailwind crafting is expensive. It is considered an endgame luxury upgrade but can make a massive difference in responsiveness and safety.
Tailwind Build Synergies
The best results from Tailwind come when it’s part of a holistic build plan rather than a standalone mechanic. Key build archetypes include:
Crit Bow Deadeye
- Seamless synergy with Tailwind through constant critical strikes
- Perpetual Gale Force stacking
- Can use crafted boots to double the Tailwind source
Cast on Crit (CoC) Assassins
- Fast attack rate translates into faster triggers and resets
- Movement speed enhancements allow kiting and repositioning with ease
Min-Maxed League Starters
- Tailwind-enhanced builds excel at mapping speed, making it ideal for early league clears
- Combining Tailwind with Flask Effects and Onslaught guarantees top mobility
Final Optimization Tips
After integrating Tailwind, there are several ways to further amplify its effects:
1. Flask Management
Use flasks that further increase action speed, such as:
- Silver Flask (Grants Onslaught)
- Quartz Flask for Phasing and improved movement
2. Gem Links
- Linking Increased Duration to movement skills like Flame Dash to ensure less downtime
- Adding Empower Support to faster casting or movement setups
3. Labyrinth Enchantments
Look for movement skill helmet enchants that enhance mobility, or boots with enchantments such as:
- “8% increased movement speed if you haven’t been hit recently”
- “Regenerate 2% of life and mana per second if hit recently” (defensive layer during fast mapping)
4. Cluster Jewels
Some Cluster Jewel notables like Streamlined or Fencing enhance speed further. Incorporating relevant clusters can result in considerable action speed synergy.
Potential Conflicts and Limitations
There are a few considerations to keep in mind with Tailwind:
- Tailwind does not stack: Only the highest effect is applied if you gain it from multiple sources
- Server lag or latency can reduce the perceived benefit of Tailwind due to action desync
- Heavy reliance on critical strikes may limit its accessibility to specific builds
Additionally, builds already maxed on internal cooldowns, like static cooldown-based skills (Vaal, Totems), may see less benefit. Evaluate Tailwind as part of your overall strategy rather than an essential buff in every scenario.
Conclusion
Tailwind in Path of Exile is not just a quality-of-life enhancement; it’s a core mechanic that can define and elevate an entire build. Whether via Deadeye’s Gale Force scaling or expensive crafting endeavours, the action speed bonus can transform how fluidly and fiercely your character performs. By understanding its mechanics, investing in the right gear, and constructing synergistic setups, players can transform Tailwind from a passive buff into a strategic powerhouse.
Whether you’re zipping across maps with a CoC Assassin or shredding bosses as a Tornado Shot Deadeye, mastering Tailwind is key to creating one of the most lethal and agile characters in all of Wraeclast.
