PoE 3.26 Earthshatter vs VFoS Comparison
So with 3.26 out, I keep seeing people go back and forth on Earthshatter vs Vaal Earthquake (VFoF), and honestly it feels like one of those classic PoE debates that never really dies.
Earthshatter is still the go-to if you like that “slam, reposition, detonate” playstyle. It just feels super satisfying when you line it up right – spikes everywhere, big AoE, good Impale scaling. The spikes make clear speed smoother than people give it credit for, and against bosses it’s still legit. Pair it with some decent phys scaling and the usual currency sink into gear (think Impale clusters, a solid phys 2H, maybe even a crafted rare mace/axe), and you’ve got a monster that doesn’t really care if it’s mapping or bossing.
The main “issue” is you’re constantly managing positioning and triggering spikes, which some players love, some don’t. If you’re into a more direct slam-and-forget style, it might not be your vibe.
Pros of Earthshatter:
Wide area of effect damage
Impale spikes for increased damage
Effective against mobs and bosses
Cons of Earthshatter:
Requires strategic positioning
Can be mana-intensive
On the other hand, Vaal Earthquake (VFoS) is a Vaal skill that allows players to unleash a powerful earthquake that deals massive damage to enemies in a targeted area. This skill is perfect for players who want to focus on dealing high burst damage to tough enemies or bosses in a short amount of time. By using VFoS strategically, players can quickly eliminate threats and turn the tide of battle in their favor.
Pros of VFoS:
High burst damage
Targeted area of effect
Ideal for tough enemies and bosses
Cons of VFoS:
Requires Vaal souls to activate
Limited use compared to regular skills
Which Skill Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, picking between Earthshatter and Vaal Earthquake (VFoS) in 3.26 really comes down to how you like to play and what kind of content you’re focusing on. If you enjoy controlling space, chaining packs, and making the whole screen explode with spikes, Earthshatter feels amazing. But if your goal is chunking bosses or deleting high-priority targets in one big slam, VFoS is usually the stronger choice.
Both skills are in a good spot right now, and either one can carry you deep into endgame with the right setup. It’s less about raw numbers and more about which playstyle clicks for you—once you figure that out, the build path (and where you dump your currency) basically follows naturally.