Protective Link

This article describes new Path of Exile content released in version 3.16.0. Information may be missing or incorrect.

Please expand this article so that it provides complete and accurate information.

Protective LinkSpell, Duration, Link
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (15-32) Mana per second
Cast Time: 0.50 secRequires Level 34Targets an allied player to apply a buff which links you to them for a duration. While linked, they copy your block chance and recover life when they block. If the target dies while linked, you will also die. This skill cannot be triggered, or used by Totems, Traps, or Mines.Base duration is (8-9.9) seconds
Linked target Recovers (31-297) Life when they Block
Link breaks if target leaves range or line of sight for 4 seconds
Maximum 1 Link from any source per target
You die if Linked target dies
Linked target's Chance to Block Attack Damage is equal to yours
Linked target's Maximum Chance to Block Attack Damage is equal to yours

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
1% increased Skill Effect Duration0.5% increased Buff EffectLinked target has 0.5% increased Stun ThresholdPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.

Acquisition
Drop level: 34Vendor Offer
1x Scroll FragmentMetadata
Item class: Skill Gem
Metadata ID: Metadata/Items/Gems/SkillGemProtectiveLink

Protective Link is a Link skill that targets an allied player to apply a buff which links you to them for a duration. While linked, they copy your block chance and recover life when they block. If the target dies while linked, you will also die. This skill cannot be used by Totems, Traps, or Mines.

Item acquisition

Protective Link can drop anywhere.

Recipes

Protective Link can be created from the following recipes:

Amount	Part	Description	Meta
13	The CataclysmThe Cataclysm13Level 21 Spell Gem CorruptedThe mighty warriors traded in blows, the nimble archers in arrows, yet it was the brazen thaumaturgists who would bring catastrophe to all.	Random corrupted level 21 Spell gem	A
6	The FoxThe Fox6Level 20 Gem"Masters of wit, strength and cunning. To survive the harsh winters, you must be like the fox." - Ezomyte Proverb	Random level 20 gem	A
3	Gemcutter's PromiseGemcutter's Promise3Gem Quality: +20%"I swore to use my position to help the people. What good is power when it just accumulates on the already-powerful?" - Erasmus, Imperial Gemcutter	Random gem with 20% quality	A
1	Gemcutter's IncubatorGemcutter's IncubatorStack Size: 10Adds an incubated Quality Gem item to an equippable item Item drops after killing {0} monstersRight click this item then left click an item to apply it. The Incubated item drops after killing a specific number of monsters.	Random gem with 1–20% quality	A
1	The VoidThe Void1Reach into the Void and claim your prize.	Random divination card set exchange	A

Vendor reward

This item can be bought at the listed NPC vendors, after completing the following quests:

Class →	Witch	Shadow	Ranger	Duelist	Marauder	Templar	Scion
Quest ↓
Breaking the Seal Act 4 Petarus and Vanja	✗	✗	✗	✗	✓	✓	✓
Fallen from Grace Act 6 Lilly Roth	✓

Related helmet enchantments

The following helmet enchantments affect Protective Link.

Note that helmet enchantments are no longer obtainable since version 3.23.0 and can only be obtained in permanent leagues as already enchanted items from before this patch.

Name		Labyrinth	Stats	Spawn Weighting
Enchantment Protective Link Duration 1	66	Merciless Labyrinth	20% increased Protective Link Duration	helmet 100
Enchantment Protective Link Duration 2	75	Eternal Labyrinth	30% increased Protective Link Duration	helmet 100

Version history

Version	Changes
3.16.0	Protective Link has been added to the game.