Usually, no. In Path of Exile, attack damage and spell damage are distinct categories. A modifier that specifically increases damage dealt by attacks does not also increase spell damage unless its wording explicitly includes spells or the relevant damage component.
How to tell whether a modifier affects a spell
Match the modifier’s wording to the damage component you want to scale. “Increased attack damage” is limited to attack damage; it does not mean increased spell damage. By contrast, an effect that explicitly names both spells and attacks can apply to both categories, subject to its exact wording.
Path of Exile’s skills are broadly divided into attacks and spells. The PoE Wiki describes those as the two major skill categories: skill categories. A developer statement reproduced by a secondary tracker says that no skill deals both attack and spell damage, and that a given instance of damage cannot be both at once: developer discussion reproduced by the tracker. The statement is useful for understanding the distinction, but the tracker is not the original GGG source.
“Damage” can mean different things
Do not treat every modifier containing the word “damage” as interchangeable. Check whether it names an attack, a spell, damage over time, a damage type such as fire or physical, or damage more generally. A broad damage modifier may apply where its conditions are met, while a category-specific one applies only to the named category.
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Also distinguish a skill’s own damage from other effects it causes. An attack skill can trigger or cause a separate damage effect that is not itself attack damage. Likewise, an effect triggered by a spell is not automatically spell damage. The relevant component and its wording determine which modifiers apply.
Damage over time has a separate category
Attack-damage and spell-damage modifiers do not inherently scale damage-over-time effects. Damage over time follows its own rules; an effect must specifically make a modifier applicable if it is meant to affect that component. PoEDB’s explanations of modifiers and damage provide further context for reading these distinctions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A quick wording check
- “Increased attack damage”: applies to qualifying attack damage, not spell damage.
- “Adds damage to spells and attacks”: explicitly names both categories; check the full modifier for its damage type and other conditions.
- “Damage over time” or a specific damage type: evaluate that component and any stated conditions rather than assuming it is attack or spell damage.
For a particular build, verify the current skill gem and modifier text in-game. Mechanics and wording can change, and the category of the damage component—not simply the skill or effect that caused it—is what matters.
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