Path of Exile 2 has finally arrived, and with it comes a revamped gameplay experience filled with intricate mechanics, diverse builds, and endless customization. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer in Wraeclast or a new player, finding the right build can make or break your journey. This guide provides an in-depth look at some of the best Path of Exile 2 builds to help you dominate Grinding Gear Games’ expansive ARPG.
Why Choosing the Right Build Matters in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 introduces a plethora of changes compared to its predecessor. With skills now separated from equipment and an updated passive tree, planning your build in advance is more crucial than ever. From understanding skill synergies to mastering ascendant classes, selecting a tailored build ensures you make the most of the game’s robust mechanics without being overwhelmed.
Top Builds for Path of Exile 2 Players
Below, we’ve curated a list of the strongest builds available in Path of Exile 2 early access, catering to beginners, melee enthusiasts, and ranged aficionados.
1. Infernalist Witch: A Fire-Fueled Powerhouse
Overview
The Infernalist Witch stands out as an ideal pick for beginners. By focusing on fire damage and leveraging minions for survivability, this build balances ease of use with devastating power.
Key Skills and Buffs
- Early Game: Skeletal Sniper, Flame Wall
- Flame Wall synergizes with Skeletal Sniper to amplify fire damage.
- Mid-Game: Incinerate, Flammability
- Incinerate and Flammability reduce enemy resistance while boosting DPS.
- Endgame: Demon Form, Summon Infernal Hound
- Transform into a demon and unleash hellhounds to dominate endgame encounters.
Persistent buffs like Grim Harvest and Raging Spirits bolster survivability and augment fire damage.
Passive Tree Highlights
- Intense Flames: Increases damage to Ignited enemies.
- Echoing Flames: Buffs fire-based attacks.
- Burnout: Enhances energy shield and fire-damage synergies.
Who Is It For?
Players who love flashy fire effects and overwhelming enemies with pure elemental destruction will find this build rewarding.
2. Invoker Monk: Elemental Melee with Style
Overview
For players who prefer melee combat with a touch of elemental magic, the Invoker Monk blends Lightning and Cold attacks into a fluid, dynamic playstyle.
Key Skills and Buffs
- Early Game: Falling Thunder, Tempest Bell
- Falling Thunder applies Shock, which Tempest Bell converts into devastating AoE damage.
- Mid-Game: Gathering Storm
- Adds Shocked Ground for continuous elemental damage amplification.
- Endgame: Unbound Avatar, Elemental Expression
- Boosts critical hits and unleashes devastating lightning arcs.
Persistent buffs like Herald of Thunder and Elemental Invocation complement the build’s high-speed playstyle.
Passive Tree Highlights
- Alternating Current: Improves mana management and Shock application.
- Deadly Force: Enhances critical strike damage.
- Harmonic Generator: Buffs melee elemental attacks while improving survivability.
Who Is It For?
Melee enthusiasts who thrive on speed and adaptability will enjoy the versatility and flair of the Invoker Monk.
3. Gemling Legionnaire Mercenary: The Jack of All Trades
Overview
The Gemling Legionnaire Mercenary is perfect for seasoned players looking for a challenge. This hybrid build combines skills from multiple classes, offering near-limitless flexibility.
Key Skills and Buffs
- Early Game: Permafrost Bolts, Earthquake
- Freeze enemies with Permafrost Bolts while dropping high-damage AoEs with Earthquake.
- Mid-Game: Glacial Bolt, Leap Slam
- Explode Ice Crystals for crowd control and leap across maps to stay mobile.
- Endgame: Stampede, Cluster Grenade
- Master crowd-clearing with fast-paced, explosive skills.
With buffs like Herald of Ice and Overwhelming Presence, this build ensures both utility and damage.
Passive Tree Highlights
- Strength Nodes: For improved survivability and Warrior skill compatibility.
- Jack of All Trades: Unlocks multi-class synergies.
- Ricochet & Overwhelm: Increases projectile damage and AoE potential.
Who Is It For?
Veteran players seeking a highly customizable, experimental build with unmatched versatility will thrive with this ascendency.
Beginner Tips for Path of Exile 2 Players
Starting your adventure in Path of Exile 2? Here are some key tips to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Plan Your Build Early
- Study the passive skill tree and pick nodes that align with your chosen build.
- Look for skill-specific clusters at the tree’s edges to optimize your path.
2. Adapt to Skill Changes
- Skills are no longer tied to equipment. Use the dedicated Skills Menu (‘G’) to manage and modify your abilities effectively.
3. Embrace Randomized Map Layouts
- Maps are procedurally generated, so familiarize yourself with key landmarks like waypoints and boss arenas.
4. Keep Inventory Organized
- Arrange items systematically to make room for valuable loot.
5. Experiment Freely
- While meta builds exist, crafting your unique build is part of the game’s charm. Try different skills and passives to see what fits your playstyle.
Conclusion
Whether you’re diving into Path of Exile 2 for the first time or returning to Wraeclast, these builds provide a solid foundation for mastering the game’s mechanics. From the fiery devastation of the Infernalist Witch to the versatile dynamism of the Gemling Legionnaire Mercenary, there’s something for every type of player. Remember, the joy of Path of Exile lies in experimentation, so don’t hesitate to forge your own path!