Best Builds in Path of Exile 2 (Beginner, Leveling, Endgame)

Welcome to the ultimate POE2 builds guide. Whether you’re new to the sprawling world of Wraeclast or a seasoned exile looking to refine your strategy, this guide covers the best builds for beginners, leveling, and endgame dominance. With Path of Exile 2 still in Early Access, the meta is evolving, but we’ve compiled community-favorite builds and recommendations to give you a head start.

Best Build for Beginners: Life Stacker Infernalist Witch

If you’re new to Path of Exile 2, the Life Stacker Infernalist Witch is an excellent choice. This build offers a balance between offense and survivability, relying on fiery minions to overwhelm enemies while keeping you safe. Its straightforward playstyle makes it perfect for ARPG newcomers. Pro tip: remember to use an item filter as you go so you’re always focused on the items useful for your build.

Key Skills and Support Gems

• Raging Spirits: Supported by Infernal Legion, Vitality, and Fire Exposure for summoning fiery skulls.
• Skeletal Arsonist: Use with Feeding Frenzy and Scattershot for minion-based fire damage.
• Raise Zombies: Additional frontline support to tank damage.
• Infernal Cry: Triggers fiery explosions when enemies die.
• Flammability: Reduces enemy fire resistance for enhanced damage.

Core Playstyle

Summon Raging Spirits and Skeletal Arsonists to create a fiery army, while using Flammability and Infernal Cry to enhance their damage. Keep yourself mobile with Shield Charge and bolster your defense with Raise Shield. The result? A fast-paced, explosive playstyle perfect for chaotic battles.

Best Build for Leveling: Detonate Dead Monk

The Detonate Dead Monk stands out as the top leveling build in Path of Exile 2, thanks to its ability to clear hordes quickly. By detonating corpses to deal AoE damage, this build excels at speed and resource farming.

Key Skills and Support Gems

• Detonate Dead: Boost with Envenom, Corpse Conservation, and Bursting Plague.
• Skeletal Brute: Supported by Meat Shield and Last Gasp to summon tanky minions.
• Herald of Plague: Applies poison effects to enemies.

Core Playstyle

Summon Skeletal Brutes, which you can sacrifice for explosions using Detonate Dead. Combine this with Herald of Plague to spread poison and clear large groups efficiently. This build thrives on chaining explosive combos to rapidly progress through acts.

Best Build for Endgame: Hammer of the Gods Titan Warrior

For those seeking devastating power in POE2’s endgame, the Hammer of the Gods Titan Warrior delivers. It specializes in massive single-target damage with excellent survivability, making it a dominant choice for endgame bosses.

Key Skills and Support Gems

• Hammer of the Gods: Use with Fist of War, Heavy Swing, and Second Wind for devastating impact.
• Stampede: Combines Momentum and Close Combat for mobility and AoE damage.
• Infernal Cry: Amplifies fire-based explosions.
• Leap Slam: Offers quick repositioning.

Core Playstyle

Smash enemies with Hammer of the Gods, dealing overwhelming fire damage and ignites. Use Infernal Cry to trigger chain explosions, and rely on Leap Slam and Stampede to stay mobile during intense encounters.

Class-Specific Best Builds

Monk: Invoker Monk

Focus on lightning and cold elemental damage for a fast, fluid playstyle.

• Core Skills: Falling Thunder, Tempest Bell, and Siphoning Strike.
• Key Buffs: Herald of Thunder and Elemental Invocation.
• Passives: Alternating Current and Echoing Thunder for critical strikes.

Mercenary: FrostFerno Witch Hunter

Freeze and ignite enemies with a hybrid setup combining ice and fire.

• Core Skills: Permafrost Bolts, Explosive Grenade, and Cluster Grenade.
• Key Buffs: Herald of Ice and Overwhelming Presence.
• Passives: Jack of All Trades and Instant Reload Initiative.

Ranger: Deadeye Grenadier

Mix speed and explosives for high mobility and crowd control.

• Core Skills: Fragmentation Rounds, Flash Grenade, and Explosive Shot.
• Key Buffs: Tailwind and Corrosion for rapid attacks.
• Passives: Focus on projectile damage and poison synergy.

Sorceress: Ember Fusillade Stormweaver

Unleash massive fire damage while staying safe with defensive curses.

• Core Skills: Ember Fusillade, Flame Wall, and Firestorm.
• Key Buffs: Blasphemy and Enfeeble for added survivability.
• Passives: Echoing Flames and Volcanic Skin for damage scaling.

Tips for Success

Here are some things to keep in mind as you plot your build:

1. Use a Build Planner: Plan your skills, support gems, and passive tree ahead of time to avoid costly respecs. Experiment with setups to match your preferred playstyle.
2. Balance Offense and Defense: While dealing high damage is key, don’t neglect survivability. Cap your resistances and invest in life or energy shield nodes.
3. Upgrade Gear Frequently: Prioritize high-quality gear that boosts your primary stats and augments your skills.
4. Adapt to the Meta: With Path of Exile 2 still evolving, stay informed about patch updates and community discoveries.

Whether you’re summoning fiery minions, detonating corpses, or wielding molten hammers, there’s a Path of Exile 2 build tailored to your style. Dive in, experiment, and dominate the challenges of Wraeclast. The best build is the one that keeps you having fun.