Best Builds in Path of Exile 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Path of Exile 2 (POE2) is the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved action RPG, Path of Exile. With its intricate gameplay, deep character customization, and vast passive skill tree, POE2 offers players a wealth of possibilities when it comes to creating powerful builds. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming for both new and experienced players to determine the best builds for their playstyle. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top builds in POE2, providing you with a clear understanding of what makes them stand out and how you can dominate the game.
Understanding POE2 Builds
Before diving into the best builds in POE2, it’s essential to understand what defines a great build. A build is essentially a combination of a character class, skill setup, and equipment that synergizes to achieve a specific playstyle. In POE2, builds can be categorized into tanky, glass cannon, or hybrid types, depending on their focus on defense, offense, or a balance of both.
Key Factors in Choosing a Build
Playstyle: Are you a fan of fast-paced, aggressive gameplay, or do you prefer a more defensive, strategic approach?
Difficulty: POE2 is known for its challenging content. Ensure your build can handle the game’s tough enemies and bosses.
Gear Requirements: Some builds are gear-dependent, while others can perform well with minimal investment.
Top Builds in POE2
1. The Gladiator (Duelist)
The Gladiator is a melee-focused build that excels at dealing massive damage while maintaining a high level of survivability. This build relies on skills like Blood and Sand and Glacial Hammer, which provide both offense and defense.
Pros:
High damage output.
Excellent mobility and crowd control.
Versatile for both single-target and AoE (Area of Effect) scenarios.
Cons:
Requires precise positioning to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Can feel slow for players who prefer faster-paced builds.
2. The Deadeye (Ranger)
If you’re a fan of ranged builds, the Deadeye is an excellent choice. This build focuses on projectile damage and is particularly effective for players who enjoy kiting enemies and dealing damage from a safe distance.
Pros:
Exceptional clear speed.
High damage output with the right gear.
Great for players who prefer a more relaxed playstyle.
Cons:
Relies heavily on gear for optimal performance.
Can struggle against highly aggressive or fast enemies.
3. The Occultist (Witch)
The Occultist is a caster build that specializes in dark magic and curses. This build is perfect for players who enjoy dealing damage over time (DoT) and controlling the battlefield.
Pros:
Strong in both single-target and AoE situations.
High survivability due to curses that debilitate enemies.
Flexible skill tree for customization.
Cons:
Slightly complex to play optimally.
Requires a good understanding of curse mechanics.
4. The Berserker (Marauder)
For players who love fast-paced, aggressive gameplay, the Berserker is a top-tier choice. This build thrives on dealing massive melee damage while maintaining a high level of mobility.
Pros:
Insane damage output.
Excellent mobility with skills like Whirlwind Attack.
Fun and engaging playstyle.
Cons:
Glass cannon build with low survivability.
Not ideal for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle.
Case Study: Gladiator Build
To give you a better idea of how these builds perform in real gameplay, let’s take a closer look at the Gladiator build. This build is a classic example of a well-rounded melee build that can handle both mapping and boss fights with ease.
Skill Setup: The Gladiator uses Glacial Hammer as its primary