In the evolving gameplay landscape of Path of Exile 2, minions have been perceived as relatively ineffective, particularly against tougher adversaries such as rare enemies and bosses. This status quo appears to be shifting, thanks to a recent announcement from the developers that signifies a new era for minion builds, allowing players to better navigate the campaign.
This upcoming adjustment aims to elevate the importance of every minion type, moving past the previous trend of limiting effectiveness to a select few. With the release of patch 0.2.0, players can now confidently invest in minions throughout all stages of the game—early levels and endgame content alike.
Transforming Minions in Path of Exile 2: Legacy of the Hunt
Currently, Path of Exile 2 categorizes its minions into standard types and Spectres obtained from skill gems. Historically, both options have struggled to assist players adequately in both campaign missions and endgame maps.
Recent communications from Grinding Gear Games (GGG) provide notable insights, confirming enhancements that will align standard minion damage and health with the performance expectations set by earlier patches. As a result of this update, a diverse array of minions—including Arsonists, Frost Mages, Reavers, and Snipers—will function effectively in virtually any gaming scenario.
Additionally, Spectres hold significant promise, provided players make discerning choices regarding which ones to summon. A comprehensive guide on the Spectres introduced in Update 0.2.0 is available to assist readers in maximizing their minion performance.
Particularly noteworthy is the Vaal Guard, which emerges as a formidable Spectre available in Cruel Act III. Players can locate these enemies near the waypoint on the Utzaal Past map. However, be mindful that summoning any minion—whether standard or Spectre—requires a substantial resource known as Spirits. The previously popular Oaksworn Shield has undergone revisions and no longer provides any Spirits.
However, players can explore the new Prism Guardian shield, which offers one Spirit for every 50 maximum health, ensuring sufficient resources for a robust minion build. Ultimately, Path of Exile 2 continues to provide enthusiasts with a variety of powerful options for constructing effective minion builds throughout all gameplay stages—early, mid, and endgame.