The Monk in Path of Exile 2 excels with impressive agility, melee combat skills, and elemental-based attacks. Armed with a Quarterstaff, this character can unleash a flurry of rapid attacks, delivering substantial burst damage to both groups of enemies and formidable bosses. However, Monks may not be the first choice for players starting a new league, primarily due to their limited defensive strategies, which can make them more vulnerable during the campaign.
Nonetheless, when optimally built, a Monk can effectively navigate from the start to the end of the campaign within just a few hours, making them a surprisingly strong league starter. This article outlines essential gameplay mechanics for leveling a Monk in the current Patch 0.2.0.
Disclaimer: This guide does not include recommendations for endgame gear specific to the Monk class.
Essential Skills and Mechanics for Monk Leveling in Path of Exile 2
Leveling a Monk can be one of the more straightforward tasks in Path of Exile 2. With a carefully selected combination of passive nodes and skills, it is possible for a Monk to outperform other characters during early game stages. Here’s how to effectively progress through the campaign.
Initially, we recommend utilizing Storm Wave, complemented with Herald of Thunder and Herald of Ash. However, since Storm Wave unlocks at Level 7, your early focus should be on Stormcaller Arrow, Lightning Rod, and Lightning Arrow.
Even after reaching Level 7, maintain your use of Stormcaller Arrow until you progress to standard Act III.
Gameplay Strategy Through Act II Normal
Below are the recommended skills and support configurations to utilize until you finish normal Act II:
- Equip a Bow: Begin as a Ranger and advance your character until you reach Clearfell. Store the Bow in your stash, then create a Monk.
- Stormcaller Arrow for mob clearing: Pair with skills like Martial Tempo, Lightning Infusion, and Primal Armament.
- Lightning Rod for boss encounters: Include Scattershot, Concentrated Effect, and Close Combat, activating it with the Lightning Arrow skill.
- Herald of Thunder aura: Use Innervate and Longshot to enhance damage output.
Progression at the Start of Normal Act III
When entering normal Act III, here’s the skill setup you should adopt:
- Equip a Quarterstaff: This should be your primary weapon.
- Storm Wave for boss and group damage: Utilize Martial Tempo, Lightning Infusion, and Primal Armament.
- Herald of Ash: Upgrade with Magnified Effect.
- Herald of Thunder: Activate with Innervate, Longshot, and Conduction.
For your skill rotation in this phase, focus on using Storm Wave against bosses and enemy clusters, while allowing the two Herald skills to handle the additional damage.
Itemization Strategy for Monk Leveling in Patch 0.2.0
This guide centers around league starter builds, so we will not cover unique items. Below is a comprehensive list of rare items and desired affixes for your Monk:
Until Normal Act II
- Dualstring Bow: Increases physical damage to attacks, elemental damage, and attack speed.
- Quiver: Focus on enhancing attack speed and damage related to Bow skills.
- Your armor pieces should align with the Quarterstaff setup.
At the Start of Normal Act III
- Quarterstaff: Aim for increased offensive stats and support for melee skills.
- Helmet: Prioritize maximum life and critical chance.
- Body Armor: Seek high maximum life and energy shield, with added resistances.
- Gloves: Look for maximum life, physical attack damage, and enhanced attack speed.
- Belt: Increase maximum mana and resistance capabilities.
- Rings: Focus on resistance and lightning damage modifiers.
- Amulet: Choose based on any lacking stats you may have.
- Boots: Aim for increased movement speed, maximum energy shield, and resistances.
Make sure to prioritize body armor with an Energy Shield base for the Ascendancy, alongside Energy Shield attributes on all armor types.
Acolyte of Chayula vs. Invoker: Ascendancy Choices in Path of Exile 2
For optimal performance with the current build, ascending to the Invoker ascendancy is advised. Follow this order for skill points: “I am the Thunder,” then “Sunder my Enemies,” and finally “Lead me Through Grace.”
Progressing Passive Nodes for Monk Leveling in Path of Exile 2
Refer to the accompanying image for guidance on passive node progression:
As you progress, place your initial focus on obtaining Flow State, then follow with Blinding Strike and Killer Instinct. After that, target Essence of the Storm, Crashing Wave, and Alternating Current, finishing with Wild Storm. Lastly, prioritize nodes related to the Quarterstaff and critical strike enhancements.