Lightning Spear Huntress Character Build Guide for Path of Exile 2 (0.2)

In the Path of Exile 2 0.2 meta, players may find themselves confronted with a more restricted selection of viable builds compared to previous versions. Among the approximately 20 successful options, the Lightning Spear Huntress stands out. This class, introduced in the Dawn of Hunt update, excels in spear-focused strategies. Players are particularly enthusiastic about its Critical Strike Ascendancy node, facilitating a significant increase in critical strike chance for just a couple of Ascendancy points.

This build, partially designed by Asmodeous, allows players to unleash a torrent of lightning while hurling spears with reckless abandon. If you’ve always fantasized about channeling Zeus within Path of Exile 2, this build could be your perfect match. However, assembling it follows the intricate nature typical of builds in the game.

Passive Tree and Path of Building (PoB)

Critical Damage and Attack Speed are Key

The Lightning Spear Huntress build effectively scales its damage through various vectors, including Attack Damage, Projectile Damage, Penetration, Accuracy, and Shock. However, the primary focuses are Attack Speed and Critical Damage, encompassing both Critical Hit Chance and Critical Hit Bonus. Building your passive tree around these two elements is essential for optimal performance.

Moreover, it is crucial to maintain some level of Evasion for survival. While I recommend including nodes that reduce the Slowing Potency of Debuffs, you can swap these for Ailment nodes like Shedding Skin or adjust some Attack Speed or Accuracy, depending on your defensive playstyle. Defense is relatively straightforward to build within Path of Exile 2, so in addition to life on gear and the Wind Dancer gem, you should be well-equipped.

For an in-depth analysis, refer to this Path of Building link (usable with Path of Building).

Leveling Guide

Transitioning from Explosive Spear to Lightning Spear

Leveling as a Lightning Spear Huntress is generally straightforward. Respec points are limited, so you should adhere closely to the passive tree mentioned earlier. If you experience difficulties, prioritizing defensive nodes over damage can be beneficial, or you can alternate between the two strategies as needed.

For gem progression, use the following order: Explosive Spear -> Lightning Spear -> Storm Lance -> Primal Strikes. Replace Lightning Spear with Storm Lance as soon as you acquire it, maintaining this until you obtain Primal Strikes. For mobility, equip Disengage and Thunderous Leap to expedite campaign progression, which is notably longer than in the previous installment.

When it comes to gearing, prioritize allocating most of your currency to your weapon, which should be a spear in this case. Regularly check vendors for potential weapon upgrades. The most critical affixes you should prioritize are flat and increased % physical or elemental damage, while any additional accuracy, attack speed, and critical damage bonuses are beneficial.

Skills and Support Gems

Core Skills: Lightning Spear and Primal Strikes

Gear and Affixes

Maximizing Damage and Attack Speed

The affix requirements for gear remain similar to the leveling section: focus on acquiring flat and increased % physical or elemental damage, along with emphasizing attack speed and critical damage bonuses. Accuracy continues to be a valuable asset. Additionally, prioritize Life, Evasion, and Resistances defensively, while Spirit and other attributes are beneficial as well.

While bases may not significantly impact the build’s effectiveness, I recommend Utility Belt and Emerald Rings where feasible. You might sometimes need to opt for Resistance ring bases instead of Emerald, but these can be considered for endgame optimization without causing undue stress during gameplay.

Ascendancy

The Amazon ascendancy is primarily chosen for its accessibility to a high Critical Hit Chance, which liberates numerous passive tree and gear slots. This ascendancy provides a well-rounded mixture of offense and recovery, and I suggest selecting Predatory Instinct and Infused Avatar alongside nodes focusing on Critical Strike and Elemental Infusion. However, any other two nodes from the tree can also be effective depending on your preferences. Always prioritize acquiring the Critical Strike node first.

How to Play

A Simple Yet Effective Approach

If you prefer a straightforward build with minimal rotation requirements, the Lightning Spear Huntress could be ideal for you. Lightning Spear acts as your primary clearing skill, inflicting Shock on enemies to enhance damage (20% additional by default). For rare and unique enemies, such as bosses like the Arbiter of Ash, engage them at melee range and execute three Primal Strikes to substitute the Shock status with Lightning Exposure. That’s all there is to it!

As for the best Atlas skill tree configuration in Path of Exile 2 compatible with this build, opt for setups centered on fast clearing, such as Breach and Delirium. Expedition can also work, although its Recombination mechanic may not yield substantial power currently. If you’re willing to gamble with random number generation, it could be an option worth considering. Ultimately, the Huntress would benefit significantly from a spear granting flat and increased % physical damage, albeit the chances for this are notably slim.

Source: Asmodeous (YouTube), poe2.ninja

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