In Path of Exile 2, players are presented with a multitude of build options, catering to various play styles and preferences. Among these, one-button builds have emerged as a popular choice for those seeking simplicity without sacrificing effectiveness. These builds allow players to engage in gameplay that relies on a singular ability, making it easy to navigate through the game by merely spamming a skill while leveraging automatic mechanisms to manage damage and interactions.
This guide will explore four of the most effective one-button builds that appeal to both novice players and seasoned veterans alike. Even though these builds focus on a single skill, a strategic investment in gear and passive abilities will ensure they remain viable throughout the endgame content.
Top One-Button Builds in Path of Exile 2
The following builds not only provide an enjoyable gameplay experience but can also equal the efficiency of traditional multi-skill setups. It’s worth noting that while these are fundamentally one-button builds, they still require passive skills and equipment to maximize their potential.
1. Lightning Spear Amazon/Deadeye
As of patch 0.2.0, the Lightning Spear skill has become the go-to choice in the Dawn of the Hunt meta. Although it necessitates the activation of some passive skills, players can mainly rely on the spear skill, allowing them to dash around while occasionally launching a spear at foes.
The Lightning Spear performs exceptionally well with both the Amazon and Deadeye Ascendancies, particularly for those looking to maximize critical hit potential through the Critical Strike passive. By focusing on assembling Accuracy, users can significantly enhance their likelihood of landing critical strikes.
Deadeye players can efficiently produce Frenzy Charges to amplify the lightning spear’s damage with passives like Avidity and Thrilling Chase, although gearing will be essential for critical stacking. To effectively tackle stronger adversaries, consider integrating skills such as Herald of Thunder and Sniper’s Mark. Unique items such as Kitoko’s Current and Tangletounge can offer solid foundations for this build.
2. Detonate Dead Blood Mage
Though the Detonate Dead skill has undergone nerfs that diminished its capacity to one-shot pinnacle bosses, it remains one of the more comforting builds in Path of Exile 2.
This skill enables players to explode the bodies of slain enemies. To adapt it into a one-button framework, utilize the Sacrifice feature, which allows players to detonate their own minions—maintaining a virtually endless supply of corpses.
To optimize this build, amass a significant amount of spirit to form a mini-army of minions. Incorporate Minion Clerics to reduce respawn durations and enhance survivability for both you and your minions by stacking health within the skill tree. Additionally, leveraging the Gore Spike passive can amplify critical damage, while Sunder the Flesh sets a base critical hit chance for Detonate Dead at 15%, and Between the Cracks allows critical hits to bypass monster armor.
3. Exploding Gas Arrow Deadeye
For players looking for a straightforward skill, the Exploding Gas Arrow shines with its ability to chain explosive damage seamlessly, especially when equipped with the Radiant Grief unique helmet. Launching a Gas Arrow creates a toxic cloud that detonates upon enemy contact.
The setup process is simple—employ support gems such as Martial Tempo, Scattershot, and Inspiration. Also, do not overlook the utility of Herald of Ash for dealing additional auto damage while enemies are caught in the explosions.
For an expanded area of effect, opt for the Death’s Harp unique bow, which can shoot multiple arrows and boosts critical damage along with life and mana leech. Additionally, the Point Blank and Endless Munition passives greatly enhance the effectiveness of this build, ensuring significant damage output as players engage closely with their targets.
4. Spark Blood Mage
Arguably one of the most powerful leveling skills for the Sorceress, Spark can still deliver in endgame scenarios. The conventional setup includes both Spark and Flame Wall, though an efficient configuration may allow users to omit Flame Wall altogether.
To fully optimize this build, it’s essential to gather a substantial amount of Spirit, which can be found on body armor and through a scepter. Consider equipping a Choir of the Storm amulet, or alternatively, use a solar amulet for additional Spirit. Consistent buffs from skills like Archmage and Cast on Shock/Critical, when paired with Arc or Spark, will significantly enhance damage output.
Utilizing the Gore Spike and Sunder the Flesh passives, which are optimal choices for the Blood Mage Ascendancy, can help ensure high critical hit rates and damage. Furthermore, a unique amulet will allow critical hits to ignore enemy resistances while triggering the Lightning Bolt skill for additional combat effectiveness.
When selecting gear, prioritize increasing critical hit chance, enhancing lightning damage, and raising skill levels. Defensively, ensure to focus on protecting your character, as high-tier maps can present significant challenges.