GGG is going to release the Patch 0.2.1 for Path of Exile 2 with reworks on endgame content, unique loot farming, Rogue Exiles, Expedition Logbooks, and more. In this article, we want to introduce 5 powerful builds to play after the Patch 0.2.1 in PoE 2 Dawn of the Hunt.

Top 5 Path of Exile 2 Builds After Patch 0.2.1

1. Lightning Spear Deadeye (All-Around for Map Clearing and Bossing)

The first build recommended after Patch 0.2.1 is the Lightning Spear Deadeye, it can achieve high clearing speed and strong single-target damage. This is a great choice for bossing and mapping. The Far Shot and Ricochet passives synergize perfectly with Lightning Spear's natural chain mechanics, projectiles can bounce between enemies and gain damage with distance. The improved unique drop rates will also benefit this build, as key items like Voltaxic Rift or Doryani's Invitation will become more accessible. The Trial of the Sekhemas changes (halving ES instead of removing it) also help hybrid life/ES variants maintain survivability during the fights. For optimal performance, you can prioritize crit chance, lightning penetration, and projectile speed on gear. With a well-optimized version, you can even clear entire screens in just one cast.

2. Chaos DoT Lich (Hardcore Tank Build)

Moving on to the second one, a Chaos-based DoT build for the Lich ascendancy, it is one of the tankiest builds for PoE 2 Dawn of the Hunt Hardcore. You can combine skills, including Essence Drain, Bane and Wither, to stack chaos damage that ignores enemy resistances. With the improvements to Trial of the Sekhemas, the energy shield sustain of Lich becomes even stronger in the current game. In addition, the addition of new talismans and runes will improve the curse effectiveness or DOT duration.

3. Armor Break Smith of Kitava (Best Melee Warrior Build)

If you are looking for an effective melee build for the Warrior class, this build is a good pick. It utilizes the armor-rending mechanic to deliver insane physical damage. Using skills like Sunder or Earthquake with the Overwhelm support, you can reduce enemy armor to zero in just a few hits and complete massive critical strikes. The Expedition Logbook buffs in 0.2.1 Patch provide better access to high-tier physical weapons and armor-breaking support gems, while the Twisted Domain changes ensure dense enemy packs to farm. For the primary weapon, pick a bow with increased physical damage, increased attack speed, cold damage boost, and more.

4. Lightning Arrow Deadeye (Budget-Friendly League Starter)

The Lightning Arrow Deadeye is a classic Path of Exile 2 build since the game release, you can use it as the league starter and scale into the endgame. The chain mechanics of Lightning Arrow clear monsters quickly, and shock effects amplify the boss damage. The projectile buffs turn arrows into homing missiles. They stated that the drop rate of unique items will be increased in the new patch, so you can try to get chain/lightning penetration gear for this build.

5. Thorns Warbringer (High Survivability AFK Farmer)

The Thorns Warbringer is also a tank build that is suitable for melee styles, but not limited to that. This is a reflection-based build that centers around the Thorns mechanic, which deals flat damage back to the enemies when you are hit. Unique items like the Crown of the Pale King Cultist Crown are recommended. It is not a very fast build, but unkillable, a perfect choice for AFK farming. You just need to dive into a pack of enemies and let them hit you; the damage will reflect back with deadly results. For tough enemies, you can use skills like the Rapid Assault rapid assault and Armour Breaker to weaken their armor and stack the Scavenged Plating for increased defenses and offense. Movement skills like Shield Charge or the Thunderous Leap will help you to control positioning and stay mobile.