With Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt (version 0.2.0 patch) launching on April 4th, players are preparing their league starters for a smooth entry into the new content. This tier list ranks the top 10 league starter builds for leveling and progressing into the early endgame. Each build is based on accessibility, leveling speed, tankiness, and bossing potential. Let’s present the best starter builds for each of the top Ascendancy classes in the Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt league.

PoE 2 0.2.0 Build Tier List - Top 10 Best League Starter Builds for Dawn of the Hunt

1. Best Lich Starter Build for Leveling - Essence Drain & Contagion

The Lich class offers a strong foundation for hybrid Energy Shield and Mana-based setups. A standout build involves Essence Drain and Contagion, utilizing nodes like Crystalline Flory and Eldritch Empowerment. With 100% increased jewel effects and significant damage scaling from Unholy Might, this setup brings high survivability and solid damage over time.

This build shines with the new chaos support gems expected in 0.2.0, which finally give chaos skills like Essence Drain the tools they need to scale effectively. The synergy between energy shield stacking and mana-based defenses allows for strong sustain and a smooth campaign experience. While it requires a bit of setup, it's a great choice for experienced players looking for a durable, DoT-based caster.

2. Best Smith of Kitava Starter Build for Leveling - Fire Resistance Tank

The Smith of Kitava provides one of the most defensive setups available at league start. By leveraging Forge in Flame and Cold Stoer, players can easily stack resistances and reach 90% maximum elemental resistance using simple uniques like Rise of the Phoenix and Infernal Clasp.

This setup allows you to ignore many traditional defense layers on the passive tree, freeing up points for offensive scaling. Combined with Molten Symbol for physical mitigation and Dedication to Kitava for some chaos resistance, this build can be used effectively with melee, ranged, or caster skills. It’s a reliable and tanky option for players who want to focus on damage without compromising survivability.

3. Best Amazon Starter Build for Leveling - Lightning Spear with Spear & Buckler

The Amazon-themed Lightning Spear setup offers a classic ranged playstyle with strong defensive layering. This build uses a spear and buckler combo for high block chance and evasion, while scaling elemental damage through projectiles. Ascendancy nodes like Predatory Instinct, Elemental Infusion, and Stalking Panther provide offense and defense.

Lightning Spear synergizes well with non-crit lightning scaling, making this build viable on a budget. The passive tree focuses on projectile damage, attack speed, and resistance penetration, supporting both clear speed and boss damage. With solid mobility and defense from block and evasion, this is a dependable league starter for anyone looking to try out the Amazon fantasy.

4. Best Ritualist Starter Build for Leveling - Elemental Spear Hybrid

The Ritualist ascendancy offers flexibility and powerful utility, making it a solid league starter. The recommended leveling choice is a Lightning Spear elemental build, pairing with spirit skills like Wind Dancer and Herald of Thunder. The passive tree leans into projectile nodes, hybrid defense, and block chance using a spear and buckler combo.

This build can be adapted to a bleed spear setup later in the league, offering variety for players who want to explore multiple damage types. The ascendancy nodes also provide access to ritual sacrifice and blood boil, which can be swapped depending on the content. With the added bonus of a +1 ring slot, this build has great gearing potential.

5. Best Tactician Starter Build for Leveling – Coming Soon

The Tactician ascendancy wasn't covered in detail, but based on its defensive and positional playstyle, it’s expected to synergize well with bow or trap-based builds. Players should stay tuned for optimized Tactician builds post-launch as more information becomes available.

6. Best Infernalist Starter Build for Leveling - Minions Infernal

The Minions Infernal build stands out as the most beginner-friendly and forgiving league starter. It’s easy to scale damage with minimal gear investment, and the Infernal ascendancy offers free tankiness and a great passive tree starting location.

Leveling with Arsonist and Summon Raging Spirits (SRS) provides fast progress through the campaign. In the endgame, players can shift to Storm Mages for shock application and Frost Mages for freeze and damage. This build is great for players who prefer a relaxed playstyle and don’t mind letting minions do the heavy lifting.

7. Best Stormweaver Starter Build for Leveling - Arc Mage Spark

For caster players, Spark Stormweaver remains one of the strongest all-around builds. While it has a higher complexity and gear requirement than others on this list, its clear speed and boss DPS are among the best. The build uses Arc Mage, Spark, and Flame Wall during leveling, transitioning into Lightning Conduit setups later on.

Defense comes from Energy Shield stacking, eventually moving into Mind Over Matter, Eldritch Battery, and Chaos Inoculation. Players can opt for a non-crit setup early on to save on cost. This build is ideal for players with experience who want to push content efficiently.

8. Best Invoker Starter Build for Leveling - Ice Strike Monk

The Ice Strike Invoker build is a proven choice that has performed well in community races. Known for its triple-element version, it offers a balance of strong boss damage, freeze-based defense, and easy gearing. It doesn't rely heavily on Heralds, making it resilient to upcoming nerfs.

Invoker’s ascendancy nodes like Protect Me From Harm and Lead Me Through Grace work well with the freezing mechanics of Ice Strike. The passive tree offers solid access to crit, defensive, and elemental nodes, making this a well-rounded build for both new and seasoned players.

9. Best Deadeye Starter Build for Leveling - Lightning Arrow Ranger

Lightning Arrow Deadeye continues to be one of the most satisfying and effective builds for fast mapping. Even without double Heralds, the skill's natural chaining mechanic and synergy with Orb of Storms and Lightning Rod allow for solid boss damage.

Deadeye benefits from evasion and energy shield nodes, allowing a hybrid defense setup. Eventually, players can incorporate Ball Lightning, cast-on-shock tech, and high crit scaling for endgame. Despite expected nerfs, this build remains one of the smoothest campaign clears.

10. Best Pathfinder Starter Build for Leveling - Poisonous Concoction

Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder offers an incredibly smooth league start experience thanks to its simplicity and poison scaling. The build only requires some +level projectile gear (amulet, quiver, bow) to scale damage, and players receive a free 6-link at level 90.

The passive tree supports hybrid evasion/ES defense, and the Pathfinder ascendancy spreads poisons automatically, making mapping seamless. Players can eventually transition to a corrupted Widowhail and God Quiver setup for deeper endgame scaling. It’s predictable, durable, and immune to major nerfs.