Path of Exile 2 0.2.0 Patch offers a rich tapestry of new gameplay experiences with huge updates. How to build around the Monk class in the Dawn of the Hunt league? This article will break down the best PoE 2 Dawn of the Hunt Monk builds for both leveling and endgame content.

PoE 2 0.2 Dawn of the Hunt Best Monk Leveling and Endgame Builds

In the Path of Exile 2 0.2 Dawn of the Hunt update, the Monk class has undergone several significant changes and additions. Flicker Strike has been enhanced for faster movement and attack speed, making it a stronger option for high-speed builds. The Acolyte of Chayula build, centered around chaos damage and a siphoning mechanism, offers a unique playstyle for those exploring new mechanics. Support gems like Overcharge and Pierce have been adjusted, altering strategies for shock and projectile builds, respectively. Passive skills such as Mastered Darkness and Pyromantic Pact introduce new dynamics for builds relying on demonic or infernal flames. Additionally, the introduction of 25 new skills and a revamped skill tree provide Monk players with expanded customization options and fresh build possibilities. Below are two top PoE 2 Monk builds updated for the 0.2 version.

1. PoE 2 0.2 Storm Wave Invoker Monk Build

This is an easy-to-use league starter build for Monk class in Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt, allowing players to level through endgame content using the single skill Storm Wave. This build emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness; it is suitable for both campaign completion and endgame farming. 

Gear

For your weapon, aim for high physical damage combined with elemental damage for prefixes. Prioritize getting bonuses to the level of melee skills and critical chance or critical damage, but remember that base DPS is the primary goal. Utilize new runes, such as Iron or Lightning, to further enhance your damage. For the helmet and armor, focus on acquiring life and resistances. Gloves are crucial for your DPS; roll for attack speed, lightning damage, and level of melee skills, with some physical damage being a nice bonus. For boots, ensure you have at least 20% movement speed for comfort, along with rarity and some resistances. If possible, consider using Wake of Destruction, as it is an excellent option for early gameplay. The amulet should provide an energy shield and mana while also allowing for rolls on critical hit chance, critical hit damage, and melee skill levels. Lastly, for rings, look for resistances and try to add lightning damage to attacks or a percentage increase in lightning damage.

Barbarous Quarterstaff

Lace Hood

Sapphire Ring

Evangelist Garb

Amber Amulet

Topaz Ring

Bandage Wraps

Rawhide Belt

Wake of Destruction

Skills

You can start using this build at levels 14-16 when you unlock Storm Wave, a powerful skill that enables you to hit enemies from a distance. Use it with Martial Tempo and Lightning Infusion, as you advance through the campaign, switch to Primal Armament as your main support for Storm Wave. Even with just three sockets, Storm Wave can efficiently clear maps up to tier 10 without major issues. Use Herald of Ash as a secondary skill; it doesn’t require high STR, so keep it at a low level to maximize its effect. Incorporate Precision support gem for additional accuracy and spirit generation. For Herald of Thunder, pair it with Innervate and Cannibalism for life regeneration during gameplay.

• Storm Wave + Martial Tempo + Lightning Infusion + Primal Armament

• Herald of Ash + Magnified Effect + Precision

• Herald of Thunder + Innervate + Cannibalism

• Blink + Ingenuity + Arcane Tempo

Ascendancy Nodes

I am the Thunder -> Sunder my Enemies -> Lead me through Grace

Passive Tree

2. PoE 2 0.2 Ice Strike Monk Build

This Ice Strike Monk build in Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt can achieve over 500,000 DPS without requiring top-tier gear while maintaining more than 5,000 effective HP. The build emphasizes the strategic use of charms and a carefully optimized passive tree to enhance both survivability and damage output, making it highly effective against challenging Atlas bosses.

Gear

For the gear setup, prioritize a defensive amulet with maximum energy shield and evasion, and consider anointment options like Stormcharged for optimal performance. Rings should focus on capping resistances, with at least one providing physical attack damage. Gloves should emphasize attack speed and resistance while maximizing evasion and energy shield on the chest and headpiece. For boots, prioritize mobility and resistances. Finally, select a weapon with high DPS, ensuring it has good attack speed, critical hit chance, and affixes that enhance crit damage or melee ranks to melee skills.

Lunar Quarterstaff

Rambler Jacket

Amethyst Ring

Lapis Amulet

War Wraps

Heavy Belt

Wanderer Shoes

Ultimate Life Flask

Amethyst Charm

Ultimate Mana Flask

Skills

Ice Strike acts as your primary attack skill, dealing cold damage and applying freeze/chill. Tempest Bell deals area damage, which is effective for crowd control. Herald of Thunder provides consistent lightning damage, applying shock to enemies, which increases your overall damage output. Herald of Ash adds fire damage and burns enemies, creating area-of-effect damage. Herald of Ice applies cold damage and provides additional freeze/chill effects. Leap Slam offers mobility and can be used to engage or escape from dangerous situations.

• Ice Strike + Martial Tempo + Ice Bite + Primal Armament + Ambush

• Tempest Bell + Rage + Bludgeon + Persistence + Overabundance

• Herald of Thunder + Lightning Mastery + Blind

• Herald of Ash + Warm Blooded + Clarity + Precision

• Herald of Ice + Innervate + Magnified Effect + Cold Mastery

• Leap Slam + Shocking Leap

• Wind Dancer + Wind Wave + Unbreakable + Pin

• Ghost Dance + Fast Forward + Herbalism

• Hand of Chayula + Sniper’s Mark + Hypothermia + Maim

Passive Tree