The builds we are going to talk about today are awesome despite the impending nerfs that are coming in the game's next major update. In other words, our recommendations are most likely to survive the balancing changes in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt.
Having said that, some of these builds work very well when you are properly geared. If you want to get a hold of these incredible items as soon as Patch 0.2.0 arrives, you can visit our PoE 2 Trade Store to buy what you need!
Best New Starter Builds in Patch 0.2.0
Some top-tier builds in the current meta are surely going to receive some nerfs. The Spark Stormweaver is quite popular right now, so much so that changes that could negatively impact the build are already expected.
But you don't have to worry about that. We have taken into account the things that will likely change in Patch 0.2.0. Rest assured that whichever build we are going to talk about here is safe, reliable, and fun to play!
Also, it's important to note that our recommendations here are not arranged from the lowest to the highest, so you can freely pick a build that suits your playstyle the most. So, without further ado, let's begin!
Ice Strike Invoker
Do you want your enemies to shatter when hit enough times? Do you like the idea of playing a fast-attacking melee build that can destroy all content in the game, with amazing defenses that make it almost impossible to kill? If the answer to these questions is a resounding “Yes,” then you will definitely love the Ice Strike Invoker.
Now, you might think that we are kidding here because the Ice Strike Invoker is likely to be nerfed, seeing as it is one of the most popular PoE 2 builds right now. However, we'd argue that although the build is incredibly efficient at killing monsters, it does not compare to the Spark Stormweaver in that regard.
But, make no mistake! The Ice Strike Invoker is still quite effective in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt! The reason why we are confident about this is that Ice Strike is not too overpowered, unlike Spark.
Furthermore, you'd have to invest a bit of PoE 2 Currency to get the most out of this build, which is why it will survive the nerfs in Patch 0.2.0.
Key Items and Setup
• Weapon: A well-rolled quarterstaff with "+ to Level of All Melee Skills" and high physical damage rolls.
• Ring: Polcirkeln, an inexpensive unique ring that enables shattering enemies with Ice Strike.
• Single-Target Damage: Utilize Elemental Invocation or Cast on Shock to trigger Ball Lightning (for extra damage) or Eye of Winter (for consistent critical strikes).
• Alternative Buffs:
• Tempest Bell Setup: Use Magnified Effect, Cold Exposure, and Culling Strike for an AoE shockwave.
• Charged Staff: Grants more attack speed and allows hitting multiple enemies in a straight line.
If you want a melee build that is great at freezing and killing monsters, then the Ice Strike Invoker is a must-try!
Skeletal Sniper Infernalist
If you like the minion playstyle, where you command an undead army that is ready to kill the enemy at a moment's notice, then the Skeletal Sniper Infernalist is one that you should consider!
Even though this build is very powerful, it is likely to function just fine despite any adjustments that are made in Patch 0.2.0.
Why This Build Will Survive Nerfs
Historically speaking, minion builds are always safe from major nerfs in the Path of Exile franchise. Besides that, nothing is game-breaking about the Skeletal Sniper Infernalist because much of its power is unlocked only after getting the best gear.
Key Items and Setup
• Weapon: High-level sceptre with "+5 to Level of All Minion Skills" and high Spirit.
• Minion Skill: Skeletal Snipers have extreme range, allowing them to eliminate enemies off-screen. Level up the minion skill as much as possible (potentially up to level 40 with the right gear).
• Support Skills:
• Pain Offering (boosts minion damage)
• Vulnerability (applies a curse for increased damage)
• Skeletal Cleric (provides healing for minions)
This build is expensive at the high end, but once you reach level 50, you will fully enjoy playing the Skeletal Sniper Infernalist.
Rolling Slam Totem Warbringer
The Warrior Class is making a resurgence in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt, and the Rolling Slam Totem Warbringer is the ideal build to capitalize on this.
Key Items and Setup
• Weapons: The Bringer of Rain (free Giant's Blood) and The Hammer of Faith (grants shrine buffs).
• Defensive Skills:
• Resonating Shield (AoE shockwaves for monster clearing)
• Magma Barrier (infuses your shield with magma for damage reflection)
Main Skill: Rolling Slam, used by Ancestral Warrior Totems instead of your character.
• Ascendancy: Warbringer, which provides increased block chance and damage mitigation.
If you want a tanky build with a high block chance, excellent AoE, and strong single-target damage, this is a top-tier option!
Gas Arrow Deadeye
If you love chaos damage builds, then the Gas Arrow Deadeye is a must-try in Patch 0.2.0.
Key Items and Setup
• Bow: High physical damage bow with "+ to Level of All Projectile Skills" and "Bow Attacks Fire an Additional Arrow."
• Main Skill: Gas Arrow (creates a poisonous gas cloud that explodes when ignited enemies walk through it).
• Combo Skill: Flame Wall (ignites enemies, triggering Gas Arrow explosions for massive damage).
• Ascendancy: Endless Munitions (adds extra arrows for wider gas cloud coverage).
If you play the Gas Arrow Deadeye, make sure to cast Flame Wall first before using Gas Arrow for maximum explosions!
Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt is introducing exciting changes, but these starter builds will remain viable despite potential nerfs. Whether you prefer melee, minions, totems, or chaos damage, there is a build here that fits your playstyle.
If you want to get the best gear to optimize these builds immediately after Patch 0.2.0 drops, be sure to visit our PoE 2 Store to find exactly what you need!
Happy hunting, Exiles!