This guide covers the Ailment-Stacking Invoker Monk Build, a versatile and cost-effective character that excels in clearing maps and destroying bosses. This build offers powerful damage output and solid defenses by utilizing ailment stacking and synergistic skill setups. Here’s how you can create and optimize this build:
Overview
1. Build Highlights:
Stacks Shock, Chill, Ignite, and Freeze for massive elemental damage.
Utilize Tempest Bell and Charged Staff for high DPS and utility.
Affordable gear requirements (~2-3 Divines total).
2. Core Defensive Mechanics:
Evasion and Energy Shield scaling via Wind Dancer, Ghost Dance, and Grim Feast.
Optional Chaos Inoculation (CI) for Chaos immunity if reaching 4k+ Energy Shield.
Core Skills and Mechanics
1. Charged Staff Activation
Key Mechanic: Converts Frenzy Charges into Power Charges using the Resonance Keystone.
Charge Generation:
• Use Combat Frenzy with cold or lightning damage to proc freezes or shocks.
• Equip The Three Dragons Helmet to convert shocks into freeze buildup.
• Stack flat cold damage on gear to freeze targets more consistently.
2. Chain Explosions via Heralds
Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder synergize to create chain explosions, allowing players to clear maps quickly and efficiently farm Poe 2 boost rewards or Poe 2 items from rare monsters:
• Herald of Ice: Explodes chilled enemies on death, causing AoE damage.
• Herald of Thunder: Freezes and applies shock for further ailment stacking.
Key Setup:
• Equip a ring or gear that treats chilled enemies as frozen for consistent chain effects.
• Stack cold damage to enhance shattering effects.
Skill and Gem Setup
Primary Skills
1. Tempest Flurry:
The main attack is to generate Power Charges and proc ailments.
It Benefits from cold and lightning damage stacking.
2. Tempest Bell:
High DPS burst skill for bosses and tough enemies.
It inflicts fire, cold, and lightning shockwaves for massive damage.
3. Charged Staff:
Activated by Power Charges for consistent AoE damage.
Considered a buff, scales with added elemental damage.
Support Gems
Combat Frenzy: Paired with Profusion for extra charge generation.
Herald Skills: Add supports like Cold Penetration, Elemental Proliferation, or Added Cold Damage.
Defensive Auras: Grace or Discipline for evasion and Energy Shield boosts.
Passive Tree and Ascendancy
Ascendancy Progression
1. I am the Blizzard: Increases cold damage and freezing effectiveness.
2. I am the Thunder: Enhances shock application and lightning damage.
3. Lead Me Through Grace: Provides massive evasion bonuses.
4. Sunder my Enemies: Buffs damage and improves survivability.
5. and I Shall Rage (optional): Adds burst damage for boss fights.
Passive Tree Tips
1. Focus on nodes for:
• Increased Energy Shield and Evasion.
• Ailment effect duration and damage.
• Power Charge generation and utility.
2. Reserve points for Herald reservation nodes if struggling with Spirit.
Gear Recommendations
1. Weapon:
• To maximize damage, look for Poe 2 items with flat elemental damage (cold, fire, and lightning) and bonuses like crit chance and crit multiplier. These features are essential for boosting efficiency when farming Poe 2 currency.
2. Helmet:
• The Three Dragons: Converts shocks to freeze buildup.
3. Chest:
• Evasion/Energy Shield hybrid for maximum survivability.
4. Gloves:
Hand of Wisdom and Action: Excellent for elemental builds, even without stat stacking.
5. Rings and Amulet:
• Flat cold and fire damage.
• Resistance and life/ES modifiers.
• Anoint the amulet with Hunter’s Talisman for an extra charm slot.
6. Boots:
Movement speed, resistances, and Energy Shield bonuses.
7. Jewels:
Increased critical strike damage, ES, and evasion.
Leveling Tips
1. Early Game:
• Use Falling Thunder, Frozen Locus, and Glacial Cascade until Tempest Flurry and Tempest Bell become available.
• Equip Hand of Wisdom and Action with Freezing Mark for smooth leveling.
2. Transition to Endgame:
• Focus on stacking cold and lightning damage early.
• Switch to Chaos Inoculation if reaching 4k+ Energy Shield.
Cost-Saving Tips
• Buy uncut gems and use lesser jewelers to save currency.
• Corrupt gear to create 4-socket items instead of buying pre-made.
• Aim for mid-tier gear early; incrementally upgrade as you progress.
Final Thoughts
The Ailment-Stacking Invoker Monk is a powerful, affordable endgame build that balances high damage with strong defenses. You’ll easily shatter maps and bosses by leveraging ailments, heralds, and the tempest skills. Whether on a tight budget or planning incremental upgrades, this build is fun, flexible, and rewarding.
Enjoy the journey, and happy hunting in Path of Exile 2!
