In Path of Exile 2, there are twelve core classes, and all the builds commonly discussed by players are developed around these base classes.
The Base Classes:
- Warrior
- Huntress
- Sorceress
- Mercenary
- Monk
- Druid
- Marauder
- Ranger
- Witch
- Assassin
- Gladiator
- Templar
Each class has its unique skill mechanics, passive specialization, and combat style. Every class can be developed into a variety of build archetypes, such as summoning, spellcasting, melee, ranged, or trap-based. This article will share with you a character class that is easy to play with a new hand: Monk.
The Monk’s Skill Mechanics:
Part of the content is based on Raxxanterax’s YouTube video.
In the early game, Monk is horrible. As Raxxanterax mentioned in his YouTube video, he died around 20 times during Act 1 just trying to kill enemies with the default skills. Then someone in the chat room suggested an idea that inspired him to play as a ranger for the first 14 levels!
Purchase a bow from the vendor for around 100 gold, then use Lightning Arrow and Lightning Rod to play as a Ranger until you reach level 14.
At level 14, you unlock Ice Strike, and this is when the real Monk gameplay begins. At this point, make sure you have a good Quarter staff and switch back to close combat.
Ice Strike is a triple-hit skill. The first two hits are standard attacks, and the third hit has a larger range, slightly slower speed, and higher damage. 80% of your physical damage is converted to cold damage.
This skill also lets you dash into enemies, making it an excellent gap-closer. Mastering its effective range will significantly boost your clearing speed.
One of the main challenges of playing a Monk is that your power depends heavily on the weapons you can find. Be sure to always check the vendor and all falling Quarterstaff weapons to make sure your DPS is always up to speed.
Look for the best base-type Quarterstaff with the highest DPS possible. While physical damage is ideal, weapons with high elemental DPS can be nearly as effective.
Other Key Skills / Buffs:
- Herald of Ice: Triggers an area explosion upon shattering frozen enemies, making it excellent for clearing out trash mobs.
- Hypothermia: Inflicts cold exposure to reduce enemy cold resistance, thereby enhancing the damage dealt by Ice Strike.
- Unbound Avatar: Your ultimate burst skill. Use it in boss fights to deal massive damage in seconds.
Prioritize Gear Affixes:
Primary Defensive Stats:
- + Fire/Cold/Lightning Resistance, +Maximum Life
- + Primary Offensive Stats
- + Physical Damage
- + Increased Physical Damage
- + Attack Speed
Weapon Upgrade Tip (Cruel Difficulty and Beyond):
On condition that you come across a Quarterstaff with exceptionally high physical damage, consider using Artificer's Orbs to add additional Rune Sockets. Inserting Iron Runes afterward can significantly enhance its physical damage, by as much as 40%.
Final Thoughts
Monk is a class that demands thoughtful gearing and skill synergy. But once you understand its core mechanics, you can become a true force of destruction in Path of Exile 2.
