Efficient PoE 2 Monk Leveling Guide

Time: 2024-12-27 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide

For those diving into Path of Exile 2 with the Monk class, this Thunder Shock build offers a clear path to swiftly navigating through Acts 1 to 6. Combining high AOE damage with excellent single-target capabilities, this build is designed to help you breeze through the campaign.

Understanding the Build Mechanics

Power Charges: At the heart of this build, Power Charges amplify your abilities. Early on, charges are gained from low HP foes with Killing Palm. Later, Siphon Strike allows you to steal charges from shocked foes.

Key Abilities:

Falling Thunder: Your primary AOE ability, augmented with power charges for greater area and damage.

Tempest Bell: Critical for bosses, increases damage when struck.

Charged Staff: Power-charged for both melee and ranged damage boosts.

Tempest Flurry: Your melee weapon of choice, electrifying attacks for additional shock effects.

Skill and Gem Setup

Early game (Acts 1 & 2):

Falling Thunder with Perpetual Charge and Lightning Infusion for damage without consuming charges.

Killing Palm supported by Profusion for efficient charge generation.

Herald of Thunder for extra damage on stunned foes, supported by Concentrated Effect and Elemental Focus.

Tempest Bell for boss fights, with Magnified Effect for increased AOE.

Tempest Flurry for melee, supported by Martial Tempo and Conduction to spread shock.

Mid to late game (Acts 3+):

Falling Thunder now benefits from Innovate for post-shock damage boosts.

Storm Wave for ranged AOE, supported by Longshot and Primal Armor for ranged damage.

Siphoning Strike becomes your main Energy Charge generator, with Profusion.

Tempest Bell for bosses, now with Ruthless for increased stun.

Charged Staff with Persistence for longer charge duration, Perpetual Charge to potentially reuse charges.

Gathering Storm for starting fights with shock and control.

Passive Skill Tree

Start path:

Focus on nodes for attack speed, lightning damage and shock chance.

Balance Dexterity and Intelligence for skill requirements.

Early nodes should increase mana regeneration to support skill usage.

Mid-game progression:

Increase Power Charge duration and maximum charges.

Dive into critical strike and damage modifiers for both shocked and general targets.

Improve staff skills for better synergy with your chosen abilities.

Ascension:

Invoker with Nodes for extra lightning damage and Spirit for survivability.

Equipment recommendations

If you want to get started with the right tools, check out our POE 2 Monk Starter Set for an optimised experience from the start.

Quarterstaff: Look for those with lightning damage or crit chance boosts.

Chest pieces: Look for ones with a mix of dodge, energy shield, and Spirit for optimal performance.

General Gear: Focus on balancing Agility and Intelligence to meet the skill requirements, with an emphasis on resistances.

Strategy

Boss Fights: Drop Tempest Bell, charge your staff and spam Tempest Flurry or use Falling Thunder for high damage spikes.

Clearing: Use Falling Thunder for screens, Storm Wave for ranged attacks, and Tempest Flurry for close combat.

Thanks for Reading

This build combines speed, damage, and control, making it one of the most efficient ways to level a Monk in Path of Exile 2. With the right skill set and passive tree progression, you'll find yourself tearing through content with ease.