PoE2 Monk League Starter Build - Ice Strike Invoker
Time: 2025-03-26 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: League Starter Build
With Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) patch 0.2.0 set to launch on 27 March 2025, and the Dawn of the Hunt league set to launch on 4 April, you'll need a league starter that's fast, fun, and flawless. Enter the Monk class with an Ice Strike build - completing Acts 1-3 solo in under 7 hours, this setup obliterates enemies with zero effort. This guide takes you through the skills, supports, passives, and gear in order to dominate the campaign and roll into the endgame. Get ready for Dawn of the Hunt!
Why the Monk Class Ice Strike Build is the Best
Monk class blends evasion, energy shield, and icy mayhem into a starter that's both beginner-friendly and OP. From basic Quarter Staff whacks to Ice Strike's freezing fury at level 14, then a lightning-charged “lightsaber” at 36, this build scales hard and fast. It's perfect for Dawn of the Hunt - solo, no uniques needed, and a blast to play as you shatter enemies across Wraeclast.
Skill Progression Through Acts 1-3
Here's your step-by-step Monk class journey:
Act 1: Early Game Setup (Levels 1-14)
Falling Thunder: Starter skill - lightning AoE that shocks packs. Pair with basic quarter staff attacks.
Killing Palm: Finish off mobs for energy charges, boosting Falling Thunder's boom.
Glacial Cascade: Ranged frost waves - great for distant bosses like King of the Mist.
Frozen Locus: Drops an ice flower to freeze enemies and set off explosions.
Tempest Bell: Bellows bosses - ring it with auto attacks for resonance damage.
Unlocked at level 14: Ice Strike - a three-hit cold combo replaces your basic attack. Slash, freeze, shatter.
Act 2: Refining the Freeze (Levels 14-36)
Ditch Falling Thunder/Killing Palm—Ice Strike, Frozen Locus, and Tempest Bell take over.
Wave of Frost (Tier 7 gem): Replaces Frozen Locus later - dash back, freeze forward instantly.
Herald of Ice: Shatter frozen foes for AoE explosions - your clarity skyrockets.
Ascension (Invoker, level 21): Choose "Increased Chill" and "10% damage as Extra Chill".
Act 3: Lightsaber Time (Level 36+)
Charge Staff: Consume Energy Charges for a 6-18 second Lightsaber buff - adds Lightning and a Shockwave (80% physical to Lightning).
Herald of Thunder: Strike with lightning after killing shocked enemies - pairs with the shock of the Charge Staff.
Second Ascension (Unbound Avatar): "12% more Elemental Damage and Unbound Avatar skill - 40% more damage build when active.
Support Gems to Amp It Up
Ice Strike: Rage (1% more damage per rage, max 30%), Marshall Tempo (25% attack speed), later Primal Armor (massive flat damage).
Frozen Locus: Glaciation (50% more freeze build), Ice Bite (35% cold damage when freezing).
Tempest Bell: Overabundance (more bells), Persistence (longer duration), later Heavy Swing (35% increased melee damage).
Wave of Frost: Frost Nexus (freezes ground), Inspiration (reduces cost).
Charge Staff: Profusion (50% chance for additional charges), Conduction (increased shock chance).
Monk Passive Tree Path for Power
Focus on defense first, then juice damage:
Act 1 (first 10-20 points): Evasion and energy shield nodes—60-70% evasion early keeps you untouchable. Add mana regeneration for Ice Strike's Hunger.
Act 2 (20-30 Points): More Evasion/Energy Shield, then Resonance Keystone (Power Charges from Frenzy Swaps) - Unlock Charge Staff synergy. Grab the crit chance from Crashing Waves.
Act 3 (30+ Points): Stack crit damage/chance, Falcon Technique (attack speed per 15 agility) and "Max energy shield per evasion on armour" (e.g. 1500 evasion = 250 energy shield). Late game objectives: Acrobatics (70% less evasion, evasion all hits) and freeze nodes.
Gear Tips for a Solo Self-Found Starter
No trading needed—this Monk class build thrives on basics:
Quarter Staff: High physical damage is key - convert to cold/lightning. Look for cold imbue or +melee skills.
Chest: Max evasion rating (1000-1500+).
Helmet: Energy shield (150+ increases evasion via passives).
Rings/Gloves: Physical attack damage, life, mana, or dexterity (83 needed for Charge Staff).
Boots: Movement speed + evasion/energy shield.
Amulet: Spirit for Clarity (mana regen) if you can snag it.
How to Play This Monk League Starter
Early (Act 1): Whack with Quarter Staff, finish with Killing Palm, Falling Thunder packs, Cascade ranged foes, Bell bosses.
Mid (Act 2): Ice Strike into Frozen Locus, shatter with Herald of Ice, Bell elites—freeze everything.
Late (Act 3): Charge Staff up (freeze for power charges via Resonance), Ice Strike + Bell + Heralds for triple-element chaos. Pop Unbound Avatar on bosses for overkill.
Trials of Seamas: Dodge and freeze trivialise it - stand and punch.
Why This Shines for Dawn of the Hunt
Patch 0.2.0's campaign bows to this Monk class starter—6 hours 50 minutes to Act 3 proves its speed. No gear dependency means you'll be rolling on April 4th with vendor finds, while Dodge and Freeze keep you safe. It scales up to the endgame (level 85 tested) with crits, lightning, and sheer fun - bosses like Rothbreaker and Doriani get silly.
Video Guide - Ice Strike Monk Build
Thanks for Reading
This Monk class Ice Strike build is your Dawn of the Hunt powerhouse—fast, forgiving, and a freezing riot. Tinker with it and tear through PoE2. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more class guides and endgame tricks!
Special Pack for Your Endgame:
Also, we made some packs for your endgame! Easy Trading (Divine x50, Exalted x400), All-in-One Quality Pack (Etcher, Whetstones, Scraps, Baubles), and Ultimate Skill Pack (Gemcutters and Jewellers). Awesome, right? Check them Out!
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