Path of Exile 2 Leveling Build Guide - Ice Strike Invoker Monk

[@LadyHermes]

2:10 Finally a guide where I don't have to pause the video 100 times to watch every skill and support gems one by one. Thank you *so much* for doing that! That's an instant like and sub on my side.

[@kf_isher1149]

he's the goat been following since d4 (bad)

[@AllrightNOR]

@@LadyHermes I don't know how there is still people in the world who hasn't subbed yet

[@wavyhermit5230]

lol it’s not fun why do have to follow meta builds to have fun? Why can’t all builds be viable and fun. Why do I have to have the same build as everyone.

[@AllrightNOR]

@@wavyhermit5230 because in every game there are bugs and shit doesnt do what it supposed to do

[@wavyhermit5230]

@@AllrightNOR nah lol never played a aarpg where they’re are only one viable builds for each class.

[@dropdtuned1]

I really appreciate your having the first 14 levels of arrow in the guide. So many builds I see out there are endgame or mid-late act builds.

[@dropdtuned1]

Ok, up to level 8 now, and this is literally the fist time I've been having fun since launch...and I haven't even swapped over to monk skills. Thanks so much.

[@NapoMMC]

I played with monk skills, but here is something that the game does not tell you. You can use more skills at low levesl, of all types. Frozen locus is a skill that most don't use warly game and it's just perfect. I didn't use th bow and it was a breeze. Some mobs even kill themselves by constantly walking over it and blowing it themselves. Falling thunder is also great in the beginning even if playing ice later.

[@2Lyrical]

@@dropdtuned1 if u are enjoying the bow build so much try moxsy ranger build. his got yt vids. if anything, the builds that op its abit boring. didnt die from act 1 to act 3 to put it into perspective

[@AntonioBetzu]

I woukd reccomend to in fact finish ACT ONE with bow and arrow as the mobs in the manor DO EXTREME damage when they die do to their painful after death bleeding that does SO MUCH damage in melee range...

[@Panzar1991]

UPDATE 2 (edited my earlier comment too) So I have now cleared the campaign, this build is still extremly viable. Last boss went down in a breeze and did ~520k dmg in one freeze rotation. The only issue I found is that if you don't burst the boss within the freeze rotation (due to boss movements, bad hitboxes, phases etc) it will be a little bit slower, not much at all. If the boss didn't die within the first rotation I apply Freezing Mark to get 50% extra freeze buildup, drop another bell and the boss is dead. As for any build, keep your gear updated for resistances and for charm use Antidote for the immunity to poison. Ended the campaign at level 65, gem setup is the same as shows in the build 1.1k life, 200 es and 104 spirit Fire res 49% Cold res 40% Light res 51% Chaos res 32% Weapon I finished with is a lvl 48 Advanced Gothic Quarterstaff with 2x Iron Rune. Not upgraded so 0% quality 125-209 dmg 150% inc phys dmg 218 accuracy rating 72% inc elemental dmg with attacks 20% reduced attribute 12 mana per kill Time to do some map testing and maybe I update here again :)

[@ThornwynOfficial]

any updates?

[@freddyfrog70]

So I’m a little further down the road here as a monk, even on a juiced t15 map I’m not having any issues. Few things to note, you can literally unload all your tempest bell charges at once. If you have a meta skill and you socket eye of winter, what happens is at full energy, you launch x4 orbs of eye of winter at once, so what happens is it shoots out 5 shards each instance and every shard triggers tempest bell, basically you ring all charges of the bell within .25 seconds and the boss dies. Just note that the bell has no convert and is purely physical with the ability to deal increase damage with each element applied. Now that I’m done with ice monk and end game, I’m thinking about going a phys monk with daze buildup, armor break and the bell, see how that plays out. Give eye of winter a shot

[@dafootah35]

Im still at Act 1 cruel, how vastly different you're monk now at endgame compared to before? Im feeling burned out now as early monk without guide is like Dark Souls for sure

[@smkslpsd]

you type like you post on reddit 20 times a day

[@freddyfrog70]

@@dafootah35 my build came online a lot earlier. I can’t help you without seeing what you’re using and what you’re skill tree looks like unfortunately

[@stewardbeef7185]

@@freddyfrog70 which meta skill can i socket eye of winter? cast on freeze? not quite understanding the bell interaction with the meta skill

[@CodingWithDennis]

How is the surviveablity? Since Rax monk has full evasion and some monks have hybrid with Energy Shield.

[@vennerfutbol09]

I highly encourage you to try putting shattering palm in the build. It makes for even more mobility, better clear and ice bite procs, and increased freeze build up on bosses. Its a ton of fun

[@jamkatsukisan7815]

Yeah I did the same, it is a really good addition to the build! I also gave it the blind and culling strike support.

what support gems have you put on it?

[@g4Nkv2]

What support gems with it?

[@vennerfutbol09]

Blind, ice bite, execute

[@g4Nkv2]

So did you drop Ice Strike and mainly use Shattering Palm?

[@bwatkinzzzz]

Raxx, you’re a straight G - subscribed - been running all characters and finally took a monk to the end of act three - running through cruel lightning build and getting stuck and I’m going to give this a try because I like the way you explain everything. I wish other builds would do this. Thank you for doing early mid and late game work

[@mercyful1966]

Really great explanation. Admire your commitment to the community. Keep up the good work, been following you since Diablo 3. You deserve what you've done for the community to get you to this point. Thank you very much. I am 58 years old and still enjoy people like you and gaming every day.

[@MrBdericks]

Been following since the release of Diablo IV. You are the only creator that I have found that goes into detail every single thing about a build and I love you for it. Very well articulated and extremely helpful. Keep up the good work

[@plasmodesma7569]

I was getting so frustrated with my first POE character, a warrior, and was about to just say F it until launch. But I went to look up what a Monk might be like, found this video, now I'm lvl 63 in chapter 3 of cruel hahaha. This build is SO much fun. Kickass theorycrafting Raxx!!

[@dannygonsalez27]

How do you get power charges with frenzy for charged staff. It doesnt give me charges with ice strike. Any help would be appreciated.

[@deus-bd1qt]

@@dannygonsalez27use combat frenzy as per the build guide. it’s a spirit gem under ‘ranger’. you also need to take the node that converts frenzy to power charges. all of this is in the passive skill tree

[@JayJayAbels]

Oh no! Take this down Raxx! I'm a Monk inbetween Act II and Act III and have been STRUGGLING for 3 days. All I ever wanted to do was see the End Game mechanics everyone was RAVING about. GGG PLEASE DO NOT NERF THIS. LET IT BREATHE MAN!

[@SittimPK]

This will not be nerfed... its a combo based build with you having to hit the buttons its not automated. So should be safr

[@learic3240]

I certainly hope so! This is fun, please don’t nerf

[@Lightwish4K]

@@SittimPK HAHAA FUN POLICE INC ! ;D

[@Gorlami90]

@@SittimPKthe bell might not be safe

[@puenteloops]

omfg we are fcked brother

[@taoday118]

Raxx thank you for walking the passives tree one branch at a time instead of showing all at once or jumping all over the places

[@kyuuyu]

You Raxx are my all time fav build guide expert! You made POE2 fun again and not feeling like i'm wasting my time dying 30 times trying to kill one boss. Thank you!!!

[@nicholaskoehn9495]

Great Video. Just a side note. You need a level 5 uncut gem for ice strike. Brand new players won't have that at level 14.

[@teodim3221]

i guess you might have enough to trade by then?

[@BuddhaChu]

Additionally, the Primal Armament support skill requires a level 2 uncut support gem and players won't have that if this is their first toon. I'd go with Scattershot as an alternative.

[@Raxxanterax]

That’s a good point, you also need to have the skill gem. I wonder when it drops? I’ll have to go check. At least people can keep shooting their bow until then

[@Gigabomber]

​@@teodim3221can't trade for gems

[@bloodynyne3025]

@@Raxxanterax you get it after killing the executioner in orgam village jst had to use the bow XD

[@Saddamo]

Pro tip from Mathil. Critical dmg bonus on the staff is now multiplicative, insane amount of dmg, combined with %to crit 🤤 base crit staff around 15-16% Been playing this from the launch, i really recommend melee strike range to make ice strike feel more like flicker strike with its dash, its already on route for your tree there😁 I did my tree a bit more into crit and using herald of ice with thunder, then the same herald node, its actually insane dmg combined bcs of charged staff, still got combat frenzy and resonance.

[@Saddamo]

Sorry Long post, tldr Crit dmg on wep = multiplic %to crit makes staff crit ez to scale Melee strike range makes ice strike feel more like flicker strike Double herald with herald node = aloota dmg 😮

[@Flurarn]

@@Saddamo nice info thanks mate

[@LaltorOnline]

@@Saddamo How do you get melee strike range?

[@Saddamo]

​​@@LaltorOnline easiest way to explain is to search for it when your on the passive tree in the top right on pc. It was close to his pathing.

[@g4Nkv2]

What do you support Herald of Thunder with when running double heralds?

[@bayramkaradag6324]

How do you handle the high mana costs with this build?

[@frenchdream330]

Mana Regen on rings / amulet, and don't up too much your ice Strike, doesn't scale as well as for a caster for example and the mana costs skyrocket. For example i had my staff with + 2 on ice strike, i got a better staff without the +2 level on ice strike and no mana issues at all.

[@dany383]

You can socket hipothermia (and freezing mark) in hand of chayula so your hand of chayula applies both the curse and the mark

[@kingcatmushroom530]

Yea, but hand of chayula reduces the effect of socketed curses and marks

[@mattb6646]

​@kingcatmushroom530 but it's still a net positive, the only reason not to is opportunity cost, if another support is more effective over all

[@kaly8329]

You can just use blasphemy with hypothermia and just have freezing mark be on its own. If you have spirits that is.

[@rail7646]

really good inspirations from this thread, blasphemy and chayula are good options along the path

[@seekup241]

Level 55... upgraded my staff and added ice bite with the 4th support gem and my strike dps is 25k!!! Wild build man... thank you. Would love to see an update at some point :)

[@dannygonsalez27]

Seekup, i have this buuld n9w but im level 45 and respecyed from flurry to this build but cant get power charges woth combat frenzy for charged staff. Before this with flurry i used hand of chayula and snipers mark to gain charges but now it doesnt. Any idea what to do?

[@homeboy_hamilton]

This is my fav POE build yet. Thank you for sharing this!

[@Panzar1991]

UPDATE 2 So I have now cleared the campaign, this build is still extremly viable. Last boss went down in a breeze and did ~520k dmg in one freeze rotation. The only issue I found is that if you don't burst the boss within the freeze rotation (due to boss movements, bad hitboxes, phases etc) it will be a little bit slower, not much at all. If the boss didn't die within the first rotation I apply Freezing Mark to get 50% extra freeze buildup, drop another bell and the boss is dead. As for any build, keep your gear updated for resistances and for charm use Antidote for the immunity to poison. Ended the campaign at level 65, gem setup is the same as shows in the build 1.1k life, 200 es and 104 spirit Fire res 49% Cold res 40% Light res 51% Chaos res 32% Weapon I finished with is a lvl 48 Advanced Gothic Quarterstaff with 2x Iron Rune. Not upgraded so 0% quality 125-209 dmg 150% inc phys dmg 218 accuracy rating 72% inc elemental dmg with attacks 20% reduced attribute 12 mana per kill Time to do some map testing and maybe I update here again :) UPDATE 1 Some update after nerfs. I have played a1-a3 normal following the guide. As for gear I have gamled and used currency to get some better gear, my best gear piece is my staff (20% quality lvl 33 slicing quarterstaff with 2x Iron rune socket. 90-183 dmg, 53% inc phys dmg, +10-19 phys dmg, 164 accuracy, 7% increased attack speed, +3 to level of all Melee skills, +8 int) I followed the passive tree as Raxx shows in the video I did do trial 1 and 2 for Assencion + Unbound Avatar In total I died 14 times. 2 times during second trial due to bad debuffs, all other deaths came from level 1-14. In other words, as soon as the true build started I did not die other than in trial of chaos. Evaluation of build: Ice strike is still god tier, one shots more or less everything, when you get charged staff + Combat Frenzy there is nothing that can stop you. I used Herald of Ice until I could use Combat Frenzy and then re-activated Herald of ice when I got +30 spirit from quest as I think it's still nice to have for pack clearing. One thing I used quite often which is not mentioned in the build is Frozen Locus, it's a neat escape tool when mobs charge/leap onto you which are blue with bad mods or rares. Saved me many times. Another thing I tried to utilize is to have 3 Power Charges before I enter the boss area, you have 3 Power Charges for 20 seconds, if you activate Charged staff at 1 sec left on Power charges you get the full duration on Charged staff which is 18 seconds (38 seconds in total), this gives you time to drop hypothermia, swing some times for bell charges, drop bell, Unbound Avatar and blast off (Can't be used on all bosses like Viper Napuatzi who have extremely long dialogue before the fight start and you are unable to make any actions during this time). Killed Doriyani and the whole fight (including the transition to robotic form) took 1 minute and 5 seconds. First phase took ~15 seconds, Second phase took ~25 seconds I will test it a1-a3 cruel next and then do some mapping and update here. But all in all, this build is so far VERY viable.

[@nyrva2876]

Problems start at maps though.

[@Panzar1991]

@@nyrva2876 To be fair, the title of the video is Leveling Guide and not High tier mapping :)

[@TOGRickety]

Very effective. Managed to take out Count Gregor before mist phase :) For levels 1-14, Falling thunder with Killing Palm and Staggering Palm worked well and trained you for melee. Great work mate, thanks heaps :)

[@nyrva2876]

Exactly. You don't need to switch to bow.

[@besty6652]

Fun detected, nerf incoming

[@KlassiusK]

100%

[@pencilcheck]

man, why is GGG sounding more and more like blizzard.

[@martinchristensen627]

Seems like a complicated rotation and build for max dps. I think this is in line with GGG vision for the game. PoE2 feels like it was made for the monk class

[@miroslavbeganovic7235]

I don't understand the logic behind this comment... The only nerfs imposed are for things that were never intended in the first place. Also they are addressing complaints (traversal of large maps, getting stuck by 3 little mobs, etc) On that note I don't see why this build would be nerfed if all systems and synergies are operating as intended. Just because it's strong doesn't mean it gets nerfed... Brain rot is permanent, at least now you know you have it. Knowledge is power, it'll help you cope with your ailment. Reading books and maybe doing some logic practical tests might help stop the rot from spreading faster. Age does cause brain rot to build up too so try to address it before you get too far into life. It's never too late to make your life better by being a more logical and analytical person! Also it helps society as a whole so consider it a responsibility rather than a choice. Happy blasting 🙌🏻

[@iSirTaki]

its Early Access.. nerfs are key for a future good game

[@RoryA-v2k]

Raxx thank you so much. I was struggling so much with every other Monk build I tried, they all sucked - only once I respecced into what you show in this tree, everything became easy in A2. Thank you so much

[@benbast5384]

Wow, perfect timing. I started a Monk and loving it, and you upload a vid asap :D coincidence! I skilledfrostbomb from elemtal Gems before Ice Strike. Frost bomb with Spell Cascade support goes boom until Ice Strike drops. And you dont have to be a ranger until level 14 something. Frost bomb triggers Frozen locus even as a range spell, Glacial Cascade dont whatsoever.

[@chriskush4058]

I literally just used my weapon auto attack the whole time lol it was still easy

[@sobreaver]

Santa Clauss was wearing a redhood this year !!! Super great and fun mathematically correct build to get through POE2 with a monk, at least one of them. Barvo ! I'll be on the lookout for the Witch build and I definitely wish you good luck !! :) Not because you need it, just because I want another one of those hyper great build !

[@WuRaidr]

feel good moment when you avoid all poe2 build videos for the start of the game, and the first one you watch is extremely similar to your own build. great stuff and i see a few tweaks i can make to improve mine

[@tyb8402]

Same for me. I just needed a better staff!

[@BIGPILGRIM420]

​@tyb8402 weapon is everything for any decent attack build. I imagine with scarce drops people aren't getting significant upgrades without searching them out.

[@thE_SkinneR]

@WuRaidr so true friend. I had that same feeling. Doing lightning my build, Raxx build tons stronger. But I was so surprised at the similar build. Baby streamer here

[@igitrdunn]

ive been building ice strike and could not figure out how to take the next step. this guide helped me solve the power charge puzzle

[@seanheisey8645]

Yes this guide is AWESOME! I ran through the campaign both regular and cruel with around 29 deaths in about 17.5 hours following this and hurrying along, but not missing a single perma buff. Truly the best experience ive had in POE2 so far. BY FAR my favorite playstyle. Has its weaknesses but man when its on theres nothing that feels quite as good. NOW WHAT DO I DO AFTER LEVEL 70?!?!?!?!

[@herrheinzfritz]

Grip of Winter Unique gloves also work pretty well here, at least early before you want more defensive stats

[@hamzahussain7794]

Thanks for this idea. These gloves will make it even smoother.

[@Funkybanana_]

Raxx. I like that you dominate poe2. I've used to be the diablo player then switched to poe. Happy to see you here and other diablo blasters. 👍 Good choice 😊 With that attitude you would rock every season in poe1 since we both started 💪

[@Mulukkis]

I just made it to maps with my freeze monk. Completely trivialized the cruel difficulty. I struggled at the end of normal, but a couple of lucky weapon drops broke the game for me. Gotta try some of the choices you made, but my Monk so far is all me and I'm so happy I made it work.

[@drlmothanos8091]

I ditched the witch for now and rerolled Monk praying it remains a solid endgame option with frost !!! Looks so badass man and pray the RNG gods are with me as i havent gotten a single god roll drop so far :(

[@reyuhcs64]

Just hit Cruel with this build and it almost feels unfair lmao xD Jedi life is easy. Thanks for the amazing guide Raxx!

[@RiseUpification]

Following this build at level 44 and im squishy as hell. Damage is fun but I think we have skipped a little too many of the survivability options 😅

[@951Bigjosh]

Yeah this build sucks ass when it comes to survivability.

[@Kloona88]

Yeah i was excited to see Raxx's take on ice/light invoker to see what changes i could make to my build and as soon as i saw his passive tree i'm just like well never mind this is useless for maps LMAO.

[@RiseUpification]

Raxx any comment on this? Why do you let us run into sure death? 😂

[@corymeyer1162]

hey Raxx. Love your content and appreciate the video. I do disagree with your assessment of monk early game, though. all you need is autoattack with like attack speed + brutality and then glacial cascade and the early game is a breeze. dont waste time on anything else. can aoe kite with cold / backpedaling with glacial cascade and anything close gets bonked a couple times. super easy.

[@matthiasjames6308]

I played monk first then ranger then totem warrior each with their own skills through the campaign. My next 3 (the remaonong 3 classes) through normal I did entirely with lightening arrow and lightening rod... most of them never died (1-2 deaths to bosses between them). Go lightening arrow to lvl 28 ish then make an actual fun build with all the gems and respec @ Raxx. Really appreciate your guides and info

[@scottrussell360]

poison ranger all the way, so damn fun

[@toninio2093]

you forget to mention that this build could be only possible with herald of ice and combatr frenzy when you'll get de act 3 in cruel difficulty

[@neednot22]

I've been playing this exact build for a few days and let me tell you, even half done with mediocre item like mine clears bosses EASY. but mapping is pretty hard tho. gonna swap to flicker strike build after reaching my target spirit

[@ySoCerealx]

The weapon and stats is everything. Once I got a good weapon with the physical dmg stats and 2 iron runes on it I was flying about one shotting everything.

[@weuiryhsdifhasdjklfh]

This build is great, playing it co-op with a friend who is also playing melee - a stun focused warrior. Us being able both hit the bell and then freeze and stun enemies makes the campaign hilariously easy at times. Thanks Rax!

[@pencilcheck]

raxx, your build is really good in act 1 but starting act 2 it is starting to fall apart, the damage can't keep up with the damage taken and I am dying a lot because the mobs will gang up on me or have tons of range and kill me instantly. The bosses is the exception where it is mostly very easy (except the annoying ascendency boss). Is there a way to make it feel better? as minion witch, I can just hide behind my minions and I cruise through all 3 acts with ease. But I have a feeling your leveling build is making a glass cannon and will die a lot esp to mobs.

[@wscottwright]

Raxx, bro thank you for just being you. I love your content. (D4 tips have been amazing) Can’t wait to try this out!!! Thank you for doing the work so all of us can enjoy gaming more!

[@PotbellyGoat]

My ranger just hit the Act 2 boss for first time following your guide. I'll give monk a shot after I beat Act 3 finally!

[@MrSlink1981]

Dude, this is the Monk experience I was hoping for!!!!! Thank you good sir.

[@theepopeofdope824]

hey rax, for the attribute nodes, do you pick your main stat always or do you pick up strength and intelligence if you need it or ?

[@cyborgtemplar1989]

Based on need. Depends on items equipped. It's also very cheap to respec dex to int. Doesn't have the same cost as Removing the node. Adjust as gear needs.

[@thiganplays-w6b]

It is in the video, come on

[@madac219]

He says take healthy amount of dex and int but how much what ratio? I'm new to this and the guide doesn't say.

[@thiganplays-w6b]

@@madac219 It is fine to make mistakes, do not worry much, actions that you will have problems with: - Cannot create a gem that you don't have enough Attribute - Cannot equip gear of a better tier because attributes - Cannot add support gems because it adds requirement attribute beyond what you have - Cannot add more total support gems for lack of attributes So, any new gear or new gem IS an attribute check, so you have to adapt on the fly, check the new item, then go to your character sheet and check: can I equip or not? Then when you upgrade gear, does my old item provide stats? Can I actually replace if I just move some nodes? Maneuvering to adapt to your loot and goal is PoE

[@madac219]

@@thiganplays-w6b With this build though is the int or dex more important for damage or just gear /gem checks?

[@Jon-py9xl]

Man I've been waiting for this. The struggle for my monk has been nothing but real.

[@jin_nguyen]

Amazing build, leveling with this have been a blast. One question though, as we progress and level up ice strike, the mana cost can stack up quite high, is there a way to naturally sustain this or we have to rely on mana flask ?

[@alwaysanoob1905]

Thx for this. I had given up with Monk, i just wasnt able to get it working. This build is fun, quick and lethal, and minimal buttons. I look forward to trying rhe ranger, struggling and then watching your video. Keep up the good work. Gonna start watching your streams

[@nate2422]

Can they put this on the build section. Can't click on the support gems on my phone in the build planner

[@rouvenkling]

Same Problem Website not working we wait

[@cajunsassafras395]

Same problem until I unchecked "desktop site" in page settings

[@Bacongasmatic36]

Ive been following mobalytics builds and they always leave out key steps. Im glad you took the time to walk us through it.

[@stretchosaurus]

I was incredibly disappointed with there being no reliable way to get charges. This is a game changing find. Cheers!

[@Kouzy..]

There’s so many different ways to get charges

[@cyborgtemplar1989]

There are actually quite a few ways. This is the cold builds solution. Cast on shock, cast on crit, or reapers invocation, with the elemental tree ritual is also an option

[@Bimbid]

09:18 Combat Frenzy + Resonance

[@rob3497]

There is also a spell that gives you charges per dead body on the ground

[@cyborgtemplar1989]

@@rob3497 profane ritual with unelash + profusion. if the targets are close enough. and they should be

[@maciejsorbian4379]

This build made my dream come true. Zero the boss before he goes 2nd stage. Didn't kill him, just bugged the game Awesome!

[@ILoveMortarHED]

How are you sustaining mana? I'm having to hammer mana flasks, I have mana leech on my staff but it doesnt seem to do anything

[@ran93r]

He's picked some mana leech on the passive tree as well but it's not enough for sustained spam in average gear, I slapped on some mana regen gear and it's feeling much nicer.

[@piercezhang8153]

Thank you! I don't mind the bosses taking a few swings at me, this already plays way better after I used your method.

[@crookedman3484]

its good build, but no matter what i do i get randomly one shoted as monk and in melee i get staggered and pushed around and my abilieties are interuppted and i die

[@bd2eazy]

Rerolled monk after playing ranger for a bit. Following this guide and now having more experience with crafting n stuff has been a complete game changer. 1st character (monk) died to geonor about 20 times. Monk with this guide beat geonor first try. Solidified goat 🐐... Raxx!!!!

[@NZRando]

I am about to start, do you still follow the Monk tree to 14 or do you go the Ranger projectile tree to 14 then switch to the Monk?

[@bd2eazy]

@NZRando raxx explains perfectly in this video. I used lightning arrow as primary skill and mixed in the glacial ranged attack. If u use spacing the glacial move does extra damage. I recommend playing with this video in the background so u can get the gist of it .

[@0BuLLeT01]

@@NZRando Early Monk is pretty weak. Use Ranger lightning arrow and lighting rod skills for the early game. After that shock/lightning monk is strong until you hit the low level 30s, when you can switch to this build which revolves around "Resonance and Combat Frenzy".

[@Somanycuzzins]

I’m about level 24 atm still using the ranger abilities, I tried swapping out cluelessly to some of the monk abilities and I got absolutely crushed just roaming around the map. Would you say keep playing ranger until I can get a good amount of Raxx’s skills? Hoping those abilities absolutely change everything and it’s not just me 😅

[@xschoschi1625]

Im lvl 34 and I still can't switch to this build because no idea how to get combat frenzy and still don't drop lvl 9 skill gems for charged staff​@@0BuLLeT01

[@Omniwrath]

I'll be looking forward to the T15 update.

[@cyborgtemplar1989]

Monk has some content creators already doing 15s. Some lighting and some ice. One using flicker strike. Idk if the falling thunder one was t15 yet

[@LordShrub]

It's also a really good idea to corrupt your staff with a Vaal Orb AFTER you add all your sockets, exalts and quality. I got one of these really good bonuses: - a 3rd socket: put another Iron Rune - +44% elemental attack skill damage

[@HallaghanH]

For new/inexperienced players, beware of this advice! If you have very little currency, are doing the campaign and have no other staff or means to get an additional one, don't do this. You can ofc end up with a good corruption or you can destroy your staff altogether and end up with a paper weight and brick your character. Vaal orbs can completely reroll your item so you risk ending up with a very low phys dps staff.

[@aeit999]

What a troll 🤡

[@LordShrub]

@@aeit999 Not trolling. I think it's worth the gamble.

[@RyuEvil5481]

@@LordShrub so for 20% increase phys/ 44 ele its worth with potential losing your 100 ex+ staff ? xd

[@nyrva2876]

Yeah, never use vaal orbs unless you have a backup solution.

[@adzer0_0]

I watch all the usual suspects that are putting out vids on youtube on PoE2, but I'm enjoying yours the most, thanks for the excellent tips and builds, especially appreciate the sections on how to get there / levelling early, as a lot of other builds I started a character with the intention to try, only to realise the skills needed aren't available till later in the levelling process, with no guidance on what to do before then.

[@lucatorta2992]

mmm i think I'll wait to see if GGG nukes this build lmao. nice guide as always! ty! any news on the sorc lightning soon? playing your ranger build rn in act 2

[@AdamTHEPlumber]

You’ve never been wrong before, I started day 1 rolled a sorc not following anything just a build and it was super tough and felt meh, I must have died 50 times to act 1 boss. Built this beauty here that you made and am loving it cleared act 1 in possible record time at least for me, died twice total in act 1 and took 1 total hit to end act 1 boss and beat Balbala with ease this time. I love this build and I’m only level 21

[@NoblesseOblige-17]

Glacial Cascade + Frozen Locus (+ Frost Bomb and Freezing Shard) are good enough for Monk's early game. I only died once in Act 1, to Geonor. Even after getting Ice Strike and focusing on that, I'm finding very good value in those first 3 skills I mentioned there. Later on they will be redundant for this build, but for now they are putting in a lot of work. (Glacial Cascade Final Burst damage against frozen enemies is nasty)

[@jasonthibault1034]

Glacial cascade to start, then frozen locus back with a vaulting leap into the pack to pop it. Cull and stagger strike anything that remains. Very dynamic and on bosses just drop a bell and sprinkle in staff strikes if mana needs to regen

[@Impuracle]

glacial cascade feels fking awful. the only meaningful damage is at the tail end so we're constantly moving backwards to line up a kill. absolute misery til 14.

[@NoblesseOblige-17]

@@Impuracle I found it easy and comfortable to line the Final Burst. Even now that I'm rocking Ice Strikes, I regularly weave in Cascade as well.

[@xVngi]

Update to this. the build is fantastic, however end game is a bit rough, you should focus on getting some evasion & try and get the Unique Polcirkeln Sapphire Ring, this is a game changer for the end game, you're still very much squishy and will die if you're not careful, although it makes the content much more possible. as you will wipe packs instantly if it procs and it procs often.

[@rroper1015]

I am getting shredded still: how are yall staying alive with this build?

[@carrotopdadGameing]

Yea same, act 1 cruel and I can't stay alive

[@jolandalannagan]

Make sure you are spending all your exalts on upgrading your gear whenever you can!

[@carrotopdadGameing]

High invasion helped me I'm flying now

[@Pogarek]

All pasives dexterity ?​@@jolandalannagan

[@themessy001]

Evasion

[@delboy69]

@raxx this is truly an awesome, explained, easy to follow build (As per usual from my D2/3/4 following of you) , was trying to follow much more experienced players in POE2 builds, and the over complicated it. You break this down to pseudo code for me, like im explaining code to my mother :) - keep up the super work, no wonder your following is going through the roof - your content is top notch !!

[@LatitudePrime]

Why does this build have 0 defences? Anyone following this to the end of campaign is going to get so frustrated in maps being blitzed down by projectiles

[@DomiricanKId101]

I just built this almost complete just missing the avatar passive and I’m low on defense, please how we can get more health stats

[@Piqcked]

Take a guess how... ​@@DomiricanKId101

[@nyrva2876]

The Life from Death node at the start of the monk tree (+3% life on kill) seems mandatory for survival in early stages (act 3 before cruel difficulty) otherwise you'll just spam health potions over and over (73% evasion here). Not sure if it helps at endgame if you get one shot'ed every three seconds though.

[@imyournme6632]

It's kinda unfair how easy the Cold build has to get power charges compared to a lightning build

[@Cakasaur]

lightning build can also do the same using combat frenzy + resonance with either one of these uniques: Three dragon mask or Kitoko's current Jewelled Gloves. Would recommend Kitoko's either way with how much survivability it brings with electrocute.

[@Redacted_762]

Lol, who suggests "just get this unique" yeay okay, bro ​@Cakasaur

[@imyournme6632]

@@Cakasaur the problem is that its super low level

[@LadyHermes]

@@Redacted_762 Most uniques can be traded easily.

[@bonse1]

@@Redacted_762 trading takes two seconds. By the level the item is you should have 1ex.

[@daynefar7055]

after trying both the bow monk and just using falling thunder/killing palm/tempest bell for that 1-14 opening - I actually found that they were about equal in terms of survivability, but using monk skills was way more fun. It did have some item help, but both builds did so I think you can still use a normal monk build early on. Bow does make it fairly easy though

[@Dynasty1818]

This build won't even work properly until Act 3. 16:42 see, what you haven't done is say "and by this point though, you won't have the charged staff unlocked or the spirit to use combat frenzy which is the whole point of charged staff". Nice of you to show the paths you took, but you're not explaining when the skills become available, so saying now is when you turn in to Darth Maul when in reality you need to be level 30 or so, AND you need the spirit of 60 to have Ice Herald and Combat Frenzy applied, which is the core of the build. Getting 60 spirit is, what, Act 3? Good luck doing Act 3 easily in low 30s. King in the Mists in act 1 drops 30 spirit, and the Bog Witch in Act 3 drops it, so 60. You need spirit on your gear otherwise, yet your build requires no spirit on gear. You didn't explain your spirit collecting to get 90 spirit for herald, frenzy and dancer. "Ice strike is God Tier at level 14". It REALLY ISN'T. It's ok at best.

[@bonellos]

dont know what r you talking about, but i tryed it at lvl 14 and i have a blast, i got all classes on 60+ beside monk. And this build feels incredible for leveling @14. Better then most other classes

[@sandertriepels7934]

@@bonellos ice feels real strong but with 0 defence im a glass cannon. The first hyena boss in act 2 just one shots me and the arrows .. you struggled with lack of defense ?

[@bonellos]

@@sandertriepels7934 didnt have any problems, just have gear with max life on it and dodge his attacks

[@IPaid4WinRAR]

@@sandertriepels7934 Monk has some nice utilty/defensive nodes early on like Mindful Awareness, Step like Mist, and Flow State. Until I got charged staff I was still relying on my bow if I was getting overwhelmed in melee range. Freezing Salvo was also a nice way to reliably hit the bell if I had to run away from it, and it procs Herald of Ice pretty easily.

[@test321456abc]

correct you cant get combat frenzy early 30's I changed to this build at lvl 35 now im stuck without being able to make charges LOL the build is flawed and you cant lvl from 1 to end of campaign following this.

[@infamousmoney]

the only person on youtube who explain getting charges perfectly

[@upside9485]

I’m playing the lightning version of this, but leveling focus has been much easier with storm wave. Counts as melee, scales the same, but does damage at a distance so you don’t have as many deaths to packs. I will say a HUGE THANK YOU to Rax on the physical damage scaling part of this. I’ve been more worried about getting flat lightning in my staffs as well as physical. If the scaling is truly that much better I am about to start melting everything. Also, Act 3 level 40. I’m. So. Slow. Hahahaha

[@ConlanMayer]

I didn’t know flat physical is better than the elementals. Is that what you’re saying?

[@rob3497]

@@ConlanMayeryea for meele build flat physical damage gets converted into elemental damage and gets multiplied and bla bla bla a whole math equation. But yea physical > elemental

[@ShadowMorg]

You are a gentleman and a scholar, and one hell of a theory crafter. Thanks Raxx! :)

[@cc66bb44]

I absolutely do not understand how you are generating power charges for charged staff. Myonk is level 32 and I can't figure it out. What do I need to do to generate charges

[@codyhasting7911]

you need resonance in the passive tree and combat frenzy which is a persistent buff you get from spirit gems

[@cc66bb44]

@codyhasting7911 .... Ok So I have had resonance for quite some time. But I need 73 int or dex, I can't remember to open combat readiness, which genius doesn't tell us. That being said, until I hit those thresholds, I'm using dodge clone mechanic to make charges. THE OTHER SIURCE OF CONFUSION I HAVE IS THAT HOW ARE ALL THESE STREAMERS USING THE CHARGES SO EFFORTLESSLY? I HAVE TO STOP ICE TEIKING OR BELL PLACING TO MANYALLY ACTIVATE THE CHARGE? IT SEEMS LIKE A REALLY SHITTY MECHANIC. IT SHOULD BE PASSIVE, OR AM IISSING Something THAT MAKES CHARGE USAGE PASSIVE?

[@grog189]

@@cc66bb44 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKXcqKxueZyKqNUsi=RSiOsrzgdYGHJjOz&t=520 He literally tells you in the video how to get the charges. Do you mean Combat Frenzy? No he doesn't exactly tell you how much Dex you need to get it, in this game you will be moving your attribute nodes back and forth between Dex and Int as needed,. Yes you manually cast Charged Staff, It's a skill... not a passive buff. Just take 1 second every 20-30 seconds to cast it and renew your Charged Staff stack. Tldr read the skills: Combat Frenzy - Freeze/Electrocute stuff to gain Frenzy Charges. Resonance Passive - Frenzy Charges instead get turned into Power Charges. Use Power Charges to cast Charged Staff.

[@bonse1]

@@cc66bb44 my boss fights sorta go, swing swing swing, frozen, bell, cs, curse, buff, swing swing swing swing dead. That all happens very fast.

[@clampcuttie8430]

A few nodes gets up to 60% mana leeched. Do I need to”Mana leeched per hit or kill” on gear to activate this process? I have about 50% leeched and doesn’t seem to be working. But no actual leech on gear.

[@Aufs_Vires]

There are lots of new player joining and video like this really helps.

[@bensterWasHere]

Ice monk is my first and only build. I am in act 2 now. If monk gets nerfed as a result of this video, i'm quitting early access because I dont have time to level a new character

[@puenteloops]

@@bensterWasHere hahahahaha

[@Asag321]

Dude I'm in act 2 too. If it gets nerfed because of you I'm gonna quit too! Don't tell GGG you are in A2, you gonna doom us all!

[@puenteloops]

@@Asag321 D4 GOOD

[@Walkingbro15]

@@bensterWasHere my brother in Exile, EA is at a minimum going to be 6 months-year. You have plenty of time to lvl another character....

[@84superninja]

This build is crazy so far. I used bow till 14, changed to ice strike. Obliterated act 1 final boss in 10 seconds. Thx man

[@YxFitness]

How?! I used this same build that boss killed me like 20 times did this build get nerfed?

[@ronuss]

i have been using this build for awhile. its crazy on pretty much everything. ting is i feel GGG are just gonna nerf anything powerful at this point. its like they just dont want any strong builds lol

[@RoarinShots]

Thanks for always making so many guides. They have helped me for a LONG time.

[@mushactual]

Just know without a cracked out staff you still won’t do that kinda damage

[@DarkmonstaR]

how so? is he just clickbaiting?

[@mushactual]

@ not clickbait at all. Without a crazy good staff tho all monk builds feel crappy in endgame

[@karmoth6666]

So i assume to buy one and have fun 😅

[@jonathangrimes8975]

Just buy the unique staff that has 120% physical damage. Put sockets on it and put phys dmg runes. Quality it up. That will get you through most of the campaign till maps. It's 1 ex

[@thomas17801]

You can get a cracked staff for 1 ex

[@ingrimmschboindil1302]

That frenzy conversion is awesome, perfect way to get the charges easy thanks!

[@sandertriepels7934]

I do absoluty not feel like a god! Damage is good but im being destroyed in late act 2. Glasscanon headaces man. Dying is not fun. Respec d to monk after seeing this video now feeling stuck and frustrated and feeling like i wasted my whole day. Please paint the full picture in upcoming build videos

[@ayasolaris4971]

buy/craft an evasion chest. Night and day difference in terms of survivability

[@carlospinto7057]

Thanks Raxx, was waiting just for this!!!

[@selluminis]

Bro, stop posting these. Next to be nerfed. LMAO. Nice build!!! I tried monk and hated it. Now, I will def try it again.

[@Slaterbby]

Just finished act 2 with this build, by far the most fun I've had in this game so far, makes the game not feel like dark souls

[@AreYouThereGodItsMePhil]

Just a heads up, this build is absolute trash come Act 3. It has 0 defense.

[@apitnoordin]

100% true.

[@rwjize]

Your defense is gonna come from your gear. Gett life and resistances on EVERYTHING (except the wepaon) then watch the magic happen. Constantly tweaking your gear is a good thing some times you dont care about fire resistance and can go full cold resistant

[@nyrva2876]

Exactly. If you just follow his guide, chances are it won't work for you. I took the node that gives +100% evasion on chest piece with the +15% evasion nodes along the way instead of pure damage. So I traded 9 skill points there + 2 at the start for +3% life on kill since you blast packs anyway. Act 1 cruel was a breeze with 83% evasion.

[@resiin_5713]

This build is awesome, thank you for sharing. It has helped me progress so much faster.

[@XLL38_0]

GGG: "Exiles, welcome to POE 2. The first rule of POE 2 is: You do not get to have fun in POE 2. The second rule of POE 2 is: You DO NOT get to have fun in POE 2! Third rule of POE 2: Someone yells "This if Fun!", Kills a Boss, Survives an undodgeble Boss mechanic, the FUN is over!"

[@mindnetic9]

HOLY MOLY, I've been missing out dude, thank you so much for this vid, just switched to this (minus a few things as I don't have yet), but DAMN man!!!!! the damage is nutty!

[@dei_stroyer]

Do you not test this shit as you make the build? Make another monk, level it to 14, then switch to Ice Stirke and let me know how it goes WITHOUT USING ENDGAME ITEMS FROM YOUR MAIN ffs. For anyone using this, stick with the bow for a long, long time.

[@nyrva2876]

I needed a build at lvl 30. I was fine until then using monk skills from the start with no gear whatsoever. But I test things a lot and was just enjoying the monk evasive playstyle. Damage is not what I'm looking for at the start, and you shouldn't either. Game isn't hard at this point. 1st ascension is your 1st real test. Anything works before that unless you purposely make your character bad. When I see most people don't even read skills and tooltips and just go in blindly, find the 1st build online and say it's trash without adapting to what you have at this point VS infinite resource streamer... Of course it won't work. I just get ideas from these builds, I don't follow them blindly.

[@darkchip306]

love you rax 🤩 i was struggling at the end of act 2 then i saw your build and now i'm rockin!!!!

[@hulimuli999]

Raxx this is great, keep doing great work. Can't wait for the warrior guide lol

[@Flosstradamuss]

yo Rax appreciate this guide..enjoying the hell out of it. Its like a baby flicker strike once you get mana return on gloves

[@ThePyrroMan]

Your guides are amazing and well thought out. I love how you consider the casual player when going through it and not keeping "a blaster perspective". Keep up the good work, you're amazing at what you do!

[@DiabloGirl48]

Omg. I was wondering what I was doing wrong with early game monk, I thought..what am I doing wrong. That helps so much, thank you.

[@jeddi209]

Just found this video. I was coming from a nerfed Sorc and now I'm going Monk. Thank you for this video and your build planner.

[@kazi6343]

Fantastic build man. My first character is a warrior and got to end game. Most bosses took 1-3 tries. With the invoker monk bosses are just too easy, I am actually missing the challenge.

[@puxtbuck6731]

Monk has been my favorite class. It’s awesome.

[@andyorritt2472]

love the vid as always rax, as a side note i use the ring call of the brotherhood to turn all lightning to cold and then use Tempest Flurry, the skill i feel is much better to use than Ice Strike.

[@joostfischer]

You are my hero. I was struggling in cruel with my monk

[@jidakang]

which venom draught should be taken?

[@Grimmsterboy]

thank you rax for this. I keep seeing these badass dual lightsaber builds and my monk was struggling so gd bad. So im gonna try this

[@user-tz6dv4ze6s]

great work - following your builds as you pump them out (love the ranger so far - i'll do this one next)

[@Farostegui]

Loving your Leveling Guides. Please, please do one for Mercenary!!