The Monk in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is a unique and powerful class that blends martial prowess with spiritual discipline, delivering devastating melee attacks while maintaining impressive agility. If you love fast-paced, skill-based combat, the Monk is an excellent choice.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Monk class, including its Ascendancies, playstyle, passive tree progression, and best gear choices. Whether you're looking to level up efficiently or dominate endgame content, this guide will help you maximize your PoE 2 Monk experience.
Why Play the Monk in PoE 2?
The Monk is designed for players who enjoy a fast, fluid, and highly mobile combat style. Unlike traditional melee classes, the Monk focuses on dodging, counterattacking, and delivering precise strikes. Here’s why you should consider playing a Monk:
High Mobility – Easily reposition in fights and avoid deadly attacks.
Unique Melee Skills – Unlike brute-force warriors, Monks rely on speed and precision.
Great Scaling – Scales well with Attack Speed, Evasion, and Critical Strikes.
Versatile Playstyles – Can specialize in bare-handed combat or weapons.
Strong Defenses – Leverages Dodge, Evasion, and Energy Shield instead of heavy armor.
Monk Ascendancies in PoE 2
The Monk class offers three unique Ascendancies, each tailored to a different playstyle. These specializations allow you to refine your build and adapt to different encounters.
1. Way of the Fist – The Pure Martial Artist
If you want a bare-handed melee fighter, this is the way to go. The Way of the Fist turns your fists into deadly weapons, scaling attack speed, critical strikes, and unarmed damage.
Key Features:
Massive Attack Speed Boosts – Strikes faster than most melee builds.
Unarmed Damage Scaling – No need for weapons; your fists do all the work.
Life and Energy Shield Leech – Great sustain for fast-paced combat.
High Dodge and Evasion – Easily avoids enemy attacks.
Recommended Skills:
Tempest Strikes – A rapid melee attack with lightning-fast execution.
Dragon’s Palm – High single-target damage for bosses.
Whirlwind Kick – Great for clearing groups of enemies.
2. Windwalker – The Elusive Assassin
The Windwalker specializes in hit-and-run tactics, extreme mobility, and high evasion. If you love a rogue-like playstyle, this is the perfect choice.
Key Features:
Evasion and Dodge Focus – Avoids damage rather than tanking it.
Shadowstep Mechanics – Moves unpredictably, making it hard to hit.
Bonus Damage While Moving – Encourages a non-stop combat flow.
Strong Burst Damage – Perfect for assassinating priority targets.
Recommended Skills:
Phantom Dash – Teleports you behind enemies for instant strikes.
Gale Strikes – Delivers multiple hits while dashing between enemies.
Cyclone Kick – A spinning attack that deals AoE damage.
3. Spiritblade Master – The Hybrid Monk
If you want to combine physical strikes with mystical energy, the Spiritblade Master Ascendancy is the way to go. This hybrid style infuses melee attacks with elemental power, making it highly versatile.
Key Features:
Elemental Infused Attacks – Blends Fire, Cold, and Lightning damage.
Mana and Energy Shield Scaling – More sustain for longer fights.
Energy Blade Mechanics – Converts part of mana into weapon damage.
Balanced Offense and Defense – A mix of agility and magic-based survivability.
Recommended Skills:
Spirit Surge – Converts mana into a powerful energy strike.
Lightning Palm – A charged melee attack with shock effects.
Chi Wave – A ranged AoE blast that softens up enemies before melee combat.
Leveling as a Monk in PoE 2
Early Game (Act 1-3)
Focus on Attack Speed, Evasion, and Life Regeneration.
Pick up Dodge and Energy Shield nodes for survivability.
Use Fast-Hitting Melee Skills to maintain high DPS.
Mid Game (Act 4-6)
Transition into your chosen Ascendancy specialization.
Invest in Critical Strike nodes for burst damage.
Start upgrading gear with PoE 2 Currency to keep scaling.
Late Game (Act 7-10)
Maximize Dodge, Evasion, and Critical Strike Multiplier.
Finalize your Ascendancy skill tree.
Optimize gear for resistances, mobility, and sustain.
Best Gear for Monk Builds
Weapons
Bare-Handed (Way of the Fist) – Focus on Attack Speed and Unarmed Damage nodes.
Daggers or Claws (Windwalker) – Look for high crit chance and attack speed.
Spiritblades (Spiritblade Master) – Scale mana-based damage with Energy Shield gear.
Armor
Evasion-Based Armor – Lightweight and allows for quick movements.
Energy Shield Hybrid Gear – For Spiritblade Master builds.
High Dexterity and Life Gear – Essential for mid-to-late game.
Accessories
Amulets with Attack Speed and Elemental Damage.
Rings with Evasion, Crit Chance, or Life Leech.
Belts that provide extra Life and Mana Regeneration.
Tips for Playing a Monk Effectively
Stay Mobile – The Monk isn’t a tank, so avoid standing still.
Use Flasks Wisely – Keep your Quicksilver Flask active for speed.
Time Your Strikes – Don’t just spam attacks; use movement skills efficiently.
Upgrade Gear Regularly – Spend PoE 2 Currency on better weapons and armor.
Adapt to Enemies – Certain bosses require different approaches; be flexible.
Endgame Potential
The Monk class is highly effective in PoE 2's endgame, especially with the right gear and setup. Whether you're farming maps, running Delves, or facing high-tier bosses, a well-built Monk can handle any challenge.
For the best gear and currency options, consider using PVPBank, a reliable source for PoE 2 Currency and items to accelerate your progression.
Conclusion
The Monk in Path of Exile 2 is a fast, skillful, and deadly melee class that rewards precision and mastery. With three unique Ascendancies, there’s a playstyle for everyone, whether you prefer pure martial arts, evasive assassinations, or elemental-infused combat.
If you’re looking for a highly engaging and rewarding melee experience, the PoE 2 Monk is one of the best choices. Prepare to strike fast, dodge expertly, and dominate the battlefield!