Path of Exile 2 Monk Starter Guide: How to Build a Monk

In this Path of Exile 2 guide, I'm going to be showing you how to play the Monk class. This is a beginner guide that focuses on the ins and outs of how to play the Monk in the early game and some things about the Monk that you might not be aware of if you're struggling or if you're new. This is not an end-game guide or a Cruel Difficulty guide or any specific build or anything like that. It's simply a guide to kind of explain some of the basic mechanics of Monk so that you understand how to play it quickly and can get the most out of it.

Monk Attributes & Armor

The Monk is a hybrid class that relies on Dexterity and Intelligence. This combination enables versatility in using quarterstaff skills, while also benefitting from Evasion and Energy Shield armor. Here's a quick recap:

Dexterity & Intelligence: Boost these attributes to ensure you can equip quarterstaff skills and use the armor optimally. You'll find plenty of passives that boost these stats.

Armor: Look for armor with Evasion and Energy Shield, which synergizes with the Monk's passive skills.

Early Gameplay & Passive Skill Tree

Starting Point: The Monk starts on the upper-right side of the passive skill tree, with various choices for Skill Speed, Attack Damage, Evasion, Energy Shield, and Mana Regeneration.

Mana Issues Early On: As the Monk relies heavily on skills like Killing Palm and Falling Thunder, mana becomes an issue in the early levels. Prioritize Mana Regeneration to sustain your abilities until you build more power later on.

Skill Overview

Killing Palm: A key skill for gaining Power Charges. You need to kill enemies with this skill to gain Power Charges, which are crucial for maximizing Falling Thunder's damage.

Falling Thunder: Converts Physical damage into Lightning damage, releasing projectiles when Power Charges are consumed. Maximizing Power Charges is essential for increasing its effectiveness.

Glacial Cascade: A ranged option that can Freeze enemies. It's great for softening enemies before they reach you or for clearing large groups from a distance.

Quarterstaff Strike: Strong early on, but it will eventually be replaced by Ice Strike or Tempest Flurry, which offer more damage and utility.

Frozen Locus: Offers utility by freezing enemies and providing mobility. It's particularly useful in boss fights or when you're swarmed by multiple enemies.

Vaulting Impact: A skill that offers AoE damage and stun potential. However, it can be tricky to control, especially in crowded situations.

Power Charge Management

The Monk's gameplay revolves heavily around Power Charges. They are gained by Killing Palm and consumed by Falling Thunder. Here are some tips for handling them:

Maximum Power Charges: Initially, you can only have 3 Power Charges, but by taking passive nodes like Lust for Power or The Power Within, you can increase the cap to 4 or 5.

Power Charge Timer: Power Charges last for 20 seconds, so you need to use them efficiently. With these increased max charges, you'll be able to hold onto them longer.

Perpetual Charge Support Gem: This gem offers a chance to not consume your Power Charges when using Falling Thunder, allowing you to fire off even more projectiles or use it more frequently.

Elemental and Occultist Skills

Due to the Monk's Dexterity and Intelligence combination, you can easily branch into Elemental or Occultist skills as secondary options. Here are a couple of builds you could explore:

Frost/Lightning Elemental Skills: The Monk has access to both Frost and Lightning skills, making it easy to add some Freeze or Shock into your play style. These elements work well in combination with the Monk's Evasion and Energy Shield.

Bow Skills: While Dexterity makes the Monk capable of using bow skills, you'll need to equip a bow in the secondary weapon slot for ranged combat. This could be useful for softening up enemies before engaging in melee.

Spi (Unfinished Mention)

It looks like the guide was about to introduce a new mechanic or ability called Spi, though the explanation got cut off. Spi might refer to a future progression feature that unlocks later in the game. Once you reach that stage, I'd recommend revisiting this section to get the full details.

Tips for Playing Monk Early Game

Managing Power Charges: Always try to maximize Power Charges with Killing Palm and use Falling Thunder in the optimal window to ensure you're dealing maximum damage.

Skill Rotation: Early on, using Killing Palm for Power Charges and Falling Thunder to consume them will be your primary rotation. Adjust it with other skills like Glacial Cascade and Quarterstaff Strike as necessary.

Focus on Mana Regeneration: Don't neglect mana early on. Your Monk will rely heavily on mana-intensive abilities, so focus on mana regeneration passives early in the game to avoid running out of resources.

Test Elemental Skills: The Monk can make great use of elemental skills, especially Frost or Lightning skills. Feel free to experiment with these once you're comfortable with the core Monk playstyle.

This guide should help you get a solid start as a Monk in PoE 2. By focusing on Power Charges, managing your mana efficiently, and experimenting with elemental skills, you'll be on your way to mastering the Monk's versatile and fun playstyle.

How are you gearing up to dive deeper into Path of Exile 2 and might be thinking about acquiring some Path of Exile 2 items and Path of Exile 2 currency to help your Monk build?