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My STRONGEST Starter Ever! Spirit Walker Summoner Guide

By ZizaranWatch videoDuration: PT9M51S

This guide outlines a Spirit Walker Summoner build for Path of Exile 2 (0.5 Return of the Ancients), focusing on utilizing companion minions for powerful, efficient progression.

Summary

  • Playstyle: A highly offensive, minion-based build that utilizes Silverfist and Crowbell companions.
  • Build Planning: Utilize the Maxroll in-game build planner to track passive tree progression and gear requirements.
  • Key Mechanics: Focus on obtaining and supporting specific companions, utilizing Pain Offering for attack speed and damage, and managing minion auras.
  • Status: Confirmed by developers to be in a healthy state, making it a reliable and powerful choice for league starters.

Build Planning and Setup

To use the build planner effectively:

  1. Export the build planner from the Maxroll website.
  2. Place the exported files into the Path of Exile 2 build planner folder within your Path of Exile 2 documents directory.
  3. Load the planner in-game to receive a helpful overlay that tracks your passive tree progression.

Early Leveling and Skill Progression

  • Early Skills: Use Explosive Grenade (for bosses/stationary targets) and Flash Grenade with Magnified Area for clearing. Frost Bomb is recommended for additional boss damage.
  • Transitioning to Companions:
    • Tame beasts using the Tame Beast gem (get the target low, cast, and kill).
    • Crowbell is a reliable early companion.
    • Once available, transition to Silverfist and utilize Minion Melee Splash and Rage support gems.
    • Use Rapid Attacks (level 2) for optimal performance.
  • Minion Support: Pain Offering is essential for increasing both your attack speed and damage. Use the in-game panel to increase the number of active minions.

Strategic Optimization

  • Aura Management: You will need the passive node that allows for two companions. The second companion should be equipped with a Haste Aura.
    • Note: Acquire the Haste Aura in the Infested Barrows (Act 3).
    • Hardcore players: If the camp does not have the desired monster, you must clear the zone, loot, and reset the instance.
  • Passive Tree: Focus on Bond of the Wolf and Unslain on Kill nodes. These are critical for making minions feel responsive and powerful.
  • Defenses: Aim for a hybrid approach using evasion and energy shield. Prioritize gear that offers armor, evasion, and block. Currently, the build is highly attribute-intensive, requiring careful stat management.

Future Planning and Scaling

  • Scaling: Future updates to the build will focus on acquiring crit nodes, evasion, and energy shield.
  • Tablets: Seek tablets that grant rare monster modifiers to unique monsters to further empower companions.
  • Ascension: Future plans include taking Primal Bounty (or Stampede) to secure the Wild Protector bonus, which transfers more companion damage from the player to the minion.
  • Feedback: The lack of a Convocation skill remains a primary challenge for managing minion positioning.

Key References