PoE Sanity

PoE 2 0.5 Best League Starter Builds Flow Chart

By ds lilyWatch videoDuration: PT10M56S

Summary

  • Melee: Divided into physical (Shield Wall, Earthshatter) and elemental builds, with a focus on Monk variants (Wolf, Oracle, Invoker, Martial Artist).
  • Ranged: Primarily elemental focus. Options include Grenade Witch Hunter, Ice Shot/Snipe, Lightning Rod/Arrow, and various Crossbow configurations (Shockburst, Permafrost Fragmentation).
  • Spells: Categorized by FPS performance, ranging from high-impact builds (Volcano, Ball Lightning, Spark with Cast on Crit) to high-efficiency, low-visual-clutter builds (ED Contagion).
  • Minions: Diverse options categorized by playstyle and theme, including Jin, Beastmaster/Spiritwalker, Infernal Legion, Tactician, and Chayula-based builds.

Melee Skills

Physical melee choices are limited; Shield Wall remains a strong, smooth option despite minor nerfs, while Earthshatter serves as a comparable alternative.

Elemental melee revolves heavily around the Monk class:

  • Wolf/Oracle/Invoker: Recommended for maps rather than early campaign leveling.
  • Forge Hammer Warrior: A playable, though not top-tier, choice.
  • Monk Specializations:
    • Martial Artist: A “hollow form” style build where you channel abilities similar to a totem.
    • Whirling Assault: Mobile gameplay with a unique aesthetic.
    • Ice Strike Invoker: A classic, reliable choice.
    • Falling Thunder: Considered a Day 2 re-roll build that performs best with Volls Protector.

Ranged Skills

Physical ranged options are virtually non-existent, making elemental builds the standard.

  • Grenade Witch Hunter: A strong contender for Day 1, with a potential re-roll to Gemling on Day 2.
  • Ice Shot/Snipe: Recommended for those seeking a “cooler” aesthetic.
  • Lightning Rod/Arrow: A solid, standard alternative.
  • Crossbow Builds: Highly flexible and compatible with various ascendancies (Deadeye, Witch Hunter, Pathfinder).
    • Shockburst Galvanic Shards: A “Taser” style build.
    • Permafrost Fragmentation Rounds: Effective for sustained, flexible play.

Spells

Spell builds are evaluated based on their impact on system performance (FPS):

  • High Performance Cost (PC intensive): Volcano, Ball Lightning, and Spark (with Cast on Crit setup).
  • Moderate Performance Cost: Plants/Projectiles (depending on cast speed).
  • Low Performance Cost (Best for FPS): ED Contagion (recommended for efficiency).
  • Totems: Generally functional but can cause screen clutter and performance drops depending on deployment frequency.

Minions

Minion builds are categorized by specific themes and mechanics:

  • Jin: Recommended for those who prefer a caster-like feel over traditional minion micro-management.
  • Beastmaster/Spiritwalker: New ascendancy focus, allowing for the summoning of boss-like entities.
  • Infernal Legion: Uses a Dinosaur minion set on fire; nerfed for leveling but viable in maps.
  • Tactician: A unique minion build for the Mercenary class.
  • Chayula Minions (Acolyte of Chayula): Utilizes fixed mechanics that allow Chayula Flames to apply chaos damage to minions.
  • Skeletal Arsonist & Power Spectres: Specific minion types focused on fire or spark damage, respectively.
  • Zombies: Noted as a slower playstyle.

Key References