With the release of Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 on April 4th, all players must start from scratch, resetting progress and beginning anew. While experienced players are familiar with the early leveling process, it still requires careful planning to optimize speed and efficiency.

This guide presents a Monk Leveling Build for the latest season, tailored to help players clear the first three acts quickly. This build does not require any starting currency or specific items, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players.

Monk Leveling Build Overview

The Monk class excels in high DPS (damage per second) and fast-paced melee combat, making it one of the best choices for quickly progressing through the game's early content. The key focus of this build is leveraging high weapon damage, attack speed, and elemental triggers to maximize efficiency.

Key Build Features:

No dependency on starting gear or POE2 Currency

High mobility and fast clearing speed

Strong synergy with Ice Strike and Tempest Bell skills

Effective up to Act 3 and adaptable beyond

Weapon Progression Guide

Weapons are crucial for any Monk build. Since the class relies on high DPS output, having the right weapon at each stage of leveling significantly affects your efficiency. Below are the best weapon choices at various levels:

Best Modifiers for Monk Weapons:

When choosing or crafting weapons, focus on the following modifiers:

Increased Physical Damage (Flat and Percent-Based)

Flat Fire/Lightning/Cold Damage (Elemental Boosts)

Attack Speed (Faster Strikes)

+ Levels of Melee Skills (Boosting Skill Power)

Tip: Fire and Lightning damage help trigger Tempest Bell, making them valuable secondary affixes.

Recommended Weapons by Level:

Level

Weapon

Acquisition Tips

4

Long Quarterstaff

Dropped by Red Vale (Act 1 Boss)

11

Gothic Quarterstaff

Craft using Regal Orb, Alchemy Orb, or Artificer’s Orb

20

Crescent Quarterstaff

Optional drop from L’im the Impaler (Act 2)

28

Steelpoint Quarterstaff

Craft using Exalted Orb and Blacksmith Whetstones

33

Slicing Quarterstaff

Backup if Steelpoint isn’t available

Weapon Strategy:

Start with a white Long Quarterstaff at Level 4.

Upgrade to Gothic Quarterstaff before fighting Count Geonor (Act 1 Boss).

Crescent Quarterstaff is useful but optional; otherwise, aim for Steelpoint Quarterstaff by Act 3.

Improve weapons using crafting currency, but avoid overspending early on.

Armor Selection: Prioritizing Speed and Defense

Boots (Most Important Armor Piece)

Monks rely on movement speed for survivability and combat efficiency. Prioritize boots with high movement speed modifiers:

Movement Speed Bonus

Item Level Requirement

10%

Level 1

15%

Level 15

20%

Level 30

25%

Level 50

30%

Level 70

35%

Level 82

Tip: Find boots with movement speed, life, and resistances for the best balance of speed and survivability.

Other Armor Considerations

For the rest of your gear, prioritize:

Evasion & Energy Shield: Helps Monk sustain damage on the battlefield.

Strength/Dexterity/Intelligence Attributes: Boosts Monk’s damage output.

Elemental Resistances: Essential for reducing incoming damage in higher acts.

Jewelry Farming Locations

Jewelry is rare but essential for boosting damage, resistance, and survivability. Here are the best locations to farm rings and amulets:

Jewelry Type

Location

Iron/Lazuli Ring

Cemetery

Amulet

Keth Ruins

Resistance Ring

Buried Shrines

General Rings

Hanging Tree, Sandswept Marsh

Tip: Prioritize jewelry with fixed additional damage, resistance, and life regeneration.

Best Skill Gems for Monk

Monks rely on Ice Strike for primary damage, with various support gems enhancing their power.

Recommended Skill Gems and Supports:

Primary Attack Skill: Ice Strike

Martial Tempo

Primal Armament

Heft

Ice Bite

Tempest Bell (Elemental Damage)

Cold Exposure

Strip Away

Utility and Mobility Skills

Charged Staff → Persistence, Arcane Tempo

Shield Charge → Ingenuity

Combat Frenzy → No support needed

Auras & Buffs

Herald of Ice → Lightning Infusion, Conduction, Magnified Effect

Herald of Thunder → Cold Infusion, Glaciation, Innervate

Attribute Requirements

To efficiently use these skills, ensure you meet the following attribute requirements:

Strength: 30

Dexterity: 30

Intelligence: 35

Currency Management Tips

Since Patch 0.2.0 resets the economy, efficient use of Path of Exile 2 currency is crucial.

Best Uses of Currency:

Weapon Upgrades – Prioritize crafting and improving quarterstaffs.

Boots with Movement Speed – Essential for maintaining speed.

Resistances and Health Gear – Helps sustain through tougher bosses.

Ways to Obtain More Currency:

Participate in POE 2 Currency Giveaways (like those in Discord communities)

Sell extra gear or crafting materials to vendors and players

Complete side quests that reward crafting items

Final Thoughts

The Monk Leveling Build in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 is a powerful, efficient choice for early game progression. By following the recommended weapon progression, optimizing armor choices, POE2 Currency and leveraging skill synergies, you can speed through the first three acts with ease.

Key Takeaways:

Prioritize weapons with high physical and elemental damage.

Use boots with the highest movement speed possible.

Invest in key skill gems like Ice Strike and Tempest Bell.

Manage your currency wisely to avoid waste.

With the right strategy and execution, you’ll be well-prepared to dominate the new season in Path of Exile 2!