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Overview
Our Path of Exile 2 Monk Guide provides an in-depth look at this unique and exciting new class. Monks in PoE 2 are agile, dynamic fighters with a mastery of melee combat, but that’s not all that sets them apart. In this guide, we’ll cover the fundamentals of Monk gameplay, their crowd control abilities, Ascendancy classes, and detail both active and passive skills. Additionally, we’ll list the weapons available to Monks in PoE 2. For more class options, check out our Best Class Guide.
Monk Overview
The Path of Exile 2 Monk class is perfect for players who crave fast-paced, heavy melee combat with a lot of versatility. Monks quickly adapt to different threats by combining elemental damage with agile, fluid movements. If you’re looking for a dynamic, engaging playstyle, Monks could be the ideal choice. Here’s why:
- Elemental Attacks: Ice attacks can slow and provide crowd control effects, while Wind attacks offer unmatched mobility.
- Weapon Flexibility: Mastering the Quarterstaff allows for devastating combos, and going Unarmed unlocks powerful and thematic abilities.
- Tactical Adaptability: Effortlessly switch between AoE skills for groups or precise single-target strikes.
If you enjoy fast, skillful combat with deep mechanics, the Monk class is perfect for you. Want to dive into the class but avoid the grind? Try a League Starter Build to jump into the new league as a Monk and start strong.
Path of Exile 2 Monk Changes
The Monk class is a new addition to Path of Exile 2, so there are no changes to a class that didn’t exist in the original PoE. Since its introduction, the only notable update to the Monk is the addition of Ascendancy classes, which we will explore in detail in this guide.
Additionally, while not specific to the Monk, crowd control effects have been reworked in PoE 2 compared to the original game, which may influence Monk gameplay.
Path of Exile 2 Monk Basics
Path of Exile 2 Monk Gameplay Basics
Let’s dive into the fundamentals of Path of Exile 2 Monk gameplay. Monks rely on INT/DEX attributes and utilize Power Charges to unleash their devastating attacks. These charges refresh when using specific Skill Gems like Culling Palm. When you have Power Charges, you’ll notice orbs around your character, indicating they’re ready to be used. Additionally, Monks have freezing abilities to slow and control enemies during combat.
Monk gameplay revolves around mobility. You can swiftly move around enemies and land powerful melee attacks. If you need to reposition, you can use Wind Blast or Wave of Frost to retreat and return stronger, ready to take down your foes. Choosing the right Ascendancy class further enhances your gameplay, offering even more flexibility. If you want to experience the Monk without worrying about gear or grinding, you might want to consider Leveling Gear for a smoother start.
Path of Exile 2 Monk Crowd Control
Monk’s crowd control (CC) abilities are key to its playstyle in Path of Exile 2. The CC system has undergone a rework. Previously, there was a 50/50 chance for a CC effect to trigger. Now, using Monk’s CC abilities accumulates a charge on enemies, guaranteeing that they will eventually be stunned (or frozen).
Crowd control is at the core of Monk gameplay, enabling you to disable enemies while dealing damage. Here are some of the primary CC tools Monks use:
| Crowd Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Freeze and Chill | Skills like Glacial Cascade and Shattering Palm slow enemies or freeze them. Freeze is especially powerful against bosses, while Chill reduces enemy action speed, making it easier to set up combos. |
| Shock | Abilities like Falling Thunder apply Shock, increasing the damage enemies take. Shock synergizes with AoE skills, making it highly effective in group combat. |
| Knockbacks and Mobility | Wind Blast can knock enemies back, creating space in intense melee fights. This works well with quick dash skills like Killing Palm Strike, allowing you to re-engage when needed. |
Path of Exile 2 Monk Ascendancy Classes
To enhance your Monk’s gameplay, you’ll choose one of two Ascendancy classes, each offering unique playstyles and abilities.
The Invoker
The Invoker harnesses the elements with ease, transforming into an Elemental Avatar and mastering Spirit to use abilities effortlessly.
| Skill | Modifiers |
|---|---|
| I am the Thunder | Gain 10% of damage as extra Lightning Damage. 25% chance to shock enemies, creating Shocked Ground. |
| I am the Blizzard | Gain 10% of damage as extra Cold Damage. Freezing enemies creates Chilled Ground. |
| Faith is a Choice | Grants skill: Meditate. |
| …and Scatter Them to the Winds | Grants skill: Elemental Expression. Triggers Elemental Expression on Melee Critical Hit. |
| …and I Shall Rage | Grants skill: Unbound Avatar. |
The Acolyte of Chayula
The Acolyte of Chayula sacrifices Spirit mastery for Darkness, which can absorb and deal damage. They summon power from the Breach, trading elemental affinity for Chaos energy.
| Skill | Modifiers |
|---|---|
| Embrace the Darkness | Removes all Spirit. Base Maximum Darkness is 100. For each Life or Energy Shield lost, reserve 1 Darkness instead if possible. Darkness lasts for 10 seconds. +5 Maximum Darkness per Level. |
| Grasp of the Void | Gain 1% of damage as extra Chaos Damage per 20 unreserved Darkness. |
| Ravenous Doubts | Mana Leech is instant. |
| Consuming Questions | You cannot recharge Energy Shield. Mana Leech effects also recover Energy Shield. |
| Waking Dream | Grants skill: Into the Breach. |
| Chayula’s Gift | +10% to maximum Chaos Resistance. Chaos Resistance is doubled. |
Becoming an Ascendant in Path of Exile 2 is a challenging but rewarding journey. As a Monk, you’ll face numerous trials on your way to unlocking your full potential. If you’re looking to speed up the process and get your Monk to Ascendancy quickly, consider Power Leveling to prepare your character for the path ahead.
POE 2 Monk Abilities
Path of Exile 2 Monk Abilities
In Path of Exile 2, Monk abilities can be divided into Passive and Active categories. Passive Abilities are accessed through the Passive Skill Tree, a vast network of over 1,500 interconnected skills. As an INT/DEX class, Monks begin their journey in the upper-right section of the tree. On the other hand, Active Skills are granted by Skill Gems, which you will acquire as you progress through the game.
Here’s a breakdown of Monk Abilities by tier:
| Tier | Gems |
|---|---|
| 1 | Falling Thunder, Glacial Cascade, Killing Palm, Frozen Locus |
| 3 | Staggering Palm, Tempest Bell, Vaulting Impact |
| 5 | Wind Blast, Ice Strike, Tempest Flurry |
| 7 | Wave of Frost, Siphoning Strike, Storm Wave, Freezing Mark |
| 9 | Charged Staff, Mantra of Destruction, Hand of Chayula |
| 11 | Whirling Assault, Shattering Palm |
| 13 | Flicker Strike |
Path of Exile 2 Monk Skill Gems
Below is a list of all known Monk Skill Gems in Path of Exile 2. Skill Gems provide Active Skills and offer benefits such as damage bonuses and additional attributes:
| Name | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Falling Thunder | Infuse a staff with electrical energy, then slam the ground to deal damage in a large area in front of you. Consumes any Power Charges you have to fire lightning projectiles forward from the impact. | Tier: 1 (Monk) Level: 2 Cost: 6 Mana Attack Speed: 60% of base Attack Damage: 147% Requires: Level 3 Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Glacial Cascade | Sweep a Quarterstaff upwards, releasing a thin wave of frost that deals damage in a series of small bursts. The final burst of the wave then surges out further with a large spike of ice. Any Frozen enemies hit by the final burst also take another, more powerful hit. | Tier: 1 (Monk) Level: 4 Cost: 17 Mana Attack Speed: 75% Attack Damage: 46% Requires: Level 12, 14 Dex, 14 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Killing Palm | Dash to an enemy and strike them with an unarmed attack, Culling enemies if their life is low enough. Each enemy killed by this strike grants a Power Charge. Enemies around you that can be Culled will be highlighted. This skill is always performed Unarmed, even if you have a Quarterstaff equipped. | Tier: 1 (Monk) Level: 7 Cost: 12 Mana Attack Speed: 90% of base Attack Damage: 147% Requires: Level 22, 30 Dex, 30 Int Requires: Unarmed, Quarterstaff |
| Frozen Locus | Leap backward and strike the ground with your staff to call forth an Ice Crystal, which creates Chilled Ground around it and can be damaged by you and your enemies. If the Crystal is destroyed, it explodes in an icy burst that deals Attack damage, but does not use your weapon’s damage. | Tier: 1 (Monk) Level: 1 Cost: 13 Mana Attack Speed: 70% of base Attack Damage: 100% Requires: Level 1 Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Staggering Palm | Dash to an enemy and strike them with an unarmed attack. Heavy stunning of an enemy grants you a buff that causes your Quarterstaff and Unarmed attacks to also fire projectiles for a short duration. This skill is always performed Unarmed even if you have a Quarterstaff equipped. | Tier: 3 (Monk) Level: 2 Cost: 6 Mana Attack Speed: 65% of base Attack Damage: 66% Requires: Level 3 Requires: Unarmed, Quarterstaff |
| Tempest Bell | Build a combo by successfully striking enemies with any skill. After building five stacks of Combo, create a Bell that can be hit by your skills, generating a damaging shockwave. Elemental Ailments applied to the Bell cause its shockwaves to deal extra damage of the corresponding type. | Tier: 3 (Monk) Level: 3 Cost: 18 Mana Cooldown Time: 0.50 sec Attack Speed: 120% of base Attack Damage: 100% Requires: Level 6, 10 Dex, 10 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Vaulting Impact | Leaps forward and slams the ground, sending out a stunning shockwave that is especially potent against Dazed enemies. | Tier: 3 (Monk) Level: 7 Cost: 25 Mana Attack Damage: 213% Requires: Level 22, 30 Dex, 30 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Wind Blast | Strike enemies at range by generating a gust of wind as you swing. Enemies will be knocked back based on how close they are to you. | Tier: 5 (Monk) Level: 6 Cost: 10 Mana Attack Speed: 75% of base Attack Damage: 115% Requires: Level 21, 20 Dex, 20 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Ice Strike | Perform a fast icy strike. Using this attack three times in quick succession causes a final strike that is slower and more powerful. | Tier: 5 (Monk) Level: 3 Cost: 8 Mana Attack Speed: 140% of base Attack Damage: 79% Requires: Level 6 Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Tempest Flurry | Perform a series of aggressive strikes, ending with a powerful shocking blow. | Tier: 5 (Monk) Level: 4 Cost: 9 Mana Attack Speed: 140% of base Attack Damage: 79% Requires: Level 12, 14 Dex, 14 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Wave of Frost | Flip backward while sending a freezing wave of ice to damage an area in front of you. | Tier: 7 (Monk) Level: 6 Cost: 19 Mana Attack Speed: 55% of base Attack Damage: 77% Requires: Level 21, 20 Dex, 20 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Siphoning Strike | Dash to a target and strike them with your Quarterstaff. If the target is shocked, consume the shock to release a lightning shockwave around the target and grant you a Power Charge. | Tier: 7 (Monk) Level: 3 Cost: 7 Mana Attack Damage: 145% Requires: Level 6 Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Freezing Mark | Marks a target, making them more susceptible to being Frozen. When the marked target dies, a cold nova erupts from their corpse. This nova does not use your weapon damage and instead uses its own base attack damage. | Tier: 7 (Monk) Level: 7 Cost: 53 Mana Cast Time: 0.50 sec Requires: Level 22, 30 Dex, 30 Int |
| Charged Staff | Consume all Power Charges to infuse your Quarterstaff with electricity for a duration, adding lightning damage and a lightning shockwave to your Quarterstaff attacks. Reusing the skill while the buff is active grants additional duration and damage up to a cap. | Tier: 9 (Monk) Level: 6 Cost: 17 Mana Cast Time: 0.75 sec Requires: Level 21, 20 Dex, 20 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Hand of Chayula | Dash to an enemy and strike them with an unarmed attack, applying socketed curses and marks with increased effect. This skill always strikes with your bare fist, even if you have a Quarterstaff equipped. | Tier: 9 (Monk) Level: 9 Cost: 29 Mana Attack Speed: 90% of base Attack Damage: 122% Requires: Level 31, 40 Int, 40 Int Requires: Unarmed, Quarterstaff |
| Whirling Assault | Advance while hitting enemies around you with a series of spinning strikes. | Tier: 11 (Monk) Level: 11 Cost: 59 Mana Attack Damage: 80% Requires: Level 41, 52 Dex, 52 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
| Shattering Palm | Dash to an enemy and strike them with an unarmed attack, attaching a chunk of ice to their body. When that enemy takes enough damage from hits or dies, the ice explodes, dealing high cold damage in an area around them. This skill is always performed unarmed, even if you have a Quarterstaff equipped. | Tier: 11 (Monk) Level: 11 Cost: 19 Mana Attack Speed: 90% of base Attack Damage: 70% Requires: Level 41, 52 Dex, 52 Int Requires: Unarmed, Quarterstaff |
| Flicker Strike | Teleport to an enemy and strike them. Consumes Power Charges to perform additional teleporting strikes on nearby enemies. | Tier: 13 (Monk) Level: 13 Cost: 50 Mana Attack Speed: 50% of base Attack Damage: 177% Requires: Level 52, 66 Dex, 66 Int Requires: Quarterstaff |
Path of Exile 2 Monk Weapon
While Monks in Path of Exile 2 can fight with their bare hands, they are also proficient with a specific type of weapon — the Quarterstaff. Different Quarterstaves provide various effects, and you will likely change them as you search for the optimal one for combat. The game’s crafting system allows you to add or remove modifiers from your gear, helping you customize your weapon for the best performance.
Here are some examples of Quarterstaves you can use:
| Weapon | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Barrier Quarterstaff | 13% Chance to Block Spell Damage | Physical Damage: 17-28 Critical Strike Chance: 10.00% Attacks per Second: 1.40 Requires: Level 34, 87 Dex, 32 Int |
| Crescent Quarterstaff | N/A | Physical Damage: 19-39 Critical Strike Chance: 10.00% Attacks per Second: 1.50 Requires: Level 20, 37 Dex, 16 Int |
| Long Quarterstaff | 16% increased Range | Physical Damage: 9-18 Critical Strike Chance: 10.00% Attacks per Second: 1.40 |
| The Blood Thorn | Wrapped Quarterstaff Adds 3 to 9 Physical Damage Reflects 14 Physical Damage to Melee Attackers +18 to Strength 20% chance to cause Bleeding on Hit |
Physical Damage: 11-23 Critical Strike Chance: 10.00% Attacks per Second: 1.40 |
| Wrapped Quarterstaff | N/A | Physical Damage: 7-12 Critical Strike Chance: 10.00% Attacks per Second: 1.40 |
Changelog
11 Dec. 2024 Guide added.