In Path of Exile 2, there are countless ways to create your characters, and one could say that the game’s name reflects both the journey of the exile in the story and the unique paths players take with their characters. With six distinct classes and two Ascendancy options for each, players have a wealth of build possibilities, especially since Unique Items and Keystone passives can significantly alter gameplay. Despite the vast array of choices available, two playstyles are currently leading the meta.
It’s tough to predict how much of the current content in Path of Exile 2 will remain unchanged until the game officially launches from early access. GGG is already tweaking various aspects and balancing skills. Since the game aims to be more deliberate and slower-paced compared to its predecessor, it’s reasonable to think that some of the quicker builds might be adjusted to ensure a level playing field. However, the most effective strategies often focus on controlling enemies rather than just speed.
Path of Exile 2’s Lightning and Cold Builds Are The Best in The Game
Path of Exile 2 offers various methods to disable monsters or alter their actions. You might use Temporal Chains to curse them, which slows them down considerably, or apply the Pin mechanic to keep them stunned. Currently, the top strategies for engaging in battles are Lightning-based Electrocution builds and Cold-based Freeze builds. Although these two approaches share a common goal, they differ in their execution.
Why Path of Exile 2’s Electrocution is At The Top of The Meta
The main objective in both scenarios is to keep enemies immobilized until they are taken down, which often gives players valuable time to reposition, heal with flasks, or continue inflicting damage, even against bosses. Electrocution acts as a stun through Lightning and Shock effects, primarily utilized in builds that leverage a unique item in Path of Exile 2 known as Kitoko’s Current. This item allows Lightning hits, whether spells or attacks, to accumulate Electrocution stacks on foes until they are rendered motionless. This tactic is particularly effective from a distance, as seen in popular builds like Stormweaver Spark or Deadeye Lightning Arrow, allowing players to stay safe while dealing damage.
Path of Exile 2’s Freeze Builds Explained
Another well-liked strategy focuses on Cold damage, which naturally accumulates Freeze stacks. When foes are Frozen, they become immobilized and cease all actions they were undertaking. Additionally, they can be shattered to unleash significant AoE damage. This tactic is especially effective in the endgame of Path of Exile 2, as Frozen enemies are unable to inflict any damage on players for the duration of the freeze.
Electrocution and Freezing Are Two Sides of The Same Coin in PoE 2
Additionally, players can freeze potentially dangerous Rare monsters on the maps, allowing them to escape and attack from a distance if these monsters are affected by Path of Exile 2’s on-death effects, which could otherwise eliminate characters in one hit. Consequently, both Electrocution and Freezing serve as highly effective methods for controlling the battlefield, making them the leading strategies in the current meta for tackling high-end content. It’s uncertain whether other tactics will rise to prominence, but at this moment, Lightning and Cold seem to have the upper hand compared to Fire and Chaos.