Path of Exile 2 is releasing the Monk, one of six new classes launching alongside the original six. This expansion significantly enhances build diversity and character fantasy in the game. The Monk class introduces a unique playstyle distinct from the existing classes.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything we know about the Monk class and its mechanics. Let’s dive in.

Monk Class Overview

The Monk class is defined by its Intelligence (INT) and Dexterity (DEX) attributes, starting in the same location as the Shadow class on the passive tree. This proximity to Intelligence and Dexterity nodes allows for versatile builds.

Monks specialize in using the Quarterstave (or Quarterstaff) and Unarmed combat. The staff serves as a caster weapon with modifiers like Spell Damage, while the Quarterstave rolls attack modifiers. This designates the Monk as a melee fighter who emphasizes mobility over brute strength.

If the passive tree in Path of Exile 2 resembles that of the original game, the Dexterity area typically includes Cold Damage nodes, and the Intelligence area features Lightning Damage nodes. Monks will also have easy access to defensive layers such as Energy Shield, Evasion, and Spell Suppression.

Monk Skill Gems

Here's a look at some Monk skills showcased by Grinding Gear Games (GGG):

Culling Palm: Culls enemies with low Health, granting Power Charges.

Falling Thunder: Strikes the ground with Lightning, consuming Power Charges to increase AoE and damage.

Whirling Assault: Spins around, damaging enemies while moving.

Wind Blast: Knocks enemies back with a blast of wind.

Glacial Cascade: Sends forth a cascade of ice, dealing increased damage to frozen enemies with spikes at the final location.

Ice Strike: Strikes an enemy multiple times, freezing them.

Wave of Frost: Rolls backward while sending out a wave of ice in front.

Shattering Palm: Places an ice bomb on the target, which explodes when the target dies or takes enough damage.

Flicker Strike: Consumes Power Charges to flicker between enemies, dealing damage.

Freeze/CC Mechanic Changes

GGG announced significant changes to crowd control (CC) and freeze mechanics in Path of Exile 2. In the original game, CC effects were binary, leading to many bosses being immune to avoid trivializing content. In Path of Exile 2, CC mechanics now feature an internal meter. Applying freeze or other CC effects to a boss fills this meter until the boss is affected. Subsequent freezes require more effort as the threshold increases but decays over time. This change ensures balanced CC applicability even in late-game stages.

Putting It Together

Path of Exile 2 emphasizes utilizing a variety of skills depending on the situation. For example, retreating can be facilitated by using Wind Blast or Wave of Frost, allowing you to evade danger while dealing damage. In contrast, maximizing damage output might involve freezing a target with Ice Strike and following up with Glacial Cascade.

Using Culling Palm on mobs grants Power Charges, which can enhance Falling Thunder or enable Flicker Strike. The new Skill Gem system encourages using multiple skills in tandem for optimal character performance. Combining skills will generally yield higher damage output than relying on a single skill.

Ascendancies

While we don’t have detailed information on the Monk's Ascendancy Classes, we know there will be three. These Ascendancies will likely align with the INT/DEX attributes, possibly enhancing mobility, elemental damage, or survivability.

Conclusion

The Monk class in Path of Exile 2 offers a unique blend of mobility and melee combat, distinct from the Shadow class’s trap specialization. This guide covers the essential aspects of the Monk, highlighting its potential for diverse and dynamic gameplay. Stay tuned for updates as more information on the Monk's Ascendancies and other features becomes available.

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