Path of Exile 2: The Last Druid has brought exciting changes to the game, introducing even more dynamic and diverse playstyles for both new and returning players. While every U4GM build has its strengths, some shine because they combine offense and defense seamlessly, allowing for more flexible and well-rounded gameplay. Here are eight of the best builds that offer a balance between dealing damage and surviving through difficult content.
1. Necromancer – The Undying Horde
Minion builds are a staple of Path of Exile, and the Necromancer’s minion-focused playstyle in Path of Exile 2 is no exception. The Undying Horde build summons a variety of minions to do your bidding. Zombies, Spectres, and even Golems fight alongside you to absorb damage and deal heavy hits. The defensive capabilities of this build are outstanding, as your minions act as meat shields while you focus on scaling your damage.
2. Slayer – Impale Raider
Slayers are all about raw damage and survivability, and the Impale Raider build excels in both. This build uses high-speed attacks with Impale to rapidly deal damage, while leveraging the Raider’s ascendancy to boost evasion and attack speed. The synergy between the two allows for high mobility and constant pressure on enemies, with minimal downtime. You'll be able to leap around the battlefield, avoiding damage while dealing devastating blows.
3. Druid – Earthshatter Combo
The Druid’s unique ability to shape-shift into powerful animals makes it a force to be reckoned with. The Earthshatter Combo build focuses on both animal transformations and earth-shattering physical damage. Whether in bear or wolf form, this build can take down enemies with incredible efficiency. By investing in both offensive and defensive skills, you’ll be able to survive the toughest bosses while delivering heavy damage.
4. Inquisitor – Lightning Orbs
Inquisitors are known for their incredible elemental damage scaling, and the Lightning Orbs build uses this to its advantage. By focusing on boosting lightning damage and critical chance, this build can generate massive damage with each orb thrown out, while stacking both offense and defense. It’s a great build for those who love using an elemental spellcaster with powerful single-target and AoE damage.
5. Champion – Cyclone Tank
The Champion’s Cyclone Tank build is designed for players who want to be in the thick of battle, dealing damage while being tough to kill. The Cyclone skill allows you to spin through enemies, hitting them multiple times while increasing your own defenses. The Champion ascendancy grants buffs to your armor and block chance, making this one of the best builds for surviving endgame content while also dealing great damage.
6. Raider – Arrow Barrage
Raider builds are fast, agile, and deadly, and the Arrow Barrage build leverages all of these traits. Focused on attacking from a distance with multiple arrows, this build allows you to rapidly clear maps and destroy endgame bosses without taking much damage. With the Raider’s increased evasion and the ability to dodge attacks, you can keep your distance while dealing heavy bursts of damage.
7. Templar – Frost Blades Hybrid
The Frost Blades Hybrid build combines cold-based spellcasting with a melee attack. This unique setup lets you hit enemies from range while utilizing the Templar’s ability to use both life and energy shield as defensive measures. Frost Blades will freeze enemies while you attack from a safe distance, making this build versatile enough for both offensive and defensive purposes.
8. Witch – Chaos Cyclone
The Chaos Cyclone build is a combination of chaos damage and cyclone skill, making it perfect for players who want to get in close and deal damage over time. The Witch’s ability to scale chaos damage makes this build deadly while keeping you mobile enough to avoid damage. It's one of the best ways to play a Witch without relying purely on spells, while still delivering powerful sustained damage.
