If you’ve played Path of Exile for any serious length of time, you know that every league and expansion brings with it a new flavor of the month. Path of Exile 2 is no different. Some builds simply break the game, trivializing content that was designed to push you to your limits. Today, I’m diving into the top 3 most broken builds in Path of Exile 2, the ones that feel almost unfair once you’ve got them rolling.
And let’s be real: gearing these builds isn’t always easy. You’ll need resources, crafting materials, and orbs to make them sing. That’s where farming efficiency or even considering trusted third-party options comes in. For example, many players choose to buy POE 2 currency from PVPBank to smooth the process and skip the endless grind. Whether you farm it yourself or go that route, having the right gear is critical to getting the most out of these setups.
So, let’s get into it. From my own time on the beta and years of playing PoE at a competitive level, these are the three builds that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
1. Tornado Shot Deadeye – The Ultimate Ranged Destroyer
I’ve played bow builds in almost every ARPG out there, and nothing hits quite like Tornado Shot Deadeye in Path of Exile 2. This is easily one of the most broken builds right now.
Why Tornado Shot Deadeye Is Broken
Tornado Shot has always been notorious for scaling insanely well with projectile modifiers. In Path of Exile 2, with the Deadeye’s new ascendancy reworks, the synergy is on another level. You’re essentially covering the entire screen with projectiles that shotgun bosses and delete map packs instantly.
The combination of projectile speed, additional arrows, and Deadeye’s natural scaling with crit and accuracy makes this build feel like you’re playing an entirely different game. If you’ve ever wanted to see bosses melt before they can even phase, this is the build for you.
Gearing and Currency Needs
The downside? It’s gear hungry. You’ll need high-end bows with attack speed, crit chance, and elemental damage scaling. Jewels and quivers are also huge. Expect to sink a good chunk of currency into making this one sing. Once you do, though, you’ll wonder how it’s even legal.
Playstyle Tips
Keep moving. Abuse your range advantage. Stack projectile modifiers wherever possible. Once the build is online, you’ll clear maps at a pace that makes other classes feel clunky.
2. Boneshatter Juggernaut – The Tank That Outdamages DPS
Boneshatter was already busted in Path of Exile 1, and in POE 2, it’s even more insane. Pairing this skill with Juggernaut ascendancy creates a monster that refuses to die while dishing out absurd amounts of melee damage.
Why Boneshatter Juggernaut Is Broken
The self-damage mechanic of Boneshatter scales your damage as you stack trauma. Normally, this risk-reward would balance the skill. But Juggernaut laughs at self-damage with its armor scaling, regen, and endurance charges. The end result is a melee build that scales into endgame like nothing else.
You’ll hit like a truck, shrug off boss mechanics that would one-shot other builds, and still have enough clear speed to map efficiently. It feels unfair because you get to play aggressively without the usual melee drawbacks.
Gearing and Currency Needs
This build thrives on weapons with huge physical DPS numbers. Two-handers like axes and maces are prime candidates. Defensive gear like armor bases with high resistances and life are mandatory, but nothing too exotic is required. It’s surprisingly budget-friendly to get started, which makes it even scarier.
Playstyle Tips
Lean into the tankiness. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. As trauma stacks build, your damage skyrockets, so the longer you fight, the deadlier you become. Perfect for boss farming or deep endgame progression.
3. Cold DoT Occultist – The Chill That Kills
For the third slot, I have to go with Cold Damage over Time Occultist. If you like watching enemies freeze, shatter, and disappear in waves of chilling damage, this one’s for you.
Why Cold DoT Occultist Is Broken
Damage over Time builds in Path of Exile 2 benefit massively from new scaling mechanics. Cold DoT Occultist takes that to the extreme, layering chilling area effects, curses, and massive energy shield scaling into one oppressive package.
You don’t need insane gear to make this work, which is exactly why it’s broken for newer players and veterans alike. The ascendancy synergizes perfectly with curse effectiveness, energy shield recharge, and cold exposure, giving you both offensive and defensive dominance.
Gearing and Currency Needs
Focus on +gem level gear for cold spells, energy shield bases, and curse effect scaling. You don’t need mirrors of currency to get started, but like any build, more investment takes it from strong to ridiculous.
Playstyle Tips
This is a kite-and-control build. Stay mobile, spread chilling ground, and keep curses up at all times. With proper management, even the scariest bosses will feel like they’re fighting in slow motion while their health evaporates.
Honorable Mentions
There are other builds worth shouting out, even if they don’t crack the top three:
-
Righteous Fire Inquisitor – still a staple for regen lovers.
-
Summoner Necromancer – minions are back in force, though they require micromanagement.
-
Lightning Trap Saboteur – insane clear speed but squishier than the others.
These builds can all shine in the right hands, but Tornado Shot Deadeye, Boneshatter Juggernaut, and Cold DoT Occultist are the current kings.
Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2 is still in its early stages, but the meta is already forming. Some builds just feel broken compared to others, whether it’s the sheer DPS output, survivability, or ease of gearing.
-
Tornado Shot Deadeye dominates maps with screen-wide projectiles.
-
Boneshatter Juggernaut offers unkillable melee damage that feels unfair.
-
Cold DoT Occultist combines simplicity with devastating power.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, these are the builds to watch. Play them, refine them, and you’ll see why they’re the most broken builds in Path of Exile 2 right now. And remember: gearing efficiently makes all the difference, so plan your currency farming routes carefully.
If you’ve played Path of Exile for any serious length of time, you know that every league and expansion brings with it a new flavor of the month. Path of Exile 2 is no different. Some builds simply break the game, trivializing content that was designed to push you to your limits. Today, I’m diving into the top 3 most broken builds in Path of Exile 2, the ones that feel almost unfair once you’ve got them rolling.
And let’s be real: gearing these builds isn’t always easy. You’ll need resources, crafting materials, and orbs to make them sing. That’s where farming efficiency or even considering trusted third-party options comes in. For example, many players choose to buy POE 2 currency from PVPBank to smooth the process and skip the endless grind. Whether you farm it yourself or go that route, having the right gear is critical to getting the most out of these setups.
So, let’s get into it. From my own time on the beta and years of playing PoE at a competitive level, these are the three builds that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
1. Tornado Shot Deadeye – The Ultimate Ranged Destroyer
I’ve played bow builds in almost every ARPG out there, and nothing hits quite like Tornado Shot Deadeye in Path of Exile 2. This is easily one of the most broken builds right now.
Why Tornado Shot Deadeye Is Broken
Tornado Shot has always been notorious for scaling insanely well with projectile modifiers. In Path of Exile 2, with the Deadeye’s new ascendancy reworks, the synergy is on another level. You’re essentially covering the entire screen with projectiles that shotgun bosses and delete map packs instantly.
The combination of projectile speed, additional arrows, and Deadeye’s natural scaling with crit and accuracy makes this build feel like you’re playing an entirely different game. If you’ve ever wanted to see bosses melt before they can even phase, this is the build for you.
Gearing and Currency Needs
The downside? It’s gear hungry. You’ll need high-end bows with attack speed, crit chance, and elemental damage scaling. Jewels and quivers are also huge. Expect to sink a good chunk of currency into making this one sing. Once you do, though, you’ll wonder how it’s even legal.
Playstyle Tips
Keep moving. Abuse your range advantage. Stack projectile modifiers wherever possible. Once the build is online, you’ll clear maps at a pace that makes other classes feel clunky.
2. Boneshatter Juggernaut – The Tank That Outdamages DPS
Boneshatter was already busted in Path of Exile 1, and in POE 2, it’s even more insane. Pairing this skill with Juggernaut ascendancy creates a monster that refuses to die while dishing out absurd amounts of melee damage.
Why Boneshatter Juggernaut Is Broken
The self-damage mechanic of Boneshatter scales your damage as you stack trauma. Normally, this risk-reward would balance the skill. But Juggernaut laughs at self-damage with its armor scaling, regen, and endurance charges. The end result is a melee build that scales into endgame like nothing else.
You’ll hit like a truck, shrug off boss mechanics that would one-shot other builds, and still have enough clear speed to map efficiently. It feels unfair because you get to play aggressively without the usual melee drawbacks.
Gearing and Currency Needs
This build thrives on weapons with huge physical DPS numbers. Two-handers like axes and maces are prime candidates. Defensive gear like armor bases with high resistances and life are mandatory, but nothing too exotic is required. It’s surprisingly budget-friendly to get started, which makes it even scarier.
Playstyle Tips
Lean into the tankiness. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. As trauma stacks build, your damage skyrockets, so the longer you fight, the deadlier you become. Perfect for boss farming or deep endgame progression.
3. Cold DoT Occultist – The Chill That Kills
For the third slot, I have to go with Cold Damage over Time Occultist. If you like watching enemies freeze, shatter, and disappear in waves of chilling damage, this one’s for you.
Why Cold DoT Occultist Is Broken
Damage over Time builds in Path of Exile 2 benefit massively from new scaling mechanics. Cold DoT Occultist takes that to the extreme, layering chilling area effects, curses, and massive energy shield scaling into one oppressive package.
You don’t need insane gear to make this work, which is exactly why it’s broken for newer players and veterans alike. The ascendancy synergizes perfectly with curse effectiveness, energy shield recharge, and cold exposure, giving you both offensive and defensive dominance.
Gearing and Currency Needs
Focus on +gem level gear for cold spells, energy shield bases, and curse effect scaling. You don’t need mirrors of currency to get started, but like any build, more investment takes it from strong to ridiculous.
Playstyle Tips
This is a kite-and-control build. Stay mobile, spread chilling ground, and keep curses up at all times. With proper management, even the scariest bosses will feel like they’re fighting in slow motion while their health evaporates.
Honorable Mentions
There are other builds worth shouting out, even if they don’t crack the top three:
-
Righteous Fire Inquisitor – still a staple for regen lovers.
-
Summoner Necromancer – minions are back in force, though they require micromanagement.
-
Lightning Trap Saboteur – insane clear speed but squishier than the others.
These builds can all shine in the right hands, but Tornado Shot Deadeye, Boneshatter Juggernaut, and Cold DoT Occultist are the current kings.
Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2 is still in its early stages, but the meta is already forming. Some builds just feel broken compared to others, whether it’s the sheer DPS output, survivability, or ease of gearing.
-
Tornado Shot Deadeye dominates maps with screen-wide projectiles.
-
Boneshatter Juggernaut offers unkillable melee damage that feels unfair.
-
Cold DoT Occultist combines simplicity with devastating power.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, these are the builds to watch. Play them, refine them, and you’ll see why they’re the most broken builds in Path of Exile 2 right now. And remember: gearing efficiently makes all the difference, so plan your currency farming routes carefully.