The Best SSF Builds in PoE 2: Dawn of the Hunt Patch 0.2.0
Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt is set to introduce a wave of balancing adjustments, as is typical of Grinding Gear Games (GGG). While certain popular builds like the Spark Stormweaver and Ice Strike Invoker may face nerfs, solo self-found (SSF) players need to be prepared with builds that remain strong despite the upcoming changes.
In this article, we explore the best SSF builds for Path of Exile 2: Patch 0.2.0. If you prefer playing solo and want to ensure smooth progression without relying on trading, these builds are your best bet. Additionally, if you ever decide to move away from SSF, check out our PoE 2 Trade Store, where we offer a vast selection of rare items, uniques, and all types of Path of Exile 2 currency!
Skeletal Arsonist Infernalist
Why This Build is Safe from Nerfs
Minion builds have historically been reliable choices in Path of Exile, and GGG rarely nerfs them to the ground. Although Skeletal Arsonist was previously nerfed by increasing its Spirit reservation cost (from 25 Spirit to 39 Spirit), SSF players have found ways to mitigate this by stacking Spirit bonuses from gear.
Patch 0.2.0 introduces a new unique shield, Prism Guardian, which grants +1 Spirit per 50 HP. This provides an effect similar to the Infernalist's Beidat's Will ascendancy node, though at a slightly lower efficiency. With Prism Guardian equipped, maximizing your maximum life will allow you to summon up to three or even four additional Skeletal Arsonists.
Why Skeletal Arsonist Over Skeletal Sniper?
Although the Skeletal Sniper allows for more summons, the Skeletal Arsonist remains superior due to its higher damage output and better AoE. This makes it the best minion-based SSF build for Patch 0.2.0.
Key Items for the Build
·Prism Guardian (New Unique Shield) – Provides more Spirit based on maximum HP.
·Rattling Sceptre – Allows free summons of Skeletal Warriors for extra support.
·High Spirit Gear – Boosts minion summoning potential.
·Detonate Dead (Optional) – Utilize corpses left by your minions for extra damage. Keep this at level 7 to manage mana costs efficiently.
If you want a build that remains reliable even after balance updates, the Skeletal Arsonist Infernalist is an excellent SSF choice.
Lightning Arrow Deadeye
Will This Build Get Nerfed?
The Lightning Arrow Deadeye is currently one of the most popular builds in PoE 2. Many fear that Patch 0.2.0 will nerf its key abilities, especially the combination of Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder, which provide insane screen-wide explosion damage.
However, Lightning Arrow itself has remained mostly untouched in previous patches, and it is unlikely that GGG will introduce drastic changes that make it unplayable. Even if Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder receive nerfs, Lightning Arrow Deadeye has alternative skills to maintain its effectiveness.
Alternative Skills for Lightning Arrow Deadeye
1. Lightning Rod – A powerful AoE skill that can melt pinnacle bosses.
2. Cast on Shock – While it may seem a Spirit cost increase, it remains a potent option for damage output.
3. Perfection Support (New Gem) – Can optimize Lightning Arrow's efficiency further. Read our support gem guide for more details.
Recommended Gear
·High Critical Strike Bows – More crits = more Lightning Rod procs.
·Rings with "Gain # Mana per Enemy Killed" – Helps sustain mana in SSF.
·Passive Nodes Focused on Shock Effects – Ensures Cast on Shock remains viable.
With the right setup, Lightning Arrow Deadeye remains a strong SSF build that is unlikely to be completely gutted in Patch 0.2.0.
Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder
Why This Build Works in SSF
Normally, builds that require specific ascendancy nodes do not perform well in SSF, but the Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder is an exception. Thanks to its high poison damage and critical hit potential, it remains viable even with self-found gear.
Patch 0.2.0 introduces an interesting new twist to this build: Poisonous Concoction can now be used with a bow, and that's where the Widowhail unique bow comes in.
Widowhail – The Key to the Build
The Widowhail increases the effectiveness of your quiver's bonuses. To maximize this, you should equip a quiver with +2 to Level of All Projectile Skills, which significantly boosts Poisonous Concoction.
How to Level the Build
Since you need to ascend to Pathfinder for the build's full potential, you should level up using:
·Lightning Arrow and Lightning Rod for early-game progression.
·Crippling Toxins (Passive Skill) – Increases Poisonous Concoction's damage.
·Master Fletching (Passive Skill) – Enhances quiver effectiveness.
·Pure Chaos (Passive Skill) – Converts poison damage to chaos and applies Wither on Hit.
Alternative Gear in Case Widowhail Doesn't Drop
·High Physical Damage Bow with +3 to All Projectile Skills.
·Use an Orb of Chance on a Crude Bow to try rolling a Widowhail.
The Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder provides incredible damage even in SSF, making it one of the best self-sufficient builds in Patch 0.2.0.
Final Thoughts
Patch 0.2.0 of Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt will likely introduce balancing changes that shake up the meta. However, we believe the Skeletal Arsonist Infernalist, Lightning Arrow Deadeye, and Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder will remain strong choices for SSF players.
·Skeletal Arsonist Infernalist benefits from the new Prism Guardian shield and remains one of the most consistent minion builds in PoE history.
·Lightning Arrow Deadeye may lose some efficiency if Herald's skills are nerfed, but it has alternative skills like Lightning Rod to fall back on.
·Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder becomes even stronger with Widowhail and can still function effectively even without trading for specific items.
Which Build Will You Try?
Are you planning to play SSF in PoE 2 Patch 0.2.0? Which of these builds caught your attention? Let us know in the comments!
And if you ever decide to step out of the SSF environment, remember that our PoE 2 Store is open 24/7 to provide you with rare items, currency, and unique gear to enhance your gaming experience. Need a Morior Invictus but don't want to grind endlessly for it? We've got you covered!
Happy hunting in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt!
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