Path of Exile 2: Smith of Kitava Build Guide
Path of Exile 2 introduces a refined class system, and for fans of devastating melee damage, the Warrior is an ideal choice. One of its powerful Ascendancies, the Smith of Kitava, offers a unique blend of tankiness and overwhelming offense, making it a top-tier pick for players who like to smash through enemies with brute force.
In this guide, we'll break down the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy, including the best skills, support gems, passive tree priorities, and strategies to help you dominate in the Dawn of the Hunt league.
Smith of Kitava Build Overview
The Smith of Kitava transforms the base Warrior class into a destructive force with high damage, strong AoE potential, and excellent survivability. This build thrives on heavy-hitting melee attacks and Warcry enhancements, making it ideal for players who enjoy aggressive playstyles.
Pros:
· High burst and sustained damage
· Very tanky in mid-to-late game
· Good boss killer and mob clearer
Cons:
· Vulnerable in early acts before the tank tools unlock
· Mana issues early on
· Limited range of options
How to Unlock Smith of Kitava
You'll unlock this Ascendancy halfway through Act 2, after completing the Trial of Sekhemas. To get there, you must first defeat Geonor in Act 1 as a base Warrior.
Leveling Guide (Acts 1-3)
Act 1
You'll build the core of your kit here. Prioritize these skills and Path of Exile 2 Currency (support gem) pairings:
1. Skills & Supports:
· Boneshatter + Brutality, Impact Shockwave
· Rolling Slam + Overpower
· Mace Strike + Concentrated Effect
· Infernal Cry + Premeditation
· Perfect Strike + Window of Opportunity, Fire Infusion
· Herald of Ash
Tip: Use Mace Strike when Mana is low.
Defeat the King of the Mists to unlock Herald of Ash.
Act 2
Build momentum and unlock your Ascendancy.
1. Skills & Supports:
· Add Shield Charge (no support needed yet)
· Leap Slam + Overpower, Rage
· Move Fist of War and Unbreakable to Rolling Slam
· Complete Trial of Sekhemas → Unlock Smith of Kitava
2. Ascendancy Points:
· Smith's Masterwork
· Kitavan Engraving
Act 3
Further optimize and expand your damage output.
1. Skills & Supports:
· Boneshatter + Brutality, Impact Shockwave, Magnified Effect
· Perfect Strike + Fire Infusion, Window of Opportunity, Concentrated Effect
· Leap Slam + Overpower, Brink
· Time of Need + Fast Forward
· Remove Mace Strike and Shield Charge
2. Unlock:
· Trial of Chaos → Gain Support Straps and Leather Bindings
Cruel Mode & Endgame Mapping
Once you reach Cruel Mode, your build shifts into high gear.
New Skills:
· Hammer of the Gods + Lacerate, Fist of War, Heavy Swing
· Rolling Slam now with Rage, Brink, Unbreakable
· Infernal Cry gains Raging Cry
· Herald of Ash adds Vitality
· Leap Slam + Overpower, Martial Tempo
Passive Skill Tree Priorities
Focus on Strength nodes and melee enhancement skills:
Core Passives:
· Reverberating Impact
· Relentless
· Blood Rush
· Singular Purpose
· Shockwave
· Devastation
· Overwhelm
· Colossal Weapon
· Admonisher (boosts Warcries)
· Burning Strikes (amplifies Perfect Strike)
Gear & Itemization
1. Weapons:
Use a Greathammer with:
· High Physical Damage
· Fire Damage
· Increased Attack Speed
2. Armor:
Prioritize gear with:
· High Strength
· Elemental Resistances
· Life and Armor bonuses
3. Jewelry:
Rings with:
· Physical Damage
· Life Regen
· Mana Regen
Recommended Unique:
·Thrillsteel Helmet - ideal for early and midgame.
Tips for Playing Smith of Kitava
· Animation Cancel Rolling Slam: Use Boneshatter right after Rolling Slam to skip the long wind-up and instantly combo.
· Vs. Bosses: Open with Perfect Strike to stun → follow with Infernal Cry → finish with Hammer of the Gods.
· Mob Clearing: Rolling Slam + Boneshatter clears packs in seconds.
· Manage Mana Early: Use Mana regen on gear or kite until Mana refills.
Final Thoughts
The Smith of Kitava build offers a rewarding melee experience for players willing to get up close and personal. It shines especially in boss fights and group encounters, turning the Warrior into a relentless juggernaut of fire and steel.
With the right skill rotations, which you buy POE 2 Orbs, and passive priorities, you'll be well on your way to cleaving through the toughest content Path of Exile 2 has to offer.
Was this article helpful?
0 0