Lightning Spear Huntress: Ultimate Build Guide (Version 0.2)

The 0.2 meta in Path of Exile 2 is somewhat restricted compared to what veterans of Path of Exile are accustomed to, including those who played during version 0.1. Nevertheless, there are roughly 20 builds that stand out, one of which is the Lightning Spear Huntress. The Huntress class, introduced in Dawn of Hunt (0.2), is particularly well-suited for spear-focused builds. There’s significant buzz around its Critical Strike Ascendancy node, which offers an impressive critical strike chance for just a few Ascendancy points.

This build, partly designed by Asmodeous, features a dazzling display of lightning as you hurl spears throughout the battlefield. If you’ve ever wanted to unleash Zeus-like powers in Path of Exile 2, this build is definitely for you. Like many builds in Path of Exile 2, it requires some careful planning.

Passive Tree and Path of Building (PoB)

Focus on Critical Damage Bonus and Attack Speed

The Lightning Spear Huntress build enhances its damage through various channels, including Attack damage, Projectile damage, Penetration, Accuracy, and Shock—though the primary focuses are Attack Speed and Critical Damage (both Critical Hit Chance and Critical Hit Bonus). Building your tree with an emphasis on these two aspects will generally yield good results.

Survivability is also key, so be sure to include some Evasion in your build. I recommend lowering the Slowing Potency of Debuffs as well, but you could opt for Ailment nodes like Shedding Skin if you prefer. Feel free to adjust your Attack Speed or Accuracy based on your defensive playstyle. Building defensively in Path of Exile 2 is straightforward, so alongside those nodes, be sure to prioritize life on your gear and pick up the Wind Dancer gem to round things out.

Check out this Path of Building link (best used in conjunction with Path of Building).

Leveling Guide

Start with Explosive Spear, Then Transition to Lightning Spear

Leveling with the Lightning Spear Huntress is quite effortless. There is no significant need for respec, so you can adhere to the passive tree above, leaning towards defensive nodes if you find yourself facing difficulties. You can also alternate between offense and defense as necessary for a safer approach.

The gem progression should follow this order: Explosive Spear -> Lightning Spear -> Storm Lance -> Primal Strikes. Once you acquire Storm Lance, replace Lightning Spear with it until you obtain Strikes. For mobility skills, consider using Disengage and Thunderous Leap to minimize your campaign time—which is especially crucial since it’s longer than in prior installments.

When it comes to gearing, as always, you should invest most, if not all, of your currency into your weapon—in this case, a spear. Ensure you regularly check vendors, as they can be a vital source of weapon upgrades. Look for affixes that include flat and increased % physical or elemental damage, and also critical damage bonus and attack speed as valued extras. You can find flat damage on rings (preferably Iron Rings) and gloves, with the latter also having potential for attack speed rolls.

Skills and Support Gems

Lightning Spear and Primal Strikes Are Your Core Skills

Gear and Affixes

Focus on Damage and Attack Speed

When it comes to equipment and affixes, much of the guidance remains the same as during leveling: you should seek flat and increased % physical or elemental damage, as well as attack speed and critical damage bonus. Additionally, look to secure Defense through Life, Evasion, and Resistance. Of course, Spirit and key attributes are beneficial as well.

The choice of bases is not overly critical for this build, but it’s advisable to use Utility Belt and Emerald Ring bases when possible. While there may be instances where a Resistance ring base is necessary instead of an Emerald, this isn’t something to worry about too much—consider it for endgame optimization purposes.

Ascendancy Choices

For ascendancy, the Amazon class is an excellent choice due to its straightforward access to a high Critical Hit Chance, allowing for more flexible options in your passive tree and gear slots. The ascendancy generally provides a balanced array of offensive and recovery capabilities. While I suggest taking Predatory Instinct and Infused Avatar along with Critical Strike and Elemental Infusion, feel free to choose any other two nodes that fit your playstyle, but definitely prioritize Critical Strike first.

How to Play

It’s Quite Simple

If you prefer a streamlined build that doesn’t require intricate rotations, the Lightning Spear Huntress is an excellent choice. Lightning Spear is your primary skill, which inflicts Shock on enemies for bonus damage (20% by default). For tougher foes, such as unique or boss enemies like the Arbiter of Ash, simply hit them up close with Primal Strikes three times to replace the Shock from Spear with Lightning Exposure. That’s really all there is to it!

In terms of the best Atlas skill tree setup in Path of Exile 2, any strategies focusing on quick clear speeds (like Breach or Delirium) should perform well. Even options like Expedition could work, though the Recombination mechanic isn’t particularly powerful at this stage. However, if you’re willing to take risks with RNG repeatedly, it remains an option. Seriously, the Huntress could benefit greatly from a spear with flat physical and increased % physical damage, but the odds are slim.

Sources: Asmodeous (YouTube), poe2.ninja