Understanding the Needs of Minion Builds
Minion builds in Path of Exile 2 require specific items that boost minion damage, survivability, and utility. These builds revolve around summoning creatures like zombies, skeletons, spectres, or golems to fight on behalf of the player. To ensure optimal performance, players must prioritize gear that enhances minion stats, offers defensive layers for both the summoner and the summoned, and enables smooth gameplay during intense boss fights or large mob encounters.
Weapons that Empower Minions
One of the best weapon types for minion builds is a wand or sceptre with +1 to level of all minion skill gems or +1 to level of all spell skill gems. These modifiers significantly improve the damage and survivability of minions, especially when paired with increased minion damage prefixes. Convoking Wands are particularly popular because they can roll minion-specific modifiers such as “Minions have increased Attack Speed” or “Minions deal additional Chaos Damage.” Dual wielding or using a shield with high energy shield and minion bonuses can also be a viable strategy depending on the player's playstyle.
Armor and Helmets that Enhance Minion Efficiency
Helmets play a major role in minion builds. The best options are Elder-influenced helmets that can roll “Socketed Gems are Supported by Minion Damage” or “Socketed Gems are Supported by Concentrated Effect.” This effectively gives free support gems to socketed minion skills, allowing for more powerful setups without occupying additional support gem slots. Crafting or trading for these helmets can be expensive, but they provide massive value in terms of output.
For body armor, items like “Vis Mortis” or a well-rolled rare with +1 to socketed minion gems and life or energy shield bonuses can greatly enhance a build. Defensive layers are also critical, so hybrid energy shield and life armors that provide resistances and increased minion life are top-tier choices. Chest pieces with high block chance or damage mitigation stats are essential in hardcore or high-tier mapping.
Jewelry That Complements Minion Builds
Rings and amulets that grant “Minions deal increased Damage,” “Minions have increased Attack and Cast Speed,” or even additional resistances are crucial for sustaining minion builds in challenging environments. Amulets with +1 to all Intelligence skill gems or +1 to all skill gems provide excellent value, as they boost the base level of multiple skills, including minions and support auras. Rare rings with minion mods, life regen, and high elemental resistances offer both offense and durability.
Support Items and Jewels
Cluster Jewels and Abyss Jewels are indispensable for optimizing minion builds. Cluster Jewels with notable passives like “Feasting Fiends,” “Renewal,” or “Raze and Pillage” can drastically enhance minion performance by providing bonuses such as life leech, chance to intimidate, or increased fire damage. Abyss Jewels with minion flat damage, attack speed, or minion life serve as strong complements when socketed into gear with Abyssal Sockets.
Flasks and Utility Items
Even flasks can play a role in minion builds. While they do not directly affect minions, utility flasks like Quartz Flask for phasing, Jade Flask for evasion, or Granite Flask for armor help the player stay alive while their minions do the fighting. A healthy summoner ensures minions remain active longer and more effectively in combat.
Choosing the best gear for a minion build in Path of Exile 2 requires a strong understanding of both offensive and defensive synergies. Investing in the right combination of weapons, armor, jewels, and utility items ensures your summoned army can thrive in all endgame content.