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PoE 2 Guide

PoE 2 Monk - Overview, Skills, and Ascendancies

Classes

Updated on May 23, 2026

May 23, 2026

PoE 2 Monk Guide

Path of Exile 2 is releasing the Monk, one of 6 new classes releasing alongside the original 6 classes. With both the new and orginial classes, and three Ascendancies for each, the game will provide endless options for players looking to theorycraft builds and design their perfect character

Gameplay Showcase

PoE 2 Monk Overview

The Monk class starts on the Intelligence Dexterity side of the Passive Skill Tree on the top right, similar to the Shadow in Path of Exile 1.

The Monk’s signature weapon is the Quarterstaff, but he is also able to perform powerful unarmed attacks and make use of all Weapons available to all classes. Generally, Monks are played as agile melee fighters who are able to dash in and out of combat swiftly, but more creative players can achieve completely different outcomes with the class.

Monk Skill Gems

While the Monk is not limited to Quarterstaff Skills, it will be the generic go-to for most Monk builds.

Falling Thunder
Glacial Cascade
Killing Palm
Frozen Locus
Staggering Palm
Tempest Bell
Vaulting Impact
Wind Blast
Ice Strike
Tempest Flurry
Wave of Frost
Siphoning Strike
Storm Wave
Freezing Mark
Charged Staff
Mantra of Destruction
Hand of Chayula
Whirling Assault
Shattering Palm
Flicker Strike

Putting it Together

In Path of Exile 2, there is a bigger emphasis on utilizing a variety of skills depending on the situation. If you need to retreat, using skills like Wind Blast or Wave of Frost will help you evade danger while dealing damage.

Other times, you may want to deal as much damage as possible. In these situations, you can use Ice Strike to freeze your target and then use Glacial Cascade to deal a larger chunk of damage.

Using Culling Palm on mobs will grant you Power Charges, buffing up your Falling Thunder or allowing you to use Flicker Strike.

With the new Skill Gem system, you’ll want to use a variety of skills in tandem to make the most out of your character. You may be able to strengthen you character enough to use only one skill to clear packs, but combining skills will help you deal more damage.

Monk Ascendancy Classes

With the Monk, you can delve into more Elemental Damage with the Invoker, tamper with dark magic and become an Acolyte of Chayula, or embrace the power of the Fist with the Martial Artist.

Invoker

poe 2 invoker

[See Invoker Ascendancy Page]

The Invoker specialises in harnessing the power of the Elements, and empowering his Spirit to gain more buffs. If he is able to inflict Ailments reliably, he can transform into an Unbound Avatar, dealing devastating damage for a short period. The Invoker can also Meditate, recharging his Energy Shield to twice the maximum pool.

Acolyte of Chayula

poe 2 acolyte

[See Acolyte of Chayula Ascendancy Page]

The theme of the Acolyte is "Embracing the Darkness". This Ascendancy can replace your Spirit in exchange for Darkness, which buffs your defensive capability.

The Acolyte of Chayula is also able to enhance his damage and defences by collecting Remnants, or learn to recover his resources through dealing Chaos Damage.

The Martial Artist

[See Martial Artist Ascendancy Page]

The Martial Artist is a master of illusions who is able to harness the power of the Runes socketed into his flesh to empower his abilities. He is also able to summon phantom Bells that resonate as he attacks and transform his equipped Gloves into a much more powerful version

Wrap Up

This wraps up everything we know about the Monk class in Path of Exile 2.

If you're a fan of Elemental Attacks and don't prefer Spells, the Monk may be for you. Or maybe you want a melee class with high mobility.

The Monk is a master of martial arts that looks to balance offense, defense, and speed. With so many mechanics to explore, the Monk looks to be a very flexible class to match the playstyle you want.