Best Class for Path of Exile 2 Version 4.5 Update: Monk for Efficient League Start
Path of Exile 2 has kept us on our toes with its exciting updates, and the 4.5 patch is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to Wraeclast, there's one question that always comes up when a new league launches: which class is best for the "Pioneer" or "League Beginner" phase? This initial phase, where you start with nothing - no gear, no currency, just your wits and a fresh character - is crucial. After digging into the latest meta and testing the waters, I'm convinced that the Monk is the class to go with in PoE2's 4.5 update to get you through the early game. Here's why.
Why the Monk is your league-starting MVP When you're starting from scratch, you need a class that hits hard, stays alive, and doesn't require a stash full of rare gear to shine. The Monk, especially with the Detonate Dead build, checks all those boxes and then some. Let me break it down for you:
Big damage, no fuss: The Detonate Dead skill lets you blow up enemy corpses, dealing massive fire damage over a wide area. It's perfect for clearing packs of mobs in the early acts, and trust me, watching those explosions cascade is so satisfying.
Gear? What gear? One of the best things about this build is how little it requires. You don't have to pray for an elusive unique drop or spend hours trading for the perfect rare. The Monk can get by with the basics you pick up along the way, making it ideal for a fresh start in the league.
Survive the chaos: With its natural mobility and evasive defences, the Monk isn't just a glass cannon. You can dodge attacks, kite enemies, and stay alive when things get hairy - because let's face it, those early bosses don't mess around.
I've always found that classes with this kind of flexibility make the opening hours of a league a lot less stressful. The Monk feels like it's built for players who want to hit the ground running and keep the momentum going.
Detonate Dead Build: How it works So what's the deal with the Detonate Dead build? It's pretty straightforward, which is why it's such a winner for new leagues:
Core mechanic: You use Detonate Dead to explode corpses, turning them into fiery bombs that destroy everything in their path. To keep the explosions coming, pair it with something like Skeletal Brutes - these little minions die fast and give you plenty of corpses to work with.
Easy to play: There's no complicated skill rotation here. Summon your minions, let them do their thing, then blast away. It's simple enough that you can concentrate on enjoying the game rather than micromanaging every move.
Future-proof: While it's a beast in the early game, this build doesn't fizzle out. With a little tweaking as you progress, it'll carry you deep into the mid-to-late game.
Frankly, there's something rewarding about seeing a screen full of enemies disappear in a single blast. It's the kind of power that makes the first few acts a breeze.
Monk vs. other top professions Now, the Monk isn't the only contender out there. The Witch and the Mercenary are also making waves in PoE2's 4.5 update, so let's stack them up:
Witch (Minion builds): The Witch's Minion builds - like the Infernalist - are super strong. These summons can tank hits and deal damage while you chill in the back. It's a safe choice, no doubt, but managing a horde of minions can sometimes feel like herding cats. If you like a more hands-off style, it's great, otherwise it can slow you down a bit.
Mercenary: This crossbow-wielding badass is all about versatility and raw power. He's got a cool, almost shooter-like vibe and can shred enemies from a distance. The catch? He might need a bit more gear or a specific setup to really stand out in the early game, which isn't ideal if you're starting from scratch.
The Monk is right in the sweet spot. It's got the damage and survivability of the Witch, plus the active, engaging play style of the Mercenary, all without needing a fortune in gear. For me, this balance is what seals the deal.
Tips for killing it early with the Monk Want to make your Monk unstoppable right from the start? Here are a few tricks I've picked up:
Skill priorities: Level up Detonate Dead ASAP - it's your bread and butter. Grab Skeletal Brutes or another corpse-generating skill to keep the explosions going. Throw in Herald of Plague if you can; the extra damage really adds up over time.
Passive Tree Focus: Look for nodes that boost fire damage, area damage, and minion stats (if you're using them). Don't skimp on health and dodge either - you'll thank yourself when you're dodging one-shot attacks.
Gear targets: Grab anything with +fire damage or +minion damage early on. Health and resistances are also your friends. The beauty of this build is that you don't need anything fancy - just keep upgrading as you go.
Play smart: Use the Monk's mobility! Don't stand still and trade blows - dance around, kite enemies, and let your explosions do the talking.
I've had runs where I've blown through Act 1 in record time just by remembering these basics. It's all about playing to the Monk's strengths.
Summary: Starting Strong with the Monk When it comes to the Path of Exile 2 4.5 version update, the Monk is undoubtedly the best class to start a new league with. The Detonate Dead build offers the perfect mix of high damage, low gear requirements, and solid survivability - everything you need to conquer the early game and set yourself up for success. Whether you're blasting through Acts or just soaking up the new content, the Monk has got your back.
Ready to take on Wraeclast? Give the Monk a spin and see why he's the king of league starts. And if you need a boost - gear, currency or anything else - head on over to Flarejoy.com for the best in PoE2 products and services. Let's make this league your best yet!