PoE 2 Best Spectres Tier List (0.3 The Third Edict)

With Path of Exile 2 0.3.0 patch, The Third Edict, the minion and spectre ecosystem has received a substantial overhaul. For summoner players, these changes impact not only how spectres are chosen, but also how endgame builds are structured. In this PoE 2 Spectre Tier List for 0.3 The Third Edict, we are going to take a close look at the current state of spectres based on 0.3.0 path notes and sort out the best melee and ranged options available for leveling, mapping and boss content.

PoE 2 0.3 Spectres Changes & State

In Path of Exile 2 0.3 The Third Edict, the state of spectres is more promising and dynamic than ever before. The patch introduced sweeping changes that lowered the spirit cost of high-end spectres while raising it for some cheaper options, making powerful choices like Death Knights and Vile Vultures more accessible. Spectres now benefit from a 25% damage boost at all gem levels and can be further empowered by new support gem flexibility, improved reservation efficiency from unique items and passives, and the removal of accuracy as a required stat. Despite these improvements, spectres still face some challenges, like reliance on weapon swap mechanics for optimal ability use, cooldown limitations, AI quirks, and scaling for true endgame content, but the overall viability and diversity of spectre builds have expanded. With over 100 new monsters added to the pool and more quality-of-life features, spectres are set for a resurgence, offering summoners a richer and more rewarding experience in both mapping and boss encounters.

Spectre Changes Noted in Path of Exile 2 Update 0.3.0: The Third Edict:

• You can still have multiple copies of Spectres or Tamed Beasts, but only one of each kind of monster.

• The Spirit Cost of Spectres has been adjusted such that Spectres with high Spirit Costs are generally cheaper, while some of the cheaper Spectres are now more costly.

• Spectres and Tamed Beasts now deal 25% more Damage at all Gem levels.

• Bind Spectre: Quality now provides Minions deal 0-20% more Damage, instead of 0-10% reduced Reservation for summoning Spectres.

• Treant Foulspawn can once again be Bound as a Spectre.

PoE 2 0.3 Best Spectres (Melee/Ranged/Caster)

With the spirit cost adjustments, damage buffs, and quality-of-life improvements, the following melee, ranged, caster spectres would still have meta potential for 0.3 league, each bringing their own strengths to the table:

1. Death Knights (Melee/Levelling/Bossing)

• Extra ability, huge damage, lower cost
  

Death Knights have received special attention from the developers. As rare spectres, they possess an extra ability, a forward AoE slash that can hit for 800k to a million damage per swing. This makes them an outstanding choice for bossing and high-damage scenarios. With the recent spirit cost reductions, it's possible to field more of them, making their power even more accessible.

2. Vile Vultures (Melee/Levelling/Clearing)

• Great AI, AoE, robust
  

These are among the most reliable melee spectres, featuring excellent AI, a strong aggro range, and AoE attacks. Their high spirit cost is now more manageable, and they boast good survivability. Vile Vultures excel in both mapping and single-target damage, but really shine when paired with Lich for Rupture the Soul, greatly improving clear speed and overall feel.

3. Rotting Demolitionist (Ranged/Mapping)

• Explosive barrels, great for clear
  

This unique map spectre throws explosive barrels as its first attack, excelling at map clearing. While the optimal setup involves taking advantage of weapon swapping to reset the ability, Rotting Demolitionists are fun and effective, especially when you can stack multiple copies with customized support gems.

4. Cultist Archer (Ranged/Mapping)

• AoE arrows, strong with supports
  

A favorite for many, Cultist Archers combine AoE with high coverage using Scattershot and Fork. Their main limitation is cooldowns on their abilities, but with ingenuity support or weapon swapping, they can be a formidable choice for clear speed.

5. Blade Dash Transcendent (Melee)

• Fast, gap closer, moderate cost
  

One of the few melee spectres with enough movement speed to keep up with the player, Blade Dash Transcendent features a gap-closing attack and hits hard. Their leap has a short cooldown, but overall, they’re efficient and responsive, making them well-suited for fast-paced playstyles.

6. Forgotten Sader (Melee)

• Jump, cheap, reliable
  

Forgotten Saders are almost the perfect skeletal reaver, budget, with a gap-closing jump and reliable single-target performance. Their straightforward kit and low cost make them a great pick for summoners who want a simple but effective frontline.

7. Regurgitating Vulture (Ranged/Mapping)

• Poison coverage, falls off on bosses
  

These spectres are mapping powerhouses, spreading poison everywhere with the right support setup (Scattershot, Fork, etc). While their damage falls off for bossing, they’re highly effective in dense maps and can be great for early progression.

8. Val Skeletal Priest (Caster)

• Leaping lightning, weapon swap synergy
  

This caster spectre boasts a unique leaping lightning ability that overlaps for multiple hits. While their cast time is long, using two copies and swapping between them enables an almost constant barrage of damage. They’re especially fun for players who enjoy creative ranged builds.

9. Iron Thermurge (Ranged)

• Multiple fireballs, instant attack
  

Iron Thermurges have good range and area coverage, launching multiple fireballs on each attack. They also have a close-range flamethrower for additional burst. When resummoned, they attack instantly, making them consistent contributors in any summoner build.

10. Dorianis Elite (Fire Variant/Ranged)

Wide spread, AoE, setup required

The fire version is superior to the lightning, offering a broad spread of fire attacks with immediate area denial. The only drawback is a brief setup time as they spread out before attacking, but their raw power and range make them a top option for those who want big, flashy effects.

11. Valgards (Melee)

• Cheap, decent, but some delays
  

Valgards are affordable, have a decent health pool, and shotgun attacks. However, they suffer from a long delay before attacking and shorter range. Still, for their low spirit cost, they remain a solid choice for budget and starter builds.

Challenges and Considerations for Using Spectres in PoE 2 0.3

While the spirit cost changes and damage buffs are a step forward, there are still a few issues that summoners must contend with:

• Weapon Swap Dependency: Many spectres are at their best when using weapon swap techniques to reset cooldowns or re-summon. This can be awkward and may not be intended as a long-term solution.

• AI and Body Blocking: Some melee spectres struggle due to body blocking or limited attack range, reducing their effectiveness in larger armies.

• Cooldowns: Several caster and ranged spectres have cooldowns on their best abilities, limiting their DPS unless cooldown reduction support is prioritized.

• Endgame Scaling: While mapping spectres are plentiful and fun, many fall off for boss content, and the new damage multipliers may not be enough for true endgame scenarios until more balance passes are made.