Patch 0.4 The Last of the Druids has completely reshaped the early-game meta in Path of Exile 2, and choosing the right leveling build is now more important than ever if you want a fast, efficient start. Read this PoE 2 0.4 leveling build guide, we'll bring you the top 3 best leveling builds for different classes.
PoE 2 0.4 Best Leveling Build - c Best Leveling Builds in The Last of the Druids
Whether you're aiming for a world-race style campaign push or simply want the smoothest path to maps, a few standout setups clearly rise above the rest. ED/C + Bonestorm continues its reign as the strongest and most consistent leveling leaguestarter thanks to its unmatched combination of effortless clear, powerful boss damage, and near-zero gear dependence, making it ideal for Infernalist, Blood Mage, and Lich players. For those preferring a physical, crossbow-style progression, the Tactician Mercenary offers a crisp, intuitive leveling experience powered by solid damage, strong utility, and reliable defenses from Act 1 onward. And while the Poison Bleed Shield Titan shines later as a tanky, fast endgame mapper, its slower Act 1 start proves why mastering the campaign means choosing a build optimized for early momentum.
1. PoE 2 0.4 Best Leveling Build - ED/C + Bonestorm
ED/C + Bonestorm is considered the optimal PoE 2 0.4 leveling leaguestarter for Infernalist, Blood Mage, and Lich because it offers an exceptionally smooth and powerful progression curve with minimal gear requirements. It excels at both clearing trash mobs via Contagion/Essence Drain spread and melting bosses with the high single-target damage of Bonestorm, all while being easy to play. The build leverages early-game skills that remain effective throughout the campaign, allowing top players to achieve rapid completion times (under 5 hours to high-tier maps) before transitioning to a dedicated endgame specialization, making it the most efficient and reliable path to establish a character.
Euipment
Main Hand: Withered Wand
Offhand: Twig Focus
Boots: Rough Greaves
Passive Trees
2. PoE2 0.4 Best Leveling Build - Tactician Mecenary
Euipment
Main Hand: Makeshift Crossbow
Helm: Wicker Tiara
Armour: Vagabond Armour
Gloves: Bound Bracers
Boots: Runner's Threaded Shoes of the Flatworm
Ring: Lazuli Ring of the Clouds, Heated Topaz Ring of the Bear
Amulet: Jade Amulet
Passive Trees
3. PoE 2 The Last of The Druids Best Leveling Build - Poison Bleed Shield Titan
While the Poison Bleed Shield Titan is a powerful endgame mapping build due to its impressive combination of speed, tankiness via block, and clear from Herald interactions, it is not the best PoE 2 0.4 leveling build, as its early campaign progression (relying on Leap Slam tech and basic attacks for Act I bosses) is notably clunkier and slower than the seamless, skill-driven power curve of top leveling starters like the Infernalist's ED/C + Bonestorm, which offers superior early clear, boss damage, and ease of play to reach endgame faster.
Euipment
Main Hand: Smithing Hammer
Offhand: Slim Mace
Armour: Fur Plate
Boots: Iron Greaves
Passive Trees
