Minion Build Tier List 0.4 PoE 2
This guide is a complete, practical manual for players who want to dominate Path Of Exile 2 patch 0.4 with minion armies. It’s written for players who want clear, actionable advice: which minion types to pick, how to gear them, how to level efficiently, and how to scale into endgame maps and bosses. Each build section explains core skills, gear priorities, progression checkpoints, and playstyle tips so you can choose a path that fits your time, budget, and desired level of interaction.
If you want a quick pick: choose a league starter minion for fast campaign clear and low gear requirements, or pick a spectre commander or Infernalist if you plan to invest into endgame scaling. Throughout the guide I use bold and italic emphasis on the most important terms so you can scan for what matters.
Why minions are strong in 0.4
Patch 0.4 brought several quality-of-life and balance changes that benefit summoners. Minion survivability and command mechanics received adjustments that make armies stickier and more reliable in both campaign and maps. The most important advantages of minion play remain unchanged: minions tank for you, they scale multiplicatively with +minion level and minion damage, and they allow a wide range of playstyles from zero-button AFK clears to active commander builds that micro-manage positioning and buffs.
Two design truths to keep in mind. First, +minion level remains the single most impactful stat for damage scaling. Second, your personal defenses matter more than direct minion stats: if you die, your minions often die or lose effectiveness. Build around both minion power and player survivability.
How to read each build entry
Each build below includes:
Core minion(s) and why they’re chosen.
Playstyle: active vs passive, positioning, and command usage.
Gear priorities: what to buy first and what to craft later.
Leveling and progression: early skills, midgame transitions, and endgame goals.
Weaknesses and counterplay: what to watch for and how to mitigate.
I keep bullet usage minimal and favor short paragraphs for clarity.
Skeletal Sniper — single-target king
Core minion and why it works Skeletal Sniper variants focus on high single-target damage with ranged minions that ignore many close-range hazards. They excel at bossing and map bosses because each minion hits hard and benefits strongly from minion attack speed and minion critical strike modifiers.
Playstyle This is a semi-active build. You position yourself safely while your snipers pick off enemies. Use command skills to focus fire on priority targets and reposition minions when maps have line-of-sight issues. You’ll still need to dodge big telegraphed attacks and manage your own defenses.
Gear priorities Early: a sceptre or wand with +minion level is a huge power spike. Helmets with +minion level or minion damage are next. Midgame: jewels that grant minion attack speed and critical chance. Endgame: craft or buy high-tier minion jewels and a helmet with multiple minion modifiers. Player defenses should include capped resistances and life/ES to survive boss mechanics.
Leveling and progression Start with cheap, fast minions like Raging Spirits or basic skeletons to clear quickly. Swap into the sniper minion skill as soon as you can equip a +minion level item. Invest in supports that increase minion damage and attack speed. By mid-maps, prioritize minion survivability and command skills that increase focus fire.
Weaknesses Tight corridors and heavy crowd-control can reduce effectiveness. Use command skills and positioning to mitigate.
Raging Spirits Swarm — fast clear and SSF friendly
Core minion and why it works Raging Spirits are cheap, numerous, and fast. They clear packs quickly and have a low gear floor, making them ideal for league starters and solo self-found players.
Playstyle This is a largely passive, low-micro build. You summon swarms and move through content while your minions do the work. Active players can use a few command or aura skills to boost clear speed.
Gear priorities Early: any weapon or helmet with minion count or minion speed. Midgame: a +minion level helmet or sceptre. Endgame: jewels that increase minion area damage and minion life. Prioritize movement speed and life for your character so you can kite when needed.
Leveling and progression Begin with Raging Spirits from the earliest available point and stack supports that increase minion count and area damage. Transition to more specialized supports as you acquire +minion level gear. This build is forgiving and scales well with minimal investment.
Weaknesses Lower single-target damage compared to sniper or spectre builds. Use a secondary minion or skill for bosses if needed.
Infernalist Corpse Army — explosive numbers and burst
Core minion and why it works Infernalist-style builds revolve around corpse summons and detonate synergies. They can create massive numbers of minions and convert corpses into high-damage explosions or summoned entities, making them devastating against single targets and packs when properly supported.
Playstyle This is an active-to-passive hybrid. You manage corpse generation and detonation timing, but once set up the army can clear large areas with minimal input. Command skills and corpse manipulation mechanics are central.
Gear priorities Early: items that increase corpse generation and minion count. Midgame: +minion level gear and minion damage jewels. Endgame: craft minion life and minion resistances on jewels and helmet. Consider items that increase corpse yield or reduce corpse consumption costs.
Leveling and progression Start with a reliable corpse generator or a secondary minion to carry you through early acts. As you unlock corpse synergies, transition into the full Infernalist setup. Invest in minion survivability and detonation multipliers for boss phases.
Weaknesses Mechanic-heavy and sometimes resource-intensive. Requires careful corpse management and awareness of map layouts that reduce corpse availability.
Spectre Commander — flexible and powerful
Core minion and why it works Spectres allow you to recruit powerful NPC enemies as minions. This build is flexible because you can choose spectres that fit the content: ranged for tight maps, tanky for bossing, or utility spectres for curse and aura support.
Playstyle Active commander play. You select spectres, buff them with auras and command skills, and position yourself to maximize their effectiveness. Spectre choice is the main lever for tuning the build.
Gear priorities Early: a +minion level sceptre or helmet. Midgame: jewels that increase minion damage and spectre life. Endgame: invest in minion resistances and command skill enhancements. A high-quality amulet with +minion level is a late-game goal.
Leveling and progression Use cheap minions early, then capture spectres as soon as you can. Test different spectres in maps to find the best fit. Command skills and auras that buff minion damage and survivability are essential.
Weaknesses Spectre availability depends on zones and monster types. You may need to farm specific areas to capture ideal spectres.
Spirit Ally Hybrid — active caster with minion backup
Core minion and why it works Spirit Ally hybrids combine a caster’s direct damage with minion support. The spirit ally provides utility and burst while minions handle tanking and add sustained damage.
Playstyle Active and engaging. You cast spells while commanding minions to control the battlefield. This build suits players who want more direct involvement without losing the safety of a minion army.
Gear priorities Early: items that boost both spell damage and minion level. Midgame: balance between caster damage jewels and minion-focused gear. Endgame: specialized jewels that enhance both sides of the build, plus high defenses.
Leveling and progression Start as a caster to level quickly, then add minion supports and +minion level items. Transition into a hybrid playstyle as you acquire gear that supports both roles.
Weaknesses Split focus can lead to slower scaling if you don’t balance gear properly. Prioritize one scaling path early and add the other later.
Minion gear and crafting priorities
+Minion level is the single most important modifier. Helmets, sceptres, amulets, and certain unique items that grant +levels to minion skills should be your top purchases. After that, focus on minion damage, minion attack/cast speed, and minion life. Minion resistances and minion movement speed are often overlooked but can dramatically improve survivability and map clear.
Crafting priorities:
Early: socketed supports that increase minion count and speed.
Midgame: craft or buy a +minion level helmet; this is a major breakpoint.
Endgame: craft jewels with minion damage, minion life, and minion resistances. Consider multi-mod helmets that combine +minion level with minion life or resistances.
Player defensive crafting should not be neglected. Life, energy shield, and capped resistances keep you alive so your minions can do their job.
Skill supports and aura choices
Support gems that increase minion damage, minion attack/cast speed, and minion life are core. Auras that buff minion damage or grant minion resistances are high value. Command skills that focus minion fire or reposition minions are often the difference between a good and a great build.
Choose supports that match your minion type. Area-of-effect minions benefit from area and chain supports, while single-target minions benefit from critical and single-target multipliers.
Leveling route and early game tips
Start with the most accessible minion skill you can get and prioritize movement speed and clear speed. Use a cheap weapon or sceptre with minion count or speed early. Vendor-hunt for +minion level items and socketed support gems that increase minion numbers.
Transition points:
When you can equip a +minion level helmet, switch to your intended endgame minion.
When you can afford a minion-focused jewel, prioritize minion damage and life.
When you reach maps, test spectres or specialised minions to see what scales best for your playstyle.
Mapping and endgame scaling
For mapping, prioritize minion area clear and movement. Use spectres or ranged minions for tight maps. For endgame bosses, switch to high single-target minions or command skills that focus fire. Invest in minion level and minion damage jewels to scale into late maps.
Endgame goals include:
A helmet and sceptre with +minion level.
Two to three high-tier minion jewels.
A reliable set of auras and command skills.
Player defenses that allow you to survive map mechanics.
Bossing strategies
Bossing with minions often requires a hybrid approach. Use command skills to focus minions on the boss and keep your character safe. Bring a secondary skill or utility that helps with mechanics: movement skills, curses, or a single-target burst to supplement minion damage. Learn boss patterns and position your minions to avoid mechanics that kill minions en masse.
Crafting and economy tips
Early league: vendor-hunt and buy cheap +minion level items. Mid-league: trade for a +minion level helmet or sceptre. Endgame: craft jewels and helmets with minion life and damage. Use crafting benches to add quality to support gems that increase minion effectiveness.
If you play SSF, prioritize minion count and speed early and plan a route to farm specific spectres or unique items.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Relying solely on minion damage without investing in minion survivability is a frequent error. Minions that die quickly reduce your clear speed and bossing potential. Balance damage with life and resistances. Another mistake is neglecting player defenses; if you die often, your minions will struggle. Finally, don’t lock into a single spectre or minion type too early—test alternatives to find what works best for maps and bosses.
Playstyle tuning and micro decisions
Decide how active you want to be. Zero-button builds require more investment in minion survivability and passive scaling. Active commanders need command skills and auras but can often achieve higher peak performance with less raw minion investment. Adjust your gear and supports to match your chosen tempo.
Sample passive priorities and stat targets
Aim for capped resistances and a life/ES pool that lets you survive common map mechanics. For minions, target high minion life and minion damage on jewels and helmet. Minion attack/cast speed is a multiplier for clear speed and should be prioritized on jewels and weapon rolls.
Transitioning between minion types
It’s common to start with a fast clear minion and transition to a spectre or specialised minion for endgame. Plan your gear purchases so that early investments (minion count, speed) remain useful after the transition. A +minion level helmet is a universal upgrade that benefits any minion type.
Advanced interactions and combos
Patch 0.4 enables interesting combos between command skills, corpse mechanics, and minion death triggers. Experiment with Cast on Minion Death and corpse detonation synergies for burst windows. Use command skills to trigger lineage buffs and reposition minions for optimal damage.
Frequently asked questions
What class should I pick for minions in 0.4? Any class that can access strong minion skill trees works. Witch and Druid variants are popular because of their access to powerful minion nodes and unique synergies. Choose the class that gives you the minion types you want and the defensive options you need.
Can I play minions as a league starter? Yes. Many minion builds are designed to be league starters with a low unique requirement and a clear path to a +minion level helmet or sceptre. Raging Spirits and basic skeleton variants are especially friendly for early play.
Do minions need expensive gear? Minions scale well with investment, but you can clear campaign and early maps with minimal gear. Endgame performance benefits from targeted purchases like +minion level items and minion jewels.
How do I handle maps with line-of-sight or tight corridors? Use ranged minions or spectres that can navigate tight spaces. Command skills that reposition minions are also effective. Test spectres in different zones to find ones that handle map geometry well.
Are minion builds viable for bossing? Absolutely. Skeletal Sniper and Infernalist variants are particularly strong for single-target fights. Use command skills and a secondary burst skill to handle mechanics and focus fire.
What are the best uniques for minions? Unique items that grant +minion level, increase minion damage, or add minion survivability are top-tier. Prioritize these when you can afford them, but remember that crafted jewels and helmets can often replace expensive uniques.
How important are auras? Auras that buff minion damage or grant minion resistances are very valuable. Choose auras that complement your minion type and playstyle.
Closing notes and final checklist
If you want to dominate Path Of Exile 2 0.4 with minions, focus on three pillars: +minion level, minion survivability, and player defenses. Start with a build that matches your desired tempo—fast league starter or endgame scaler—and plan your gear purchases around universal breakpoints like a +minion level helmet. Test spectres and minion types in maps to find the best fit for your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to hybridize if you want more active engagement.
Quick checklist: acquire a +minion level item, socket minion-support gems, cap your resistances, and pick a spectre or minion that fits your mapping needs.
Quick answer: Focus your shopping on a +minion level helmet or sceptre, two high‑value minion jewels, and a reliable set of auras; craft minion life and minion damage on jewels and prioritize player defenses so your army can do the work.
Early league shopping and cheap breakpoints
Buy or vendor‑hunt a +1 to +2 minion level helmet or sceptre as soon as possible; this is the single biggest early power spike for minion builds. Pick up cheap uniques that boost minion count or speed and socket quality support gems that increase minion numbers and attack/cast speed. Patch 0.4 reduced penalties on Sacrifice and lowered Cast on Minion Death spirit cost, which makes corpse and death‑trigger combos easier to run early.
Midgame purchases and crafting targets
Aim to acquire a +minion level helmet and a sceptre with minion modifiers. Buy two mid‑tier jewels that roll minion damage and minion life; these scale better than many rare items. Crafting priorities: add minion life or minion damage to jewels, then bench‑craft quality on support gems that increase minion count or speed. The Druid reveal and class changes in 0.4 introduced new synergies and weapon types that can alter your shopping list if you plan a hybrid build.
Endgame shopping and high value crafts
Secure a helmet and sceptre with the highest +minion level you can afford, then invest in 2–3 high‑tier minion jewels with minion life, minion damage, and minion resistances. Craft a multi‑mod helmet only after you have the base +minion level. Prioritize amulets with +minion level or global minion damage if available. For command‑heavy builds, buy or craft items that boost command skill effects and minion survivability.
Crafting roadmap and bench priorities
Early bench crafts and vendor swaps: quality supports for minion count and speed; add life to rare helmets.
Midgame jewel crafting: craft minion damage then minion life; bench prefixes that boost attack/cast speed.
Endgame multi‑mod helmet crafting: combine +minion level with minion life and resistances; use fossils or high‑tier crafting if available.
Utility and aura bench choices: craft auras that buff minions and reduce Spirit reservation where possible.
Economy and trading tips
In a fresh economy, prioritize +minion level items over raw damage. Trade for a single high‑value +minion level helmet rather than many small upgrades. If you play SSF, plan a farming route to capture ideal spectres or to farm specific uniques; 0.4’s lineage and minion buff changes make certain spectres and corpse combos more valuable.
Final checklist before maps
Make sure you have a +minion level helmet or sceptre, two minion jewels with life and damage, capped resistances, and at least one aura that benefits minions. Invest remaining currency into a crafted helmet or a high‑tier jewel.
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