Top 3 Minion Builds in Path of Exile 2
If you enjoy commanding an army of minions to fight your battles, Path of Exile 2 offers some of the most satisfying builds in the game. Minion builds have always been popular, and in this sequel, they remain both powerful and versatile, providing strong defenses, smooth progression, and excellent endgame potential when geared properly.
In this guide, we cover three of the strongest minion setups currently played in Path of Exile 2. Each one has its own strengths, weaknesses, and gear requirements. By the end, you’ll know which army best fits your playstyle and budget.
Also Read: Every PoE 2 Class Explained
Third Place: Skeletal Arsonists
The Bombarding Minions setup focuses on Skeletal Arsonists that throw fiery bombs to cover wide areas with explosions. Players often mix them with Raging Spirits for extra single-target firepower. The Witch with the Infernalist ascendancy is the natural choice here, as it provides strong minion scaling and excellent Energy Shield support.
What makes this build appealing is how safe it feels during progression. Arsonists handle most of the damage for you, while Infernalist tools such as Grim Feast help sustain a large Energy Shield pool. This makes leveling and mapping much smoother compared to self-cast or melee builds.
The main drawback is pacing. Since Arsonists have a short animation when throwing their bombs, you sometimes have to wait for them to finish attacking before moving on. This can make the clear speed feel slightly slower than other fast-paced builds.
For gear, one standout item is the Oaksworn Sigil Crest Shield, which adds block chance, extra defenses, and a built-in skill that works well with summoner setups. Pair it with Energy Shield-focused gear and minion support gems, and you’ll have a reliable build for both early and midgame maps.
Performance Snapshot:
Clear Speed: Good, but slightly slower than the fastest builds.
Single-Target Damage: Excellent against bosses when fully supported.
Survivability: Very high with Energy Shield stacking.
If you want a starter-friendly option that feels tanky and safe while still dishing out impressive damage, Bomber Minions are a solid pick.
Also Read: Temporalis in Path of Exile 2: Everything You Need to Know
Second Place: Skeletal Frost Mages
For players who like control as much as damage, Frost Minions are an outstanding choice. These builds typically focus on Skeletal Frost Mages, who unleash chilling projectiles that freeze and slow enemies. Freezing enemies not only prevents incoming damage but also creates breathing room for your army to clear safely.
Frost Minions stand out because of their balance. They clear maps quickly thanks to teleporting and slamming minions, and they handle bosses well when gem levels and supports are pushed high. Their defensive layer comes from Energy Shield stacking, along with the ability to keep dangerous packs locked down through freeze.
Gearing is a bit more demanding here. To unlock their potential, you need to prioritize minion gem levels and reservation efficiency. Some important unique features include:
Trenchtimbre Spiked Club – adds +1–2 to all minion skill levels, giving a huge boost to your army.
Morior Invictus Grand Regalia – a body armour that increases survivability with strong life, Energy Shield, and resistances.
Bones of Ullr Lattice Sandals – reduce minion reservation, letting you summon more Frost Mages.
Performance Snapshot:
Clear Speed: Very smooth and consistent across maps.
Single-Target Damage: High, especially once gem levels are stacked.
Survivability: Strong, combining Energy Shield with crowd control.
This build is ideal for players who don’t mind investing a bit more to enjoy a mix of offense and control. It’s one of the most satisfying summoner styles when geared correctly.
First Place: Skeletal Sniper
At the top of the list are Skeletal Sniper Minions, a build often played on the Mercenary with the Gemling Legionnaire ascendancy. This setup is famous for summoning a large army of Skeletal Snipers that scale into one of the most powerful minion builds in Path of Exile 2.
The appeal here is simple: overwhelming damage and defenses. With proper gearing, Snipers can reach tens of millions of DPS while also stacking 20,000+ Energy Shield through Chaos Inoculation and unique items. This combination allows the build to breeze through all forms of content, from regular maps to endgame bosses. Some players have even demonstrated AFK farming of Tier 4 Simulacrums once the build is fully optimized.
The downside is cost. Sniper Minions are not cheap to put together, and they demand several mandatory uniques, including:
Trenchtimbre Spiked Club – boosts minion levels for maximum damage scaling.
Ghostwrithe Tattered Robe – converts a portion of Life into Energy Shield (currently 25% after recent changes).
Bones of Ullr Lattice Sandals – lower reservation so you can summon more minions.
Grand Spectrum Emerald Jewels – running three provides a large Spirit increase.
Against the Darkness (Time-Lost jewel) – rolls with radius modifiers that can add powerful utility, though exact stats vary by drop.
Performance Snapshot:
Clear Speed: Fast and efficient with large armies.
Single-Target Damage: Exceptional, among the highest in the game.
Survivability: Near-immortal with Energy Shield stacking and minion tanking.
If you want to experience the strongest minion playstyle currently available and are willing to invest the resources, Sniper Minions are the ultimate choice.
Also Read: What Is the Rarest Currency in Poe 2?
FAQs About Minion Builds in Path of Exile 2
Are minion builds still viable in Path of Exile 2?
Yes. Minion builds remain some of the most consistent and powerful options for both campaign and endgame.
How much investment does Minios build need in PoE "2?
In PoE 2, Bombarding Minions can be started with affordable gear, while Frost Minions require more investment in uniques and gem levels. Sniper Minions are the most expensive, often needing several high-value items.
Which PoE 2 classes are best for minion builds?
The Witch with Infernalist works best for Bomber and Frost Minions. The Mercenary with Gemling Legionnaire is the strongest option for Sniper Minions.
Are these builds beginner-friendly?
Bomber Minions are the easiest to start with, while Frost and Sniper Minions are better suited for experienced players who understand gearing and scaling.
Can these PoE 2 minion builds handle endgame bosses and Simulacrums?
Yes. All three builds can complete endgame encounters, though Sniper Minions perform best at the very top levels.
Final Thoughts
Minion builds in Path of Exile 2 continue the tradition of being both powerful and enjoyable, offering players a way to experience the game from a different perspective. Instead of relying on direct spellcasting or melee combat, you’re managing an army that fights for you, which creates a very distinctive playstyle.
Each of the top three setups shines in its own way. Bombarding Minions are perfect for anyone who values safety and consistency, especially when progressing through the campaign or mapping on a budget. Their reliable damage and strong defenses make them a stress-free way to explore Wraeclast.
Frost Minions, on the other hand, reward players who are willing to invest more into gear. They bring crowd control into the mix, freezing and slowing enemies while still delivering high damage, which makes them one of the most versatile choices for both mapping and bossing. Finally, Sniper Minions stand as the pinnacle of summoner power. With huge Energy Shield scaling and an army capable of deleting bosses in seconds, this build showcases just how far minion setups can be pushed when fully optimized.
What ties all these builds together is the sense of control and empowerment they provide. Instead of rushing “headfirst” into danger, you’re orchestrating the fight, positioning yourself while your minions handle the threats. For many players, this balance of safety and strength makes minion builds feel more forgiving than other archetypes, while still leaving plenty of room for depth and optimization.
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