PoE 2 0.3.0 Best Build - Top 3 S Tier New Builds in The Third Edict

Path of Exile 2 0.3.0 – The Third Edict looks like a major turning point for PoE 2’s development – it’s the biggest content update yet and addresses some of the game’s most criticized aspects while adding fresh, exciting content. Read this PoE 2 0.3.0 build guide, we'll bring you the top 3 S tier league starters.

PoE 2 0.3.0 Build Guide - Top 3 Best Builds for The Third Edict

Having a good build in Path of Exile 2 0.3.0 – The Third Edict is more important than ever because of how the game’s systems and this patch specifically are designed.  With Cruel removed and only one playthrough of Acts (plus Interludes), you’ll hit endgame much quicker. A strong, well-structured build ensures you don’t stall out in Act 4’s non-linear areas or in the boss-heavy Interludes leading up to level 65. Bad builds will simply get stuck – wasting the advantage of the new streamlined campaign. Without further ado, let's dive into new POE 2 0.3.0 builds.

1. Forge Hammer – “Thor/God of War” 

Forge Hammer is shaping up to be one of the most versatile strength-based melee builds PoE 2 has ever seen. Here’s why:

• Hybrid Playstyle (Melee & Ranged in One):
  You throw your mace like Thor’s hammer, deal damage at range, and recall it back—covering both melee and pseudo-ranged needs. This eliminates one of melee’s biggest weaknesses in PoE: downtime while chasing enemies.

• Massive AoE Potential via Aftershocks & Warcries:
  The ability to detonate the hammer with Warcry explosions that leave fissures is insane. Each fissure is essentially a lingering AoE DoT—allowing stacking eruptions across the map. In a meta where sustained AoE pressure is king (see Ritual/Breach farming), this is perfect.

• Ancestral Cry = Super Saiyan Mode:
  Turning every melee strike into a volcanic eruption is absurd scaling. It means Forge Hammer isn’t just good at big hits—it’s a walking natural disaster. Expect this to dominate clear speed maps, boss phases, and high-end content because you can combine direct hits + ground damage layering.

• Scaling Potential:
  Being Strength-based means synergy with high armor, endurance charges, regen, and possibly new fire/earth scaling PoE 2 items. It’s very likely to become the new face of Warrior meta builds.

Why S-Tier:
It covers ALL endgame needs—ranged options, high boss DPS, AoE for maps, and strong defenses. It’s basically "God of War meets Thor," and PoE loves builds that can do everything well.

2. Hollow Palm Technique – “Fist Monk Reborn” (True Martial Arts Combat)

Monks have historically been underwhelming in PoE 2, but Hollow Palm Technique changes that entirely:

• Pure Hand-to-Hand Viability:
  Previously, fist builds fell off late-game because they lacked damage scaling and utility. Hollow Palm solves this by giving true endgame scaling via elemental infusion + mana sustain (Walker of the Wilds).

• Elemental Damage = Infinite Scaling Options:
  Tying mana recovery to elemental damage types encourages building around fire, cold, lightning fists—opening up crit builds, ailment stacking (ignite/freeze/shock), and even chaos hybrid via Unraveling/Grasp of the Void. This is crazy flexibility in gearing.

• Deflection Mechanic = Defensive Breakthrough:
  One of melee’s biggest problems has been survivability. Deflection (likely a block/avoidance mechanic for unarmed combat) plugs this hole, meaning fist monks can now survive high-tier bosses and pitfalls without clunky shields or weapons.

• Chaos Damage Tools = Offense + Utility:
  Unraveling, Grasp of the Void, Embrace the Darkness = turning your fists into chaos-infused nukes. Chaos bypassing resistances is always strong, making Hollow Palm viable even against tanky endgame mobs.

Why S-Tier:
Hollow Palm is fluid, tanky, scalable, and unique—and that’s exactly what thrives in PoE’s endgame. It’s going to be the best Path of Exile 2 0.3.0 build to beat, and possibly a sleeper powerhouse in PvP and hardcore leagues.

3. Skeletal Brute – “Minions on Steroids” (Ultimate Summoner Arsenal)

Summoner builds have always had one issue: AI & control. Skeletal Brute fixes this in a BIG way:

• Active-Controlled Minion (Warcry & Intimidate):
  Unlike traditional "fire-and-forget" minions, Skeletal Brute can stun, warcry on command, and consume freezes for AoE nukes. This gives summoners real-time control, letting them actively dominate fights instead of waiting for minions to act.

• Aggressive AI Overhaul:
  Minions are now smarter and more aggressive. Combined with Skeletal Brute, summoners finally have reliable DPS in fast-paced environments like high-tier rituals, breaches, or timed bosses.

• Synergy with Other Minions:
  Skeletal Frost Mage buffs = hybrid minion armies that can cover AoE (mages) + frontline (brute) + utility (intimidation & freeze clears). Expect summoners to be meta-defining for league start because they’re traditionally gear-cheap and now insanely strong.

• High Boss Potential:
  Stun + Intimidate = permanent boss suppression in groups. This will make summoners best POE 2 0.3 build for high-end farming, Uber bosses, and group play.

Why S-Tier:
Control, raw power, scalability, and utility all in one. Skeletal Brute isn’t just a “good minion,” it’s the new standard for summoner dominance.