Looking for a devastatingly powerful yet budget-friendly build in Path of Exile 2? The One-Shot Monk build might be exactly what you need! This build focuses on massive burst damage, allowing you to eliminate enemies in a single strike while maintaining solid survivability.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about The One-Shot Monk build—skills, gear, passives, and playstyle—to make this build work efficiently without breaking the bank.
Why Choose the One-Shot Monk Build?
The One-Shot Monk is all about precision and overwhelming force. Instead of relying on sustained DPS, this build prioritizes front-loaded damage, making it perfect for players who enjoy quick, decisive fights.
Key Strengths:
✅ Insane Burst Damage – Delete bosses and elites in one hit.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Works well with affordable gear.
✅ High Mobility – Fast movement and repositioning.
✅ Good Survivability – Decent defenses to avoid being one-shotted yourself.
Potential Weaknesses:
❌ Reliant on Positioning – Missing an attack can be costly.
❌ Mana Management Needed – Requires careful skill usage.
❌ Not the Best for Long Sustained Fights – Designed for quick kills.
If you love high-risk, high-reward gameplay, this build is for you!
Core Skills & Playstyle
The One-Shot Monk revolves around maximizing a single, devastating attack. Here are the essential skills you’ll need:
Primary Attack: Flicker Strike (or Equivalent)
- Why? Instantly teleports to enemies and delivers a crushing blow.
- Synergy: Works well with critical strike multipliers and melee damage boosts.
Secondary Skill: Ancestral Protector / Warchief Totem
- Why? Provides extra damage buffs while you prepare your strike.
Movement Skill: Dash / Flame Dash
- Why? Helps reposition quickly to avoid enemy attacks.
Defensive Skill: Steelskin / Molten Shell
- Why? Adds a protective barrier to survive counterattacks.
Buff Skill: Berserk / Blood Rage
- Why? Increases attack speed and damage when needed most.
Best Gear for the One-Shot Monk Build (Budget Options)
You don’t need mirror-tier items to make this build work. Here’s a cost-effective setup:
Weapon: High Physical DPS Fist Weapons or Claws
- Priority: Look for high base damage, critical strike chance, and attack speed.
- Budget Pick: Mark of the Doubting Knight (early game) → Upgrade to Rive or Touch of Anguish later.
Body Armor: Lightning Coil / Belly of the Beast
- Why? Balances damage mitigation and life pool.
Helmet: Starkonja’s Head / Abyssus (if you can handle the downside)
- Why? Boosts critical strikes and attack speed.
Gloves: Tombfist (with Intimidate implicit)
- Why? Adds intimidate (enemies take increased damage).
Boots: Seven-League Step (for speed) / Kaom’s Roots (for stun immunity)
- Why? Movement speed or defense, depending on preference.
Jewelry: Rings with Life, Crit, and Added Phys Damage
- Priority: Look for Assassin’s Mark on Hit rings for extra crits.
Flasks: Lion’s Roar, Atziri’s Promise, Quicksilver Flask
- Why? Boosts damage, speed, and survivability.
Passive Skill Tree & Ascendancy
Recommended Ascendancy: Assassin or Berserker
- Assassin → Better critical strikes and burst potential.
- Berserker → Higher raw damage and attack speed.
Key Passive Nodes:
- Critical Strike Chance & Multiplier (prioritize these!)
- Melee Physical Damage
- Life & Leech (for sustain)
- Attack Speed (to ensure quick follow-ups)
Gameplay Tips for Maximum Efficiency
- Always Position Smartly – Don’t get surrounded; hit and move.
- Use Totems Before Engaging – They’ll buff your damage.
- Save Berserk for Tough Fights – Don’t waste it on weak mobs.
- Keep Flasks Up – They’re crucial for damage and survival.
- Prioritize Crit Over Raw Damage – A well-placed crit will one-shot enemies.
Is This Build Right for You?
The One-Shot Monk build is fast, deadly, and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for players who enjoy quick-paced, high-impact combat. While it requires some skill to master, the payoff is immensely satisfying.
If you’ve been looking for a build that feels powerful without expensive gear, give this one a try!
you can also check Optimizing Budget Builds for Better Performance in POE2.