The Ice Shot Deadeye is one of the most popular and effective builds in Path of Exile 2 (POE2), offering exceptional clear speed, ranged gameplay, and satisfying visual effects. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master the Ice Shot Deadeye build in POE2, including skills, gear, passive tree, playstyle, and advanced tips for 2025.
1. Overview of Ice Shot Deadeye
The Ice Shot Deadeye build focuses on elemental damage and projectile mechanics, making it ideal for mapping and bossing. It utilizes Ice Shot as its primary skill, supported by Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder for additional elemental damage and clear speed.
Strengths:
- Exceptional clear speed with chain effects and Herald of Ice explosions.
- High mobility and ranged gameplay for safety.
- Budget-friendly and easy to gear for league starters.
Weaknesses:
- Squishy compared to tankier builds, requiring good positioning.
- Struggles with single-target damage without proper investment.
- Reliant on specific gear and gem setups for optimal performance.
2. Ice Shot Deadeye Skills and Gem Links
2.1. Primary Skill Setup
| Skill | Support Gems | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Shot | Elemental Damage with Attacks, Increased Critical Damage, Trinity, Returning Projectiles, Mirage Archer / Barrage | Main damage skill for clearing and single-target damage. Swap Mirage Archer for Barrage for bossing. |
2.2. Secondary Skill Setup
| Skill | Support Gems | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Barrage Ballista | Ballista Totem, Increased Critical Damage, Elemental Damage with Attacks, Returning Projectiles, Focused Ballista | Provides additional single-target damage and utility. |
2.3. Auras and Utility Skills
| Skill | Support Gems | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Herald of Ice | Innervate, Glaciation, Cold Infusion, Cold Penetration | Adds cold damage and creates satisfying explosions on enemy death. |
| Herald of Thunder | Concentrated Effect, Magnified Effect, Elemental Focus | Provides additional lightning damage and shock effects. |
| Wind Dancer | Blind | Increases evasion and provides defensive utility. |
3. Ice Shot Deadeye build Gear and Stats
3.1. Core Gear
| Slot | Item | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Bow | Agony Branch (Expert Composite Bow) | High elemental damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance. |
| Quiver | Viper Arrow (Blunt Quiver) | Flat elemental damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance. |
| Helmet | Mind Horn (Expert Hunter Hood) | High evasion, life, and resistances. |
| Body Armor | Phoenix Pelt (Expert Studded Vest) | High evasion, life, and elemental resistances. |
| Gloves | Hate Claw (Expert Firm Bracers) | Attack speed, life, and resistances. |
| Boots | Tempest Hoof (Expert Threaded Shoes) | Movement speed, life, and resistances. |
| Amulet | Sol Noose (Lapis Amulet) | Elemental damage, critical strike chance, and life. |
| Rings | Hypnotic Twirl (Amethyst Ring), Ghoul Hold (Amethyst Ring) | Elemental damage, life, and resistances. |
| Belt | Fate Leash (Plate Belt) | Life, resistances, and utility stats. |
3.2. Consumables
| Type | Item | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup | Increases elemental damage and duration. |
| Utility | Tin of Fruitcake | Boosts critical strike chance and damage. |
4. Passive Skill Tree
The passive tree focuses on projectile damage, elemental ailments, movement speed, and chain effects. Key nodes include:
- Far Shot: Increases damage at range.
- Endless Munitions: Adds +2 projectiles for better clear and single-target damage.
- Gathering Winds: Boosts attack and movement speed.
- Focal Point: Enhances mark effects and provides damage reduction.
5. Playstyle and Tips
5.1. Mapping
- Use Ice Shot with Mirage Archer for clearing packs.
- Position yourself at a distance to maximize Far Shot damage.
- Drop Barrage Ballista for tanky rares or bosses.
5.2. Bossing
- Swap Mirage Archer for Barrage in your Ice Shot setup.
- Use Herald of Thunder and Herald of Ice for additional damage.
- Maintain distance and use Wind Dancer for evasion.
5.3. Advanced Tips
- Positioning: Stay at range to avoid enemy attacks and maximize Far Shot damage.
- Gear Upgrades: Prioritize a high DPS bow with elemental damage and critical strike chance.
- Gem Swaps: Use Barrage for single-target damage and Mirage Archer for clearing.
6. Build Variations
6.1. Budget-Friendly Variant
- Focus on rare gear with high elemental damage and resistances.
- Use Hyrri’s Ire for additional evasion and cold damage.
6.2. High-End Variant
- Invest in unique items like The Three Dragons for shock conversion.
- Optimize gear for critical strike chance and elemental damage.
The Ice Shot Deadeye build is a fun and effective way to dominate Path of Exile 2 (POE2) in 2025. With its exceptional clear speed, satisfying gameplay, and budget-friendly options, it’s a great choice for both new and experienced players.
you can also check more POE2 builds