The 0.3.0 update for Path of Exile 2, titled The Third Edict, has reshaped the landscape of the game's companion system. At the heart of these changes is the Tame Beast gem, which now empowers both Spectres and Tamed Beasts with 25% more damage across all gem levels. This seemingly simple adjustment has dramatically raised the value of beast companions, making them not only supportive allies but also serious sources of damage in both campaign and endgame content.

Below we'll break down how the Tame Beast gem works, the mechanical updates in 0.3, and provide the definitive tier list for the best beast companions to capture in The Third Edict.

How Does the Tame Beast Skill Gem Work?

The Tame Beast gem unlocks around level 31 (Act 3). When cast, it releases Asmary wisps that attach to a rare beast-type enemy, marking it for capture. If the enemy dies under this effect, the Tame Beast gem transforms into a Summon Companion gem linked to that monster.

Key points of the mechanic include:

· Beast Retention: Captured beasts keep their abilities, appearance, and modifiers.

· Permanent Companions: Once caught, they become permanent companions within that league and are account-bound.

· Summon Costs: Stronger beasts require more Spirit to summon.

· Exclusivity: Only rare beast-type monsters are valid targets.

· Multiple Copies: You can collect multiple beasts, but may summon only one of each type.

Once transformed, the gem functions much like Spectre summoning, but with the bonus of beast-exclusive mods that can drastically alter your gameplay.

Key Changes in PoE 2 0.3 The Third Edict

· Damage Buff: All Spectres and Tamed Beasts now deal 25% more damage at all gem levels.

· Improved UI: With Tame Beast equipped, enemies display their categories, making it easier to identify beasts.

· Modifiers Retained: Captured beasts can roll up to four modifiers, with higher difficulties yielding stronger combinations.

· Synergy Focus: Companions now feel more integrated into builds, offering both offense and defense.

PoE 2 0.3 Companion Tier List – Best Beast Mods

Not all beasts are created equal. The power of a companion largely comes down to its modifiers. Below is the updated tier list for The Third Edict.

S-Tier Companions

The absolute best, fitting for nearly any build.

· Haste Aura – +25% Attack, Cast, and Movement Speed (Fleshpierce is the prime beast).

· Temporal Bubble – Enemy slow + damage immunity outside the bubble.

· Elemental Resistance Aura – +35% all res, perfect for progression and hardcore.

· Invulnerability Aura – Periodic invulnerability windows for clutch survivability.

· Energy Shield Aura – Converts life into ES, great for hybrid defenses.

· Periodic Invulnerability Aura – Timed immunity phases, invaluable for bosses.

A-Tier Companions

Excellent utility or strong damage in the right setups.

· Shock/Ignite/Chill on All Damage – Forces ailments regardless of hit type.

· Trail of Lightning/Fire/Ice – Leaves damaging ground effects, synergizes with kiting builds.

· Extra Elemental/Physical Damage – Direct boost to companion output.

· Healing Nova – Group sustain and enemy debuffing.

· Exploding Corpses – AoE clear based on monster life.

B-Tier Companions

Niche but situationally useful.

· Flame Wall – Adds fire damage and projectile utility.

· Mana Ring Aura – Anti-caster niche, situational utility.

· Shroud Walker – Teleports with blind potential, moderate CC.

· Elemental Storms/Explosions – Decent AoE support when paired with top-tier auras.

· Blind on Hit (via Support) – Great synergy but requires gem slots.

C-Tier Companions

Outclassed or low-value effects.

· Hasted (self-only) – No benefit to you, only boosts the beast.

· Tanky Defensive Mods – Traits like “Armored” or “Evasive” don't contribute enough.

· Proximal Tangibility – Makes beasts harder to kill, but offers nothing back to the player.

Best Beasts to Farm in The Third Edict

For players aiming to secure the strongest companions, specific zones provide efficient farming opportunities:

· Jungle Ruins (Act 3): Quadrilla spawns at Troubled Camp, offering tanky leap-attack beasts.

· Infested Barrens (Act 3): Guaranteed two rare spawns—reset until a beast rolls Haste Aura.

· Khari Crossing (Interlude Act): Fleshpierce spawns north of town as part of Torbik's quest. This is the best way to secure the hidden 25% Haste Aura beast.

Farming Method: Load into the zone, locate the rare beast, check its mods, and reset if they're subpar. At Khari Crossing, checkpoint respawns allow extremely fast rerolling.

Troubleshooting: When Tame Beast Doesn't Work

Some players report issues with capturing beasts. Common causes include:

· Wrong Target: Only rare beast-type monsters are valid.

· Health Threshold: Beast must be under ~10% HP (sometimes as low as 5%).

· Activation: Ensure the skill is equipped—look for the purple/pink capture icon.

· Spirit Requirement: Check you have enough Spirit (typically 40+).

· Bugs/Glitches: Certain beasts may bug out post-patch. Check forums for updates.

· Retry Strategy: If one target won't work, test on another beast to confirm it's not a bug.

Final Thoughts

The Tame Beast system has quickly become one of the most exciting features in Path of Exile 2. With the buffs in The Third Edict, companions are more impactful than ever, providing both personal buffs and powerful damage options. Whether you're rushing through the campaign or optimizing for endgame leagues like Rise of the Abyssal, choosing the right beast can define your build's success.

If you're hunting for the ultimate companion, start with Fleshpierce in Khari Crossing for its unparalleled Haste Aura—arguably the single best beast in the game right now. With this system only growing more robust, beast taming may end up being one of the defining mechanics of Path of Exile 2.