PoE 2 Patch 0.3.0 has been live for over a month, and the game has seen a wealth of changes. While some classic builds remain viable, many new and powerful options have emerged. If you're looking to dominate The Third Edict league, we've compiled an updated list of the best builds currently in the game.

Of course, any build's effectiveness is amplified by the right gear. For the finest Path of Exile 2 items, don't forget to visit our PoE 2 Store to deck out your character.

Best Builds in The Third Edict (Patch 0.3.0)

The Third Edict league has brought various tweaks that make certain builds exceptionally strong. Below, we rank these builds in ascending order based on community popularity and performance. Note that even lower-ranked builds are viable—this is simply a reflection of consistency and versatility.

1. Essence Drain Contagion Lich

While DoT builds often get underestimated, the Essence Drain Contagion Lich is a powerhouse. Designed for mapping and currency farming, it combines Essence Drain, Contagion, and Dark Effigy to deliver continuous chaos damage.

· Essence Drain: Inflicts a chaos DoT on enemies.

· Contagion: Spreads the DoT to nearby foes, though often optional for mapping.

· Dark Effigy: Helps with single-target damage, ideal for bosses like T4 Xesht or Arbiter of Ash.

Ascendancy: Start with Eldritch Empowerment for damage, then Eternal Life to maximize survivability. Endgame players benefit from Crystalline Phylactery, doubling jewel effects.

Pros:

· Great early currency farmer

· Strong with budget gear

· Scales well into the endgame

Cons:

· DoT playstyle may feel slow

· Mana management can be tricky

· Boss fights may require optimized gear

For full details, check our Essence Drain Contagion Lich guide.

2. Lightning Arrow Deadeye

The Lightning Arrow Deadeye now focuses on crits after Patch 0.3.0 nerfs to jewel sockets and quiver bonuses.

· Lightning Rod: Single-target damage skill; use Barrage to maximize placement.

· Orb of Storms: Supports mana and life sustain via fonts.

· Rhoa Mount: Allows mobility without skill speed penalties.

Pros:

· Exceptional map clear speed

· High mobility and evasion

· Satisfying crit gameplay

Cons:

· Gear-dependent for endgame performance

· Requires setup for maximum boss damage

· Mana sustain can be tricky

3. Boneshatter Smith of Kitava

The Boneshatter Smith of Kitava excels in defensive melee combat.

· Leap Slam + Boneshatter: Prime enemies and deliver crushing AoE damage.

· Ancestral Warrior Totems: Enhance damage via Rolling Slam and Sunder.

Ascendancy: Coal Stoker, Forged in Flame, and Smith's Masterwork nodes create a tanky and sustainable build.

Pros:

· SSF-friendly

· Strong AoE damage

· Nearly immortal survivability

Cons:

· Slower than other builds

· Single-target damage may lag

4. Spark Blood Mage

A twist on the classic Spark Stormweaver, the Spark Blood Mage achieves near 100% crit chance thanks to Sunder the Flesh, and leeches life via Vitality Siphon.

· Choir of the Storm: Grants Lightning Bolt on Spark crits.

· Sacred Flame: Optional for massive fire damage.

Pros:

· Incredible survivability

· High damage output

· Effective against pinnacle bosses

Cons:

· Requires level 78+ to fully shine

· Relies on some unique items

· Boss fights require multiple skills

5. Flicker Strike Invoker

For high-speed gameplay, the Flicker Strike Invoker is both fun and deadly.

· Flicker Strike: Teleports between enemies; requires Power Charges.

· Profane Ritual: Generates Power Charges via corpse consumption.

Pros:

· Fast-paced combat

· Strong defensive layers

· Teleportation between packs

Cons:

· Can be visually overwhelming

· Requires careful Power Charge management

6. Bleed Blood Mage

This build blends melee and ranged play with Lightning Spear, Rake, and Blood Hunt.

· Tangletongue: Core unique spear for critical damage.

· Crown of Eyes + Ingenuity: Boosts elemental and attack damage.

· Blood Mage Ascendancy: Stacks HP for extra critical damage.

Pros:

· High damage output

· Good screen clear

· Easy sustain via Sanguimancy

Cons:

· Requires close combat for melee skills

· Dependent on the key gear

7. Skeletal Storm Mage Lich

Minion builds were rebalanced, but the Skeletal Storm Mage Lich remains potent.

· Skeletal Storm Mage: Primary minion skill, supported by items that boost skill levels.

· Necromantic Conduit + Blackened Heart: Increases chaos damage via Unholy Might.

Pros:

· Command an entire minion army

· Great for DoT minion synergy

· Handles both small and big monsters

Cons:

· Leveling can be slow

· Minion AI can be unreliable

· Requires multiple Spirit-boosting items

8. Wind Serpent's Fury Deadeye

A spear-centric build for high boss damage.

· Wind Serpent's Fury: Frenzy Charge-based spear skill.

· Tangletongue + Sacred Flame: Main weapons for high critical strike damage.

Pros:

· Insane burst damage

· Effective map clearing

· Strong boss killer

Cons:

· Positioning is crucial

· Requires proper Frenzy Charge setup

· Squishy without high evasion

9. Lightning Spear Amazon

The Lightning Spear Amazon remains the top choice in Patch 0.3.0. Flexible, fun, and effective for both mapping and boss fights:

· Lightning Spear + Storm Lance: Ranged damage with Shock potential.

· Primal Strikes: Hybrid melee skill for endgame versatility.

· Amazon Ascendancy: Critical Strike, Penetrate, Predatory Instinct, and Elemental Infusion nodes.

Pros:

· Extremely flexible

· Strong from early to endgame

· Fast mapper and boss killer

Cons:

· Squishy if poorly geared

· Popular build, so gear can be expensive

· Mana management may be tricky

Final Thoughts

Patch 0.3.0 has brought exciting shifts in PoE 2. Spark Blood Mage and Flicker Strike Invoker have proven to be thrilling additions, while Lightning Arrow Deadeye and Wind Serpent's Fury Deadeye maintain strong performances.

Ultimately, the Lightning Spear Amazon remains the top-tier choice due to its flexibility, clear speed, and endgame viability. Whether you're clearing maps or tackling pinnacle bosses, this build can handle everything with style.

Need currency to acquire top-tier gear? Visit our PoE2 Currency Store for bundles and discounts. Get your items today and dominate The Third Edict!