PoE 2 – Pre 0.2.0 Meta Recap: The Best Builds & Expected Nerfs

　　With Path of Exile 2’s 0.2.0 patch on the horizon, now is the perfect time to poe2 trade look back at the pre-patch meta and analyze the strongest builds that dominated gameplay. Whether you were tearing through enemies with overpowered setups or just keeping up with the evolving build meta, the upcoming update is likely to shake things up.

　　So, what were the best builds before patch 0.2.0, and which ones are most likely to get nerfed? Let’s break it down.

　　Top Builds in PoE2 Before Patch 0.2.0

　　While several builds have proven viable and powerful, a few stood out as clear frontrunners in terms of damage output, survivability, and overall efficiency. These builds became go-to choices for players looking to optimize their performance.

　　1. Gemling Attribute Stacking Build

　　One of the most broken builds in PoE2’s early meta, the Gemling Attribute Stacker, took advantage of high attribute scaling, turning Intelligence, Dexterity, or Strength into a damage powerhouse. By stacking specific attributes, players could achieve insane DPS and survivability with the right gear and passive tree investments.

　　Why It Was Overpowered:

　　Ridiculous damage scaling from attributes.

　　Strong synergy with attack and spell gems.

　　Tanky defenses combine with Energy Shield or Evasion stacking.

　　Likely Nerfs in 0.2.0:

　　Reduced attribute-based damage scaling.

　　Adjustments to item and passive tree interactions to Buy POE 2 Orbs curb extreme power spikes.

　　2. Totem & Trap Builds (Explosive Trap + Fireball Totems)

　　Totem-based and trap builds have always been strong choices in PoE, and PoE2 is no exception. Fireball Totems and Explosive Trap builds allowed players to deal massive burst damage while keeping their characters at a safe distance.

　　Why It Was Overpowered:

　　Insane AoE damage when combined with the right passives.

　　Minimal gear investment for high damage output.

　　Excellent boss-killing potential due to constant explosions.

　　Likely Nerfs in 0.2.0:

　　Cooldown adjustments to limit trap spam.

　　Possible nerfs to totem effectiveness or damage scaling.

　　3. Melee Impale Bleed Builds

　　For melee fans, Impale Bleed builds became one of the most effective ways to shred bosses and tank through content. By utilizing Impale stacking, high crit chance, and bleed duration, these builds were capable of melting enemies quickly while staying incredibly durable.

　　Why It Was Overpowered:

　　Stacking Impale multipliers resulted in extreme burst damage.

　　High survivability with leech and endurance charges.

　　Could clear packs and bosses effortlessly.

　　Likely Nerfs in 0.2.0:

　　Adjustments to Impale mechanics to reduce damage stacking.

　　Potential changes to bleeding duration and effectiveness.

　　What’s Next for the PoE2 Meta?

　　With patch 0.2.0, we can expect GGG to tone down some of these overpowered builds while introducing new skills, balance adjustments, and item reworks. Some potential meta shifts could include:

　　Buffs to underused skills to make alternative builds more viable.

　　Tweaks to defensive mechanics to prevent extreme survivability stacking.

　　Reworked passive tree nodes to encourage build diversity.

　　While we don’t know exactly what will change, one thing is certain—Path of Exile 2’s meta is about to shift dramatically. Get ready for a fresh set of builds to dominate the next phase of PoE2!