Path of Exile 2: Lightning Arrow Deadeye Leveling Build Guide

The Lightning Arrow Deadeye build is a fantastic choice for leveling in Path of Exile 2. It offers high clear speed, potent single-target damage, and a straightforward two-button playstyle that scales well from level 1 all the way into the early endgame. Even if you're starting with minimal POE 2 currency and items, this build can carry you through the campaign, with upgrades available along the way.

Build Overview

This build focuses on a lightning-damage theme that leverages the Deadeye ascendancy's projectile enhancements. As you progress, your rotation remains simple-primarily using Lightning Arrow to clear packs and Lightning Rods to augment damage during boss fights. As you level up and accumulate more Spirit, you'll incorporate skills like Herald of Thunder for shock application and Freezing Salvo to help control mobs.

Pros:

Starts at Level 1: Minimal gem swaps needed; Lightning Arrow is viable from the outset.

Multiple Shock Sources: Increases damage and facilitates rapid clear speeds.

Flexible Gear Options: You can start with ground loot and vendor items and gradually upgrade as you collect more POE 2 currency and items.

Cons:

Mana Sustain Issues: Particularly during prolonged boss fights-be prepared to spam Mana flasks or invest in unique gear.

Endgame Costs: As you progress, high-demand items can become expensive.

Two-Button Build: This simplicity may not suit everyone's preferred playstyle, though it makes the build very accessible.

Leveling Skill Gem Setup

Lightning Arrow:

Supports: Pierce, Martial Tempo, Innervate

Role: Main damage dealer for clearing mobs and chipping bosses down.

Lightning Rod:

Supports: Scattershot, Primal Armament, Lightning Infusion

Role: Placed around bosses or groups to chain lightning strikes and enhance overall damage output.

Escape Shot:

Skill: Holy Descent

Role: Provides mobility and an additional source of damage.

Freezing Salvo:

Supports: Hourglass, Magnified Effect, Cold Infusion

Role: Assists with crowd control and enhances shock buildup on targets.

Herald of Thunder:

Supports: Longshot, Lightning Penetration, Lightning Mastery

Role: Upon killing a shocked target, it unleashes lightning blasts for massive DPS boosts.

Orb of Storms:

Supports: Chain, Overabundance, Unleash

Role: Adds area damage and assists in clearing out packs.

Additional Utility Gems:

Wind Dancer (Blind): Enhances evasion and provides a bit of crowd control.

Ghost Dance (Fast Forward): Improves recovery and sustains your defenses.

Gear and Itemization

For the leveling phase, focus on obtaining solid vendor items and ground loot. As you progress and if you have POE 2 currency and items, consider trading or crafting to upgrade your gear further. Here are the ideal stat priorities for each equipment slot:

Bows:

Ideal Stats: % increased Physical Damage, flat increases to Physical Damage, flat increases to Lightning Damage, % increased Attack Speed, and additional arrow fire on bow attacks.

Best Base: Expert Dualstring Bow (or any bow with strong physical and lightning scaling).

Quiver:

Ideal Stats: Adds physical and lightning damage, increased level for projectile skills, increased attack speed, and mana per enemy killed.

Body Armor:

Look for bases that offer high Evasion and Energy Shield, with extra life and resistances.

Helmet:

Prioritize high Energy Shield and additional resistances, plus some Dexterity.

Gloves:

Best-in-Slot: Hand of Wisdom and Action for boosted attack speed and stats, or a well-rolled rare if budget is an issue.

Boots:

Focus on high Movement Speed (ideally 30%+) along with extra life and resistances.

Ring:

Opt for rings with added physical or lightning damage, life, intelligence, and resistances. Breach Rings upgraded with Adaptive or Reaver Catalysts are a solid choice.

Amulet:

Look for ones that add Spirit, improve projectile skills, and boost resistances-consider Solar, Stellar, or Gold Amulets depending on your priorities.

Belt:

A Fine Belt or Ornate Belt with bonuses to Maximum Life, Strength, and resistances works well.

Additionally, there are several key unique for the Deadeye leveling build:

Widowhail: Scales up your quiver's stats, making it a game-changer if you invest in it.

Foxshade, Goldrim, Thrillsteel, and Painter's Servant are other uniques that can ease your leveling journey if acquired via trade or drops.

Passive Tree & Ascendancy

For passives, begin by investing in Evasion/Energy Shield hybrid nodes to ensure survivability early on, then transition to increasing Physical Damage, Critical Chance, and Power Charges as you get deeper into the campaign. Notable passives to consider include:

Honed Instincts, Vile Wounds, Master Fletching, Escape Velocity, Catalysis, and Maiming Strike.

As you progress, pick up nodes like Acceleration, Pressure Points, and Forces of Nature for increased DPS.

Ascendancy: Deadeye

Take key nodes such as:

Gathering Winds

Far Shot

Endless Munitions

Wind Ward

These nodes synergize with the build's focus on projectile damage and enhanced mobility, making your Lightning Arrow even more devastating.

Conclusion

With this build, you'll be able to clear enemies from a distance, apply high shocks, and quickly take down bosses. By starting with a strong, straightforward leveling build based around Lightning Arrow and gradually incorporating skills like Tempest Flurry, Herald of Thunder, and Orb of Storms, you create a robust foundation that can scale into a formidable Deadeye endgame build.

Even if you're initially relying on vendor gear and ground loot, remember that with POE 2 currency and POE 2 items, you can upgrade your equipment steadily-trading for unique items like Widowhail and enhancing your quiver and bow stats will pave the way for late-game power. Enjoy your journey through Wraeclast, and may your Lightning Arrows always find their mark!