Path of Exile 2: Best Budget Builds to Try in Last of the Druids

Path of Exile 2 offers a wide variety of builds, but most players tend to Path of Exile 2 Currency categorize them as either expensive or budget-friendly. Expensive builds often require dozens of Divine Orbs to min-max damage and survivability, which can be a major grind-something the average player may not have time for. Fortunately, you don't need top-tier gear to enjoy the game or tackle the endgame.

In this guide, we'll highlight six budget builds in Path of Exile 2 that can perform exceptionally well without requiring expensive gear. Keep in mind that even budget builds may require around 10 to 20 Divine Orbs, depending on how optimized you want them to be.

1. Hollow Palm Monk

The Hollow Palm Monk is one of the most accessible and cost-effective builds in Path of Exile 2. The standout feature of this build is that it doesn't require a weapon to function. Players have demonstrated that Hollow Palm Monk can even defeat pinnacle bosses without gear.

The most popular skill combination involves Tempest Flurry paired with Falling Thunder or Whirling Assault. Following the buffs in Patch 0.4, Falling Thunder has become one of the best AoE clearing abilities, allowing for high burst damage. The build relies on critical hits and combo scaling to one-shot bosses, but removing the need for an expensive weapon makes it extremely accessible for budget players.

2. Minion Druid

Minion builds have found new viability with the Druid's Shaman Ascendancy. By using the Sacred Flow passive, players can gain up to 120 additional spirit. Combined with reservation efficiency nodes, this allows for a massive minion army, perfect for both clearing maps and tackling bosses.

Most minion builds utilize Raise Spectre, converting powerful enemies into loyal minions. Patch 0.4 removed the ability to use Frozen Mandibles, but alternatives like Gargantuan Wasps or Ants are viable substitutes, obtainable during Interlude 3. Spectres revive after dying, providing reliable damage over time, while a few regular minions act as offerings to empower your main minion army. Minion builds remain a strong budget option for players looking to farm safely and effectively.

Budget players can farm these minions easily or accelerate progression by buying POE2 Items to supplement their build, making Minion Druid both accessible and effective.

3. CoC Comet Sorceress

The Cast on Critical (CoC) Comet Sorceress is often associated with expensive gear, but it can perform well on a budget-friendly setup. This build works well for solo play or small squads of two to three players.

The core idea is to stack Critical Hit Chance to trigger CoC and launch Comets automatically. You can use Spark or Frostbolt as triggers-Spark adds Shock for extra damage, while Frostbolt can freeze enemies. Early-stage mana management can be tricky, so focus on items like Mana Remnants or rings with mana regeneration to cheap POE 2 Orbs smooth out casting. With the right setup, CoC Comet Sorceress delivers consistent damage without the need for high-end gear.