In Path of Exile 2's Patch 0.3, the Monk class has become a formidable hybrid, combining rapid melee strikes with devastating elemental spells. To truly maximize its potential, investing in a perfectly crafted ES/EV hybrid chest armour is essential. This type of armour complements the Monk’s need for both Intelligence and Dexterity, offering balanced defenses and agility. For players looking to optimize their build, acquiring the right base and crafting method is as important as farming PoE 2 Currency for endgame upgrades.
The aim is to produce a chest piece that balances survivability with offensive flexibility. This means prioritizing high flat Evasion and Energy Shield values, scaling them with percentage-based modifiers, and ensuring the armour has six sockets for a complete skill setup. Essential suffixes include high-tier elemental resistances, chaos resistance, and maximum spell suppression to handle dangerous spell-based threats.
Phase 1: Selecting and Preparing the Armour Base
The base item determines the potential outcome of your craft. An item level of 85 or higher is crucial to unlock Tier 1 modifiers. Popular choices include:
- Silken Vest: Balanced ES and EV stats, suitable for generalist builds.
- Shagreen Tunic: Higher evasion, ideal for evasion-focused scaling.
- Sadist Garb: Well-rounded ES/EV mix for hybrid defenses.
To prepare the base, first raise its quality to 20% with Armourer’s Scraps, or aim for 28–30% using a Perfect Fossil or Hillock’s crafting bench. Next, use Jeweller’s Orbs to reach six sockets, as this maximizes your skill link potential.
Phase 2: Crafting the Core Prefixes
With the base ready, focus on rolling strong defensive prefixes. The most efficient method is using Chaos Orbs to reroll rare item modifiers until you hit desirable combinations. Target at least two Tier 2 or better defensive prefixes before moving forward. Key prefixes include:
- Flat Evasion Rating (T1 “Flea’s” or T2 “Moth’s”)
- Flat Energy Shield (T1 “Scintillating” or T2 “Incandescent”)
- % Increased Evasion and Energy Shield (T1 “Mirage’s” or T2 “Illusionist’s”)
- High-tier Life (if not using Chaos Inoculation)
If two strong prefixes are secured with an open slot, use the crafting bench to add maximum life or maximum energy shield as the third prefix.
Phase 3: Optimizing the Suffixes
Suffixes provide crucial utility and resistance. If your prefixes are ideal but suffixes are poor, use the “Prefixes Cannot Be Changed” meta-craft, then scour to remove all suffixes. This allows you to target specific suffixes with Exalted Orbs or Aisling slams. Alternatively, retain a base with one or two strong suffixes from Chaos Orb rolling and fill gaps via bench crafts.
Suffix Priority Table
| Modifier | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chance to Suppress Spell Damage | High | Reduces incoming spell damage significantly; aim for the highest tier possible. |
| Elemental Resistances | High | Essential for reaching 75% resistance caps across Fire, Cold, and Lightning. |
| Chaos Resistance | Medium | Valuable for mitigating chaos damage over time and certain boss mechanics. |
| Attributes (Dexterity or Intelligence) | Low | Useful for meeting stat requirements but secondary to core defenses. |
Comparing Base Choices for Hybrid ES/EV Armour
| Base Type | Evasion Bias | Energy Shield Bias | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silken Vest | Medium | Medium | Balanced builds needing both defenses equally. |
| Shagreen Tunic | High | Low | Evasion-focused builds with minimal ES scaling. |
| Sadist Garb | Medium | High | Hybrid builds leaning towards ES for spell mitigation. |
While this process is designed for the Monk, such an ES/EV chest can benefit Rangers, Shadows, and Witches operating around the upper right of the passive tree. The synergy of evasion, energy shield, and spell suppression provides a defensive core capable of withstanding the most punishing encounters. Crafting in Path of Exile 2 rewards patience, strategic resource use, and a clear understanding of your build’s needs. With the right approach and investment in path of exile 2 currency, you can secure an armour piece that defines your endgame performance.
