PoE2 Huntress Leveling Build for Dawn of the Hunt

Path of Exile 2's Dawn of the Hunt league is here, and with it comes the Huntress - a dexterity-driven powerhouse that's as fun as it is deadly. If you're looking for a leveling build that's smooth, versatile, and packs a punch, this guide is for you. We'll dive into a spear-slinging, twister-spinning setup that'll get you through Act 1 and beyond. Loved this breakdown? Be sure to bookmark our site for more PoE 2 goodies, and check out our Poe2 Currency & Item Shop to gear up!  

Starting Strong with Spear and Buckler

Right out of the gate, you’ll grab a spear from Hesbro. This new weapon type isn't just for poking - it comes with Spear Throw, which mixes melee stabs with ranged attacks. Misses can happen, so stack some accuracy, but the flow feels fantastic. Next up is the Buckler - an evasion-based shield with a twist. It offers block and dodge, as well as the ability to parry. Raise your buckler and enemies will glow red and take extra damage on your next hit. No perfect timing required - just parry, strike and watch the damage spike. Parrying builds stun you, so don't overdo it against tough foes.Your first skill, Whirling Slash, is the backbone of the build. At level 1, it deals 70% base damage, knocks back enemies, and spawns a whirlwind. Stand in it to stack Stages (up to three early on), then step out to collapse it for bonus damage. Against the first boss, poke with your spear, parry for extra power and spin up Whirling Slash - zombies don't stand a chance.  

Building the Twister Combo

In Clearfell Encampment, Renley hands you an uncut skill gem. Go to the abandoned camp in Clearfell for another. Cut it into Twister and Frost Bomb. Twister fires a projectile that scales with the levels of the whirlwind - more levels, more damage (80% per level, multiplying!). Frost Bomb drops a cold explosion, perfect for early bosses. In Mud Burrow, face the worm boss: spin Whirling Slash, launch Twister through the whirlwind and drop a Frost Bomb when it's still. The combo will clear the packs and quickly melt him.  Back in town, pick up an uncut Support Gem from a quest. In Graewood, activate the cauldron checkpoint to spawn a forgotten witch - beat her for another support gem. Cut it into Merciless Temper (attack speed for Whirling Slash) and Scattershot (three Twisters instead of one). Toggle 'Show All' in the gem menu for full options. This setup turns Twister into a Twister Storm, shredding mobs while Whirlwind slows them down. Later, add Encumbrance to increase slows and Concentrated Effect for boss-killing power.  

Icy Upgrades and Flexibility

By Red Veil, a level 3 uncut skill gem unlocks after the boss. Swap Frost Bomb for Flame Wall (boosts Twister with fire) or go straight for Fangs of Frost - a melee spear attack that freezes and creates chilled ground. Parry, hit with Fangs, then launch Twisters over the chilled ground for icy tornadoes. Add Ice Bite support for bonus cold damage after freezing. Need a simpler ranged power? Cut Frost Bolt (requires 16 Intellect) to turn Twisters icy without a melee setup. The Huntress's passive - which boosts melee damage after projectiles and vice versa - keeps your damage humming.  In Hunting Grounds, clear ritual sites to unlock Spirit and a boss fight. Win and cut the Herald of Ice from a Spirit Gem (requires some intelligence). Frozen enemies will explode, increasing your clearing speed. Wind Dancer is an option for safety, but Herald of Ice fits the icy theme perfectly.  

Passive Tree and Gear Tips

The passive tree’s simple: rush attack damage, attack speed, and area effect nodes. Grab melee and projectile damage boosts, then detour for movement speed, dodge and agility. Later, go for spear damage nodes. Gear-wise, prioritise attack speed, movement speed boots and damage on gloves. Use shop search filters (such as "movement speed" or "extra damage") to highlight winners - Discord communities often share these. Quality items are salvaged in crafting mats, so save them.  

Why This Build Shines

This Huntress setup blends melee and ranged chaos with a satisfying twister storm. Whirling Slash with Merciless Temper and Burden sets the stage, Twister with Scatter Shot and Concentrated Effect clears, and Fangs of Frost (or Frost Bolt) with Ice Bite freezes enemies. It's fast, fun, and flexible - you can switch to spear-heavy or elemental builds later. New players will love the forgiving clear speed; veterans will love the combo potential.  

Thanks for Reading

The Huntress is a Dawn of the Hunt star, and this leveling build makes her shine. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more PoE 2 guides and gear ideas. Happy hunting, exile!