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Patch 0.2.0 has just hit Path of Exile 2, shaking up skills and builds like a storm in Wraeclast. Especially for new players, it's a maze out there - nerfs, rework and chaos galore. But don't worry, I've got a Ranger leveling setup that's not only beginner-friendly, but also blasts through the early content with style. It's fast, it's adaptable, and it'll get you ready for any endgame build you can dream up. If you're preparing for Dawn of the Hunt, stick around - we've got a gem here that's worth rescuing. Oh, and if you like this kind of breakdown, be sure to bookmark our site and check out our Poe2 Currency & Item Shop for some extra juice!  

Kicking Off with a Bang

You start simple: grab a bow from the first NPC and let those arrows fly. Bows are two-handed, of course, but you'll soon be able to grab a quiver for your off-hand. The real magic begins with your first skill, Lightning Arrow. This beauty bounces between enemies, shredding packs with ease. Facing your first boss? Dodge his swarm of zombies, fire off Lightning Arrow and watch the chaos unfold. Loot piles up fast, so grab a loot filter (check Discord communities for solid ones) to cut through the clutter.  After chatting with Renley in town, you’ll score your first uncut skill gem. Head to Clearfell, visit the abandoned camp and grab another. Cut it into a Frost Bomb and a Lightning Rod. Frost Bomb drops a delayed cold explosion - perfect for early damage - while Lightning Rod plants an arrow that chains lightning when you shoot it. Against the Mud Burrow boss, drop a Lightning Rod, throw a Frost Bomb and pepper it with a Lightning Arrow. It's a damage symphony and the boss won't know what hit him.  

Powering Up with Support Gems

Back in town, Renley hooks you up with an uncut support gem. Shops are your next stop - use a search trick (such as "extra damage" or "extra health") to highlight equipment with attack boosts, health or movement speed on boots. Shops are updated every level, so check back often. Next, in Graewood, activate a checkpoint near the cauldron to spawn an elite monster. Beat it, grab another support gem, and cut them into Merciless Temper (attack speed) and Scattershot (three arrows instead of one). This combo turns Lightning Arrow into a pack-clearing machine.  If luck’s on your side and you find a third support gem, cut it into Concentrated Effect for boss fights. Swap out Scattershot and your Lightning Arrow hits harder - pair it with multiple Lightning Rods for a devastating burst. Red Whale gives you a level 3 uncut skill gem. Ditch the old skills and cut Stormcaller Arrow. It's deceptive - low base DPS - but the bolt it summons deals 185% of your attack damage as lightning, shocking enemies for a 20% damage boost. With Scattershot and Merciless Temper, it's an AoE monster; switch to Concentrated Effect for bosses and they melt.  

Scaling to New Heights

In Hunting Grounds, clear three ritual sites to summon a boss. Crush it with your setup—it’s a breeze—and unlock Spirit, a new resource. Cut an uncut Spirit Gem into a Herald of Thunder. When you kill shocked enemies (which happens a lot), it triggers lightning strikes, doubling your lightning damage. Extra support gems? Cut Innervate and Lightning Infusion for near-constant buffs. Your clearing speed goes through the roof.  The passive tree is straightforward: grab projectile damage nodes, agility and shock chance. A detour for flask recovery, movement speed and dodge will keep you alive and kicking. By the end of Act 1, level 5 skill gems will unlock Electrocution Arrow (incapacitates enemies) and Barrage (doubles arrow output with Premeditation). This setup will get you through the bosses in Act 1 - two shots per pack and you're golden. I’ve cleared all three acts in under 3 hours with this, hitting the full campaign in about 6.  

Why This Build Rocks

Here’s the kicker: it’s flexible. Stormcaller Arrow carries you, but you can pivot anywhere - poison arrows, escape shots, or icy blasts. No fancy gear needed, just a skill gem and three supports (Merciless Temper, Scattershot, Concentrated Effect). New to PoE 2? This build is forgiving and fast. Not a Ranger fan? It also works on Witch or Warrior - same skills, same devastation.  

Tips for Success

Gear: Prioritise attack damage, health and movement speed. Salvage quality items for crafting goodies.  Skills: Swap supports based on battles - Scattershot for packs, Concentrated Effect for bosses.  Passive: Stick to projectile damage and shock nodes early, adapt later.

Thanks for Reading

This Ranger leveling build is your Dawn of the Hunt MVP—simple, strong, and ready to evolve. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more PoE 2 tips and tricks. Happy slaying, exiles!