How to Craft All Armour in PoE 2 - ES or EV Monk Builds

Crafting ES/EV Hybrid Armour for Monk Builds in Path of Exile 2 0.3 is a nuanced process that blends strategic resource management, deep understanding of item mechanics, and build-specific optimization. Whether you're aiming for high Spirit generation, maximum socket links, or survivability against endgame bosses, this guide will walk you through every step—from base selection to advanced mod crafting.

Why ES/EV Hybrid Armour Is Ideal for Monk Builds

Monks in PoE 2 thrive on Dexterity and Intelligence synergy, making hybrid Energy Shield (ES) and Evasion (EV) armour the perfect fit. Here's why:

• Dexterity boosts Evasion, allowing Monks to dodge incoming attacks.
• Intelligence enhances Energy Shield, providing a rechargeable buffer against damage.
• Layered defense: EV helps avoid hits, while ES absorbs those that land.
• Spirit scaling: Hybrid armour supports Spirit-based skills like Falling Thunder or Staggering Palm.
• Combat flexibility: High EV/ES allows aggressive positioning without sacrificing survivability.

Understanding PoE 2's Crafting System

Patch 0.3 introduced major changes to crafting and socketing:

For Monk builds, aim for item level 84+ to access Tier 1 affixes and 6 sockets on chest armour.

Step-by-Step Crafting Guide for ES/EV Hybrid Armour

1. Acquire the Right Base

Choose hybrid bases like:

• Sleek Jacket (Body Armour)
• Siren Scale Gloves
• Phantom Boots
• Sage’s Robe (High ES/EV chest)

Use Armourer's Scraps to raise quality to 20% while the item is normal. This boosts socketing and mod rolls.

2. Initial Mod Setup

• Scour the item to white.
• Use Orb of Transmutation to make it magic.
• Spam Alteration Orbs to roll a strong prefix (e.g., flat ES).
• Upgrade to rare with Regal Orb or Exalted Orb.

3. Force Key Mods with Essences and Omens

Use these to guarantee desirable affixes:

Monk-specific targets:

• 1500+ ES / 400+ EV on body armour
• Deflection Rating for 40% damage reduction
• Spirit Reservation Efficiency mods

4. Desecration for Advanced Mods

Use Abyss Bones to desecrate and add random mods. Then:

• Reroll with Omen of Abyssal Echoes at the Well of Souls.
• Aim for Amanamu mod: Increased Spirit Reservation Efficiency (reduces EV/ES needs by 20–30%).

5. Socketing and Linking

Use these to max out sockets and links:

Socket goals:

• 6 sockets on body armour
• 4 sockets on gloves, boots, and helmets
• Match colors to skill gems (e.g., green for Staggering Palm)

6. Optimize for Spirit and Skill Scaling

Monk builds rely heavily on Spirit for skill activation. Your gear should support:

• 220+ Spirit (achieved via high ES/EV rolls)
• Culmination II gem support
• Power Charge generation via crafted mods
• Deflection mechanics for damage mitigation

Recommended Currency Budget

Crafting a full ES/EV set requires significant investment. Here's a rough estimate:

💡 Tip: Run Citadels for Omens and Exalts. If short on time, consider trading for PoE 2 currency.

Monk Build Synergies with ES/EV Armour

Hollow Palm Monk

• No weapon required—damage scales with Dexterity.
• ES/EV armour supports aggressive melee play.
• Skills: Falling Thunder, Staggering Palm, Deflection

Deadeye Monk Hybrid

• Uses ranged Spirit skills.
• Prioritizes EV for mobility, ES for sustain.
• Skills: Spirit Arrow, Palm Barrage

Invoker Monk

• Leverages ES as a resource pool.
• Uses Mind Over Matter mechanics.
• Skills: Spirit Nova, Echoing Palm

Should You Craft Yourself?

Crafting can be rewarding but risky. Consider:

• Time investment: Farming currency and bases takes hours.
• Luck factor: Even deterministic crafting has RNG elements.
• Cost: Buying pre-crafted gear may be cheaper for casual players.

If you're aiming for endgame Monk dominance, crafting your own ES/EV armour ensures perfect synergy with your build.