Welcome to the most comprehensive Monk League Starter guide for Patch 0.5 (Return of the Ancients). Monk has a notoriously rough early game, so this guide is built around flexibility – offering multiple tested build variants so you can pick the one that fits your playstyle and goals best.
⚔️ Build Variants – Level 1 to 22
Choose one of four starting variants. Each is tested and reliable. All paths lead to the same Hollow Palm transition.
| Variant | Playstyle | Best For |
| Glacial Cascade | Ranged cold spell, chaining projectiles | Safe, easy kiting |
| Explosive Grenades | AoE fire damage, mines | Aggressive clear speed |
| Twister | Physical/chaos projectile, piercing | All rounder, smooth scaling |
| Lightning Arrow | Ranged lightning bow attack | Fast leveling, good single target |
You can stick with your chosen variant until level 22, then transition to Hollow Palm. The exact skill gem links, support gems, and gear recommendations will be filled in after the May 21 patch notes – but the core structure remains the same.
“We will focus on getting Hollow Palm Technique at level 22 specifically so we can make the most of the league starter before transitioning.”
⏳ Why Level 22 for Hollow Palm?
We’re not rushing Hollow Palm earlier for a reason. Waiting until level 22 allows you to:
- Unlock key Passive Tree nodes that scale Hollow Palm’s damage.
- Acquire Skill Gems that synergize with unarmed attacks.
- Find or craft gear with EV/ES – Hollow Palm scales with Skill Level & EV/ES on gear.
“The reason why we are not going for HPT faster is so we can unlock Passive Tree Nodes, Skill Gems & Gear that will empower HPT even more when we get it, since it scales with Skill Level & EV/ES on gear.”
🌀 Transition – Hollow Palm Technique (Level 22+)
Once you reach level 22, transition to Hollow Palm Technique. This build leverages:
- Martial Artist Ascendancy – brand new for Patch 0.5.
- Monk exclusive abilities – unarmed attack skills.
- EV/ES stacking – evasion and energy shield boost damage.
Post 22 Build Options
| Build | Level | Focus |
| Storm Wave / Hollow Palm | 22+ | AoE lightning waves, great clear |
| Whirling Assault / Hollow Palm | 41+ | High mobility, single target |
| Ice Strike / Hollow Palm | 41+ | Freeze mechanics, defensive layer |
These builds will be expanded once patch notes drop on May 21.
🔮 Endgame Build – Coming Soon
An Endgame Variant section is in the works and will be added as soon as we have enough information to theory craft a complete and reliable setup. Expect:
- Full passive tree for level 90+
- Gear recommendations (EV/ES stacking, unique items)
- Skill gem links for endgame mapping and bossing
- Martial Artist Ascendancy node choices
📊 Quick Reference – Leveling Roadmap
| Levels | Build | Notes |
| 1–22 | Glacial Cascade / Explosive Grenades / Twister / Lightning Arrow | Pick one, level smoothly |
| 22 | Transition to Hollow Palm Technique | Unlock passive nodes & gear first |
| 22+ | Storm Wave / Hollow Palm | Great for clearing |
| 41+ | Whirling Assault or Ice Strike / Hollow Palm | Higher single target, mobility |
💬 BuyCarry Team’s Take
Monk’s early game is famously painful – but with the right starter, you can breeze through to Hollow Palm without tearing your hair out. This guide gives you four proven paths.
What we like:
- Choice matters – not everyone enjoys grenades or bows. Having four variants covers different playstyles.
- Delayed Hollow Palm – waiting until level 22 is smart. Rushing it too early leaves damage on the table.
- Martial Artist Ascendancy – a fresh way to play Monk, distinct from traditional caster or attack builds.
What we’re waiting on:
- Patch notes on May 21 may change skill interactions. We’ll update the guide immediately.
- Endgame section is still in theory crafting – check back after launch.
For our clients:
- Don’t want to struggle through the early levels? Our boosters can level your Monk from 1 to 22 (or straight to endgame) while you sleep.
- Need help optimizing your Hollow Palm gear or passive tree? We offer coaching.
- Want a fully geared Martial Artist Monk ready for maps? Contact us.
Final verdict: A solid, flexible starter guide. Pick your poison, level to 22, swap to Hollow Palm, and enjoy the Monk’s newfound power. We’ll keep this guide updated post patch notes.
🎮 Our Path of Exile 2 Services
- ⚡ Monk Power Leveling (1–22 / 1–90) – Skip the rough early levels and jump straight to Hollow Palm.
- 👊 Hollow Palm & Martial Artist Coaching – Optimize your gear, passive tree, and skill links.
- 📦 Endgame Ready Monk Package – Full leveling, gearing, and mapping setup tailored to Patch 0.5.
❓ FAQ – Monk League Starter
Q1: Which starting variant is best for beginners?
A: Glacial Cascade is the safest – ranged, good crowd control, and easy kiting.
Q2: Why can’t I start with Hollow Palm at level 1?
A: Hollow Palm Technique requires certain passive nodes, skill levels, and gear that you can’t access until around level 22.
Q3: When will the endgame section be ready?
A: After the May 21 patch notes drop. We’ll update the guide promptly.
Q4: Can I use Hollow Palm with other ascendancies?
A: This guide focuses on the Martial Artist Ascendancy (new for 0.5). Other ascendancies may work but aren’t tested.
Q5: What stats should I prioritize on gear for Hollow Palm?
A: EV (Evasion) and ES (Energy Shield) – Hollow Palm scales with these. Also Skill Level and attack speed.
Q6: Can BuyCarry help me level my Monk?
A: Yes – power leveling, gear acquisition, and endgame farming. Contact us.
Source: Community testing and live streaming – May 2026. Updated for Patch 0.5.