The Best Leveling Uniques
Last Updated:December 24, 2024|Changelog
These are the best leveling Unique Items for each gear slot and build archetype in Path of Exile 2. Good leveling Unique gear can make progressing through the PoE 2 campaign much faster, easier, and, most importantly, more fun! If you want to level a Grenade Mercenary build, a Shockwave Totem Warrior, or even something completely unique to you, then this guide is going to have the right Unique for you.
Path of Exile 2 is in early access and is constantly being updated with new Unique items, creating an ever-evolving meta of new builds and playstyles. The newest and best leveling Unique items are going to be added here as they are released and discovered. Be sure to pin this post to be notified of any updates!
What Makes a Good Leveling Unique
The best Leveling Uniques in Path of Exile 2 are ones that:
- Provide a significant power boost.
- Solve a specific issue (such as mana problems).
- Make you move and clear packs fast.
- Keep you alive.
- Can be equipped at a low level.
- Don't need to be unequipped for a long time.
- Are readily available (not too rare or costly).
- Do something fun or interesting!
Few leveling Unique items can check all of the points on this list. The more they do they less likely they are to check the last option (being affordable). To earn a slot in this list a Unique must be the best at one of the above for a specific build or playstyle. Or, it must achieve many of the above.
The popularity of certain playstyles changes over time and specific Unique items become highly sought after — which can cause temporary price increases on items that are usually very affordable.
Items labeled in this guide as common or affordable may be expensive when you search for them. The guide is going to be updated to reflect long-term price and availability changes, but not temporary fluctuations.
The Best Mobility Uniques
Here's your best options for leveling Uniques that makes you go ZOOM! From Movement Speed boots to more unconventional options — you all know this is the most important category and that's why it's first.
#1: Wanderlust, Wrapped Sandals
The original and the best movement speed boots in Path of Exile history remain the undefeated champion of "No, I will NOT slow down".
- 20% increased Movement Speed: Wanderlust is available from level 11, but give an amount of movespeed that is not available as an affix until level 30!
- Your Speed is Unaffected by Slows: While this used to be the coveted "Cannot be Frozen" in Path of Exile 1, this modifer is actually better in PoE 2. Freeze is rare in the campaign and "Unaffected by Slow" protects you from a wider array of slowing effects (both movespeed and skill speed!).
- Common and Dirt Cheap: It's not unusual to see over 4000 results when searching for Wanderlust on trade. And with no major affixes to attempt to high roll their price is set in stone outside of Day 1 of an economy reset.
There may one day be faster leveling boots (like PoE 1's Seven-League Step), but they'll likely be expensive and have drawbacks to account for.
#2: Surefooted Sigil, Jade Amulet
You haven't dodge rolled until you've SurefootTM dodge rolled. The all important feature to evading boss slams and Sekhema traps just got a whole lot smoother.
- Solid Life and Dexterity at Only Level 8: Even if you ignore the main feature this is a solid Amulet at level 8. Some uniques have drawbacks to offset their main power, this is all upside at such a low level.
- +1 Metre to Dodge Roll Distance: You may think it doesn't sound like much, but that little extra burst makes a huge difference to the effectiveness and gameplay feel of dodge rolling. Not only do you travel further but you travel further while immune to damage. You effectively stretch out your immunity period, and this makes dodging nasty effects much easier. It's a huge boon in the Trial of the Sekhemas when getting your Ascendancy.
- A Massive Evasion Boost: It's easy to overlook, but don't forget that "50% increased Evasion Rating if You've Dodge Rolled Recently" (4 seconds). It's only relevant on builds with Evasion gear but that buff is sizeable and easily maintained without you needing to think about it.
- The Hidden Drawback: Suggesting Surefooted Sigil had no drawback was a lie, it has one huge one — you have to take it off eventually. Going back to pathetic slow rolling once you've experienced Surefoot bliss is going to take some getting used to.
Don't be fooled by the Evasion modifier into thinking that Surefooted Sigil is leveling Amulet for Rangers — anyone and everyone can, and should, use this.
#3: Bushwhack, Lizardscale Boots
It's difficult for a pair of movespeed boots to make the top leveling uniques when they are level 33 and have a high Dexterity requirement, but Bushwack manage it.
- 15-25% increased Movement Speed: If you grab a pair of Bushwack with an above 20% movement speed roll you beat any pair of Rare Boots available at this level (25% isn't available until level 50!). It's a quick run to endgame with these on.
- Physical Damage is Pinning: While this is only helpful for builds that deal Physical Damage this effect is extremely powerful when active at all times like this. Most control effects like Pinning (Cannot Move for 4 Seconds) are based around being attached to a utility skill that is dealing low amounts of damage. This modifier lets your main damage skill Pin — and it sure is going to pin!
- High Dexterity Requirement: The high attribute requirement pins these boots more towards Rangers but this issue is somewhat self-solving. With the +(10-20) Dexterity modifier you can equip them using a Dex-boosting item, like a Jade Amulet, and then unequip that item. Bushwack can then cover the shortfall.
These boost go fast, but they go even faster thanks to relativity. Because when the enemies are pinned in place your movement speed is infinitely faster than theirs — relatively speaking.
#4: Thrillsteel, Spired Greathelm
Onslaught.
In a single word Thrillsteel says so much. 20% increased Skill Speed and 10% increased Movement Speed — active all the time. It's exactly what you want for leveling.
If only Thrillsteel didn't have such a high level requirement of Level 27, which means you have to wait until the end of Act 2 to use it! And it's a Strength base-type with 50 Strength requirement so your pure Intelligence or Dexterity builds are going to struggle. And to top it off it's a bit rare and expensive compared to most other options.
But then again, Onslaught.
#5: Death Rush, Emerald Ring
Onslaught!
There's that word again. 20% Skill Speed and 10% Movement Speed on a Ring is exactly what you want in this category. Death Rush is a better way of getting that Onslaught effect for attack builds (Onslaught doesn't stack, pick one source of it only!).
The reason it's ranked lower is that it's quite rare — so the moment someone hypes this unique up its price may skyrocket (sorry). If the prices are close and you're playing an attack build take choose Death Rush for all your Onslaught needs.
Honourable Mention: Foxshade, Quilted Vest
Body Armours don't usually increase your movement speed (they actually lower it with their hidden movement speed penalty), so Foxshade gets an honourable mention. With a low Level and Dexterity requirement it is actually usable on almost any build. Thanks to the huge Evasion scaling on full life you may never want to take it off your Ranger builds.
While the movement speed increase is conditional, the high base Evasion coupled with the buff helps you keep those buffs active. But more importantly, Foxshade's movement speed buff makes you faster in between combat encounters. And Path of Exile 2 has some large zones to run through!
Mana Fixing Uniques
You don't like running out of Mana while leveling (or ever), no one does. A unique to solve that problem should be a high priority — but nothing budget-friendly gives you infinite Mana, you have to spend up for that! All of these are reliant on flasks or have a contextual buff to assist with mana, but they are still effective when part of a solid leveling setup.
#1: Midnight Braid, Rawhide Belt
Midnight Braid is a solid Level 1 Belt even if you ignore what it does for Mana. Boosted Life Recovery implicit and 5-10% All Elemental Resistances at Level 1 is very good. But add in the 30-50 Mana and the unique modifier "50% of Damage Taken Recouped as Mana" and you have a very comfortable Belt.
A Level 1 Zombie does around 10-20 damage with an attack. Your skills at this level cost a similar amount of Mana. For every hit you take you recover about half a skill use of mana at level 1, over 8 seconds. It's supplementary recovery at first but once you start to improve your ability to recover from damage and as enemies start becoming faster this ramps quickly — and Recoup stacks!
#2: Glowswarm, Lazuli Ring
Glowswarm is the simplest mana solution there is at Level 1. It gives you mana, it improves your Mana Flasks (make sure to keep them upgraded), and it gives you passive Mana Flask charges over time. You may run out of mana still occasionally, but with Glowswarm you can always bounce back.
Glowswarm is common and affordable. It's only drawback is just that it does literally nothing else besides deal with Mana. It would take the #1 slot off Midnight Braid if it did anything else (but then it'd probably be rare and expensive).
#3: Keelhaul, Linen Belt
Keelhaul is a simple belt that gives you Life and Mana Flask Charges passively and boosts both of your Flasks effectiveness. That is, so long as you get a good one.
Keelhaul can actually be terrible with low rolls, giving Reduced Flask Recovery Rate and no charges per second. Make sure to buy a good one. While Keelhaul is common, high rolls can be expensive. Check out the trading section at the end of this guide for more information on how to search for a decent Keelhaul. If you cannot find a good Keelhaul, check out Birthright Buckle, Wide Belt in the "Problem Solvers" category below for a great alternative!
#4: Dustbloom, Studded Vest
Dustbloom is a mid-Campaign level 26 Evasion chest so it's inherently fairly niche as a Mana solution. But it's a solid item that gives you a comfortable amount of Life and Mana Regeneration as long as you don't get hit too often.
#5: Alkem Eira, Blazon Crest Shield
Alkem Eira is one of the more interesting, and unusual solutions to your Mana woes. Whatever damage you block is Recouped over 8 seconds as Mana. It has some passive block chance, so it can do this while you fight without your input. But it also grants you the ability to use Raise Shield to manually block incoming attacks. Run out of mana? Just hold up your shield and your enemies fill it back up for you! It's odd and hilarious but effective, especially if you practice simply using your Raise Shield skill organically throughout combat to block hits instead of dodge rolling — which lets you stay where you are and keep up the damage.
Alkem Eira has a big drawback though: you have to use a Shield. That's fine if you were planning on doing so anyway, but not ideal if you planned on using a Focus or a Two Handed Weapon.
Gear that recovers your mana is only one half of the equation. The other is how much damage you deal! Dish out more damage per skill use (and therefore per mana spent) and Mana wont be such an issue. So take a look at damage boosting Unique gear next!
Problem Solvers
#1: Birthright Buckle, Wide Belt
Birthright Buckle makes your flasks more powerful and more available. It's a level 14 belt with a decent chunk of Armour but it's really all about the Flask Charges. With the Implicit modifier it has up to 60% increased Flask Charges gained and up to 15% Reduced Flask Charges used. That's a lot of support for your flasks. It's more powerful than Keelhaul overall, but it doesn't grant you those passive flask charges over time like Keelhaul does.
The instant recovery on Low Life and Low Mana (35% or less) is a nice added bonus, giving you burst healing or mana recovery when you need it most so you can get back into the fight. All round a solid and comfortable Belt to make leveling smoother and solve any Flask-related woes.
#2: Greymake, Brimmed Helmet
Attribute requirements can be one of the more frustrating issues you must deal with, especially when you want to use a variety of other leveling Uniques! Greymake solves that issue until mid Act 3, where it's usefulness drops off. You can plan to have a more build-specific upgrade to swap into around level 30 to 35. Just make sure you account for the falling Attributes as you level!
Damage Uniques
While you should also pick up a Unique Weapon from the relevant sections later in this guide first take a look at this list of Uniques to carry your damage that work for most, or even all builds! Some of these are specific to a damage type, like Fire Damage, pick one that matches your preferred leveling skills!
#1: Crown of the Victor, Iron Crown
Crown of the Victor lives up to it's name and takes top spot here. Not because it gives the most damage (it doesn't), but because it works on almost any build and is quite common. It's broadly useful affixes means you can keep a Crown of the Victor in your stash and break it out for at least a little while on every new character you make.
#2: Blackheart, Iron Ring
Blackheart has decent added flat damage to attacks for the first 10 levels of the campaign but that's not the important affix. That 25% chance to Intimidate Enemies on Hit is what matters to you. Intimidate causes affected enemies to deal 10% reduced damage and take 10% increased damage. On a level 1 Ring this is a a great buff for any build, all you need to do is hit the enemy — Even summoners can take advantage of that one.
#3: Lochtonial Caress, Tempered Mitts
Loctonial Caress does what you want the most for your low level characters — it gives them speed.
- 10-15% Skill Speed: A fancy way of saying it gives you Cast Speed and Attack speed.
- Reduced Maximum Mana: A noteworthy drawback, as Max Mana also scales your Mana Regeneration. You should pair these with another leveling unique to manage your Mana.
Added life and a manageable 27 Strength requirement make Lochtonial Caress a solid pickup for any build.
The affix rolls are pretty important on this Unique, try to at least get good Skill Speed.
#4: Levinstone, Topaz Ring
While Levinstone is only useful to you if you are leveling with Lightning Skills it's strong enough that you use it whenever you can.
If you can afford it, grab a pair of these for your lightning build leveling and eagerly await your level 16 power spike!
#5: Cracklecreep
Cracklecreep is only useful for Fire builds but it's impactful enough to scrape into this top 5 with some decent damage, life and mana sustain, and a fun, pack-clear-boosting effect.
- 20-30% increase Fire damage is reasonably impactful early game when you have little other scaling.
- Notable low level Life and Mana sustain through regeneration.
- A good ring base with Fire Resistance.
- Ignite Proliferation! Igniting an enemy slowly spreads that ignite to other nearby enemies. While it does have a small radius and is a bit slow it actually can spread from the burning corpses of enemies. That effect makes it help clean up stragglers and creates an persistent "area denial" effect on enemy corpses!
Unlike many other Unique Rings, it's not worth using two Cracklecreep. You'd be better off pairing it with a Blackheart or a regular rare Ring with some nice added flat Fire Damage.
Defensive Uniques for Any Build
#1: Goldrim, Felt Cap
Goldrim is the "I just don't want to worry about Resistances" Unique. Slap this Felt Cap on and not only are you going to look very stylish but, you also gain a healthy 25-35% to All Elemental Resistances. Monster damage at low levels is tuned around you having little to no Elemental Resistance, so Goldrim can make you feel pretty immortal as part of a leveling unique set. It only has a level 10 and 20 Dexterity requirement, making it pretty viable to us on any build. It's not very flashy but it gets the job done and makes it easier to use other power-boosting Uniques that don't have any Resists. It's biggest drawback it is that it's mildly rare and very popular, a combination that means higher resistance rolls can be pricey.
#2: Revered Resin, Amber Amulet
Revered Resin gives you a large amount of Life, makes your Life Flasks more powerful, and makes sure they never run out. It's also very common and cheap. It's not exciting but it keeps you alive — just make sure to keep upgrading your Life Flasks!
#3: The Black Doubt, Hexer's Robe
The Black Doubt is a fascinating Unique to build your defenses around while leveling, especially considering it's only Level 11. This one item can change your entire Campaign leveling journey in a dramatic way thanks to it's unique modifier: "Sacrifice 10% of Mana per second to Recover that much Life".
With this item you grab as much Mana and Intelligence as you can, and put some investment towards recovering mana. The more mana you get the more wild this Unique's healing is going to be — it's entirely possible to simply out heal much of the damage you take with this thing.
To make things really interesting, pair it with the belt Midnight Braid. Now taking damage recovers you mana, which is used to heal you!
This is definitely not one of those Uniques you can just slap on your leveling character to win. It's an item you have to build around — but it's going to be a rewarding experience if done right.
#4: Wandering Reliquary, Steel Plate
If you want to make a tanky melee Warrior and unrelentingly walk through enemies then this one is for you. Wandering Reliquary lets you build around taking damage to heal. Half of the Physical damage you do not take from hits is recovered as Life over 8 seconds.
- Recoup stacks, so it can build up to a large amount while despite each hit taken only giving a small amount of recovery per second.
- Stack Armour easily while leveling by checking the vendors for Armour gear and by using some Essences of Enhancement on the highest level available Helmets, Gloves or Shields.
- The X% additional Physical Damage Reduction modifier on Shields is very powerful for this as well.
- Note: Block doesn't work.
- Remember that it's Physical Damage, not elemental damage. Make sure your resistances as good for when you're getting fireballed. The good news is that most enemies in Path of Exile do some amount of Physical damage.
It doesn't make you run fast and it doesn't explode enemies, but it's a lot of fun to face tank and have some "build-around" mechanics to make leveling more engaging. Wandering Reliquary is great for exactly that.
#5: Feathered Fortress, Crescent Targe
You usually have to make a decision as a shield wielder: do I stay and Raise Shield and Block or do I move out of the way? With the Feathered Fortress you no longer have to think such complicated thoughts. If you see a big bonk coming your way you just Block and run away!
Energy Shield Build Leveling Uniques
#1: Ghostwrithe, Tattered Robe
At level 1 Ghostwrithe gives you a very large amount of Energy Shield. It's got a lot of flat added Energy Shield and it also converts half of your life into Energy Shield! If you use this item by itself you are highly likely to die. While you're in combat and taking damage your Energy Shield cannot recover. Despite the large numbers, with no recovery drains to 0 and your tiny Life pool wont be of any comfort to you.
But Ghostwrithe is amazing if you can recover your Energy Shield properly! Use other items on this list like Luminous Pace, Straw Sandals and Deathrattle, Twig Focus and keep your massive Energy Shield pool full. It comes with a hefty chunk of Chaos Resistance too - which is essential as Chaos deals double damage to Energy Shield. And don't forget that Life Conversion modifier let's you get more Energy Shield by stacking Life! Grab some extra strength or Life on gear (along with actual Energy Shield) and watch those numbers soar.
#2: Luminous Pace, Straw Sandals
Luminous Pace aren't the fastest boots, though 10% at level 1 is as good as you're going to get for a while. They're extremely common and cheap, which is almost enough by itself to get them on the list. What elevates these adorably-glowing boots is their low level requirement and their boost to the usefulness of Energy Shield in the early game.
Your Monk or Sorceress (or perhaps your particularly adventurous Warrior) has a hard time recovering Energy Shield in the early campaign, which severely limits its potency as a defensive layer. Energy Shield doesn't protect you if it's not there!
Luminous Pace, to put it plainly, makes your Energy Shield begin its recharge twice as fast. And that can be the difference between having some vs having none the next time you get hit. Even if you plan to use Wanderlust at level 11, Luminous Pace are cheap and only level 1, a perfect choice until then.
#3: Deathrattle, Twig Focus
In addition to being a reasonable Level 1 Focus, Deathrattle has a chance to start your Energy Shield Recharge whenever you kill things. Energy Shield leveling can be very powerful, but only if you have a way of keeping it filled up and this is a great active way to achieve that until you can unlock other solutions. Pair it with Luminous Pace and you have a well-rounded Energy Shield setup for the early game!
#4: Bitterbloom, Feathered Robe
Bitterbloom gives you the best Energy Shield recovery option by far: use a Mana Flask and it starts to Recharge. It even has a 50% boost to Energy Shield Recovery Rate! The reason it's not #1 is simply because despite how powerful those effects both are it is a Level 5 Body Armour and simply does not have much Energy Shield — at some point you must replace it to keep growing your Energy Shield pool. Until then though, if you're not using Ghostwrith, use this instead!
#5: Crown of Thorns, Twig Circlet
This spikey hat gives you a ton of Energy Shield, with a slight drawback: you lose 5 life per skill use (this does not damage your Energy Shield). Right at Level 1 when you can first equip Crown of Thorns this is an issue as you have limited passive life recovery. It's possible to manage with just a Life Flask but to be more comfortable get an item with a small amount of Life Regen or some life gain on kill. That small issue dealt with leaves you with a way to bolster your Energy Shield numbers significantly when paired with the rest of the Energy Shield Uniques on this list. This archetype works really well when you start bundling items together.
Pain Attunement gives 30% More Critical Damage Bonus at Low Life (35% Life or less), but 30% Less Critical Damage Bonus at Full Life.
Crown of Thorns does help activate low life by damaging your Life, but this is rarely relevant at low levels because you don't have much chance of actually dealing a Critical Strike.
Bow Build Leveling Uniques
#1: Widowhail, Crude Bow
Widowhail is an awful Unique Bow, until you equip a good Quiver. It acts as a multiplier for whatever affixes are on your Quiver — added flat damage, attack speed, critical modifiers, even the implicit and corruption effects. There's a threshold where you equip a Widowhail with a certain quality of Quiver and you outperform any other bow you could level with.
Do yourself a favour and don't read the Analysis spoiler below. To keep it simple, Widowhail typically outperforms the best rare leveling bows in the Campaign with similar price points. And it scales other modifiers like life gain on hit, skill speed and gem levels! It's an expensive but very fun and powerful weapon.
Widowhail DPS Analysis Info Overload (Don't Read This)
Note: Don't use the following (or any) Unique Quivers with Widowhail! It needs high added flat damage like the example Rare quiver. You should use Unique Quivers alongside more conventional bows.
A Widowhail is only as good as it's Quiver.
#2: Asphyxia's Wrath, Broadhead Quiver
Asphyxia's Wrath does everything right and it's hard to not give it the #1 spot, but it's just not the powerhouse Widowhail can be with a some Currency investment. Pair it with Grip of Winter, Firm Bracers for overwhelmingly crunchy Cold damage leveling.
Don't worry about not having a lot of Cold skills on a bow to use with Asphyxia's Wrath — adding Cold damage to your Lightning Arrow setup is a great strategy. If you have a bit of extra currency you can add a Call of the Brotherhood later on to round things out.
#3: Plaguefinger, Gauze Wraps
Bows have a lot of Poison skill support and the Pathfinder for the Ranger leans hard into that as well. Plaguefinger is excellent because it solves the fundamental problem with leveling Poison builds — your damage is a mixed mess of elements during the campaign! These unique gloves ensure that whatever random fire damage you have on your ring and that lightning rune you socketed into your cold damage bow actually helps your Poison damage. Do not leave home with these if you plan on a Poison Ranger playthrough!
#4: Blackgleam, Fire Quiver
Asphyxia's Wrath is a tough act to follow for a Quiver but Blackgleam is truly doing it's best. There's virtually no support for Fire Damage in the Bow Skill set but Blackgleam still gets out of bed each day and tries it's hardest for your leveling build. It gives you some Added Fire Damage and Chance to Ignite, and it let's you pierce Ignited enemies with all of your attacks. Blackgleam is super cheap and you truly would use it to boost your leveling clear speed if the Asphyxia's setup wasn't so good.
Hang in there Blackgleam, I'm sure Burning Arrow is getting added to the game soon!
Crossbow Build Leveling Uniques
#1: Radiant Grief, Lace Hood
Radiant Grief may seem like a strange pick for a top Crossbow leveling Unique but not when you consider it's interaction with Gas Grenade's Explosion.
Radiant Grief ignites any enemy within a radius of 6m, which is about two-thirds of what you can see on your monitor (provided you have line of sight to the enemy). It's only a small amount of Burning damage, but that doesn't matter. Even 1 burning DPS would be enough. Gas Grenade's Explosion detonates instantly when the cloud touches an Ignited enemy. The Ignite also lets you take advantage of the powerful Immolate with full effect and no downside!
This creates a fast, explosive and fun leveling setup with Gas Grenade that you can use from level 16 onwards. And it's not even a bad helmet with a bit of Evasion and Fire Resistance - throw a Rune in there and maybe a Vaal Orb if you're feeling spicy and want to try and get something like a +30 Spirit Radiant Grief!
#2: Mist Whisper, Makeshift Crossbow
Mercenary Crossbow somewhat tricky early game leveling can be carried by Permafrost Bolts and Fragmentation Rounds quite nicely. With the Level 1 Crossbow Mist Whisper you can push this setup to extreme levels.
Instead of using the Pierce support on Permafrost you can let Mist Whisper chain the projectiles around to easily Freeze entire packs, which can then be detonated in a glorious explosion with Fragmentation Rounds.
Pair with Grip of Winter, Firm Bracers at level 11 and this setup can carry you deep into Act 2 where you can transition over to a glorious Grenade leveling build as seen in our guide here.
You can Corrupt or buy a Mist Whisper with a damage enchant like Added Cold Damage to massively boost it's power and longevity!
#3: Rampart Raptor, Tense Crossbow
For those who like to go "brrr" there is Rampart Raptor. This Crossbow slows your reloads down but gives you massive attack speed and gives you infinite ammo for 4 seconds after you reload. You get to turn the shotgun skills like the satisfyingly potent Galvanic Shards into automatic Machine shotguns — what's not to love?
Spellcaster Leveling Uniques
#1: Lifesprig
The long-term classic for Path of Exile spellcaster leveling remains in top form. It starts at low levels and gives Cast speed, up to +3 spell levels and a small amount of healing as you cast spells. It's too bad Wands can't be dual-wielded! It's powerful, common and cheap*.
You wont get a Level 1 version for cheap! The level requirement of Lifesprig scales based on where it drops, making Level 1's quite rare and expensive. Buying a level 10 or 14 may be a better option.
Some Uniques that grant skills have variable level requirements! Lifesprig's Mana Drain skill is Skill Level 4 if the Lifsprig drops as Item Level 10, making the level requirement also 10. A Lifesprig that drops in the endgame might have a Level 17 Mana Drain, making the Lifesprig's Level Requirement Level 72!
Don't scam yourself — Pay attention to the level requirements of any Unique Items that grant skills before you buy!
#2: Earthbound
Lots of Lightning Damage and Speed to support a Staff that triggers Sparks everywhere as you clear through packs of enemies. Earthbound may not be great for bossing (use it on a weapon swap), but it's got lightning fast zone clear potential! Stack lightning damage and use your choice of Lightning Spell (or the granted Lightning Bolt) and enjoy riding the lightning. Make sure to get something to get something from the Mana Solving Unique category though to help with the Mana Costs.
Earthbound is another Unique that scales with drop level as it grants the Lightning Bolt and Spark skills. Buy a starter Earthbound (level 10 or under) and then get a couple more at higher level breakpoints (level 20, 30, 40 and so on) to keep the power levels high, letting you use it through the entire leveling process.
Granted Skills:
Lightning Bolt
Spark
#3: Dusk Vigil
Dusk Vigil is, on first glance, the Fire version of Earthbound. It grants Firebolt and Ember Fusillade. Ember Fusillade is triggered on casting any other spell, stacking up motes of fire above your head. When you stop casting it unleashes them in a barrage at nearby enemies (spreading around if possible). If there is only one enemy nearby, for example a Boss, then it unleashes entirely on them.
Dusk Vigil can be your primary weapon in a fire themed setup as it enhances your clear speed and single target damage. But and even more fun idea is to use it as a weapon swap for single target alongside the faster clearspeed Earthbound!
#4: Threaded Light + Enfolding Dawn
Threaded Light gives up to 12% increased Spell Damage per 10 Spirit. Combined with the fairly solid Enfolding Dawn and your first +30 Spirit permanent buff halfway through Act 1, that's 156% increased Spell Damage.
And not to mention all the Spirit you could want for running Spirit Skills. You can create a hybrid summoner or just use this as a way to scale a regular spellcaster while getting some extra Spirit skill supports.
A Sceptre with suffixes like this would give another 216% increased Spell Damage. It's likely only worth it if you are leveling as a hybrid spell caster / summoner.
If you're playing a pure spellcaster you'd likely gain more benefit by using a Wand giving more base damage.
Mace Build Leveling Uniques
#1: Horns of Bynden, Rusted Greathelm / Wings of Caelyn, Rusted Greathelm
The twin helmets of Bynden and Caelyn are both excellent leveling uniques for Melee builds. The Horns of Bynden likely come out ahead due to the top Strength roll giving upwards of 60 Life. Both helmets grant 1 Rage on Melee Hit, with small differences in an added bonus.
Rage grants 1% more Attack Damage per stack, up to 30 total. It decays quickly but is maintained as long as you have attacked or taken damage in the last 2 seconds. Regardless of what melee setup you're doing, ramping up to 30% more damage to all of your attacks is a big bonus. Bynden and Caelyn's Greathelms also makes other Rage scaling options like Berserk, Rageforged, and Enraged Warcry much more powerful.
#2: Frostbreath
Frostbreath is a one-handed Mace with a good amount of Cold and Physical damage at level 10. It grants Culling Strike against frozen enemies, a solid damage boost. And that Freeze condition is going to be happening all the time thanks to the most important modifier:
All Damage from Hits with this Weapon Contributes to Freeze Buildup.
Grab whatever other damage you can on Gloves, Rings and Runes. Then enjoy the satisfying shatters Warrior playstyles don't usually get to enjoy!
#3: Hrimnor's Hymn, Oak Greathammer
Hrimnor's Hymn is a great big bonker with a lot of damage at level 4 and the very fun effect causing all slam skills to have Aftershocks!
Aftershocks are bursts of area damage that occur after the initial impact of the skill causing them. If not otherwise specified, the Aftershock will deal the same damage as the initial impact, in the same area.
It's a solid two handed Mace that's only real drawback is that it wont have enough damage by mid Act 2. Well worth using to enjoy Warrior's rough early game though!
#4: Treefingers, Riveted Mitts
These gloves grant a good chunk of Physical Damage and the Passive Keystone Giant's Blood. Being able to Dual Wield Two Handed Maces or use a Shield with one is obviously a huge power buff. The Shields are obvious but Dual Wielding lets you get the damage and effects of two weapons in the same attack at a penalty (30% less damage for each weapon on Earthquake, for example. A big net positive as long as both weapons are good).
The biggest concern with Giant's Blood is the Tripled Attribute requirements of weapons. So these gloves are best paired with a Unique like Meginord's Girdle or Greymake.
Quarterstaff Leveling Uniques
#1: Pillar of the Caged God
Pillar of the Caged God is an unusual weapon in that it has no base damage but massive scaling potential. The primary idea is to stack as much other sources of added flat damage as possible, and as much Attributes as possible (especially Strength). Socket Pillar of the Caged God with added damage runes like this and get extra damage on Rings and Gloves.
Other Uniques to consider pairing with Pillar of the Caged God:
- Meginord's Girdle
- Greymake
- Titanrot Cataphract
"Stat-stacking" builds like this are very fun and strong ways to level a character that can continue well into endgame. Keep an eye out for good Rare or Magic items with Attributes and flat Added Damage to scale!
#2: The Blood Thorn
If you don't want to overcomplicate things then the Blood Thorn might be more to your tastes. Big level 1 Physical Damage (socket it with 2x Iron Runes) and Quality it up! It also guarantees bleeds on each hit. This amplifies damage further and helps you clean up stragglers that survive your initial hits. Big damage, low level and super common. A good candidate for Corruption if you want to push it a bit further.
#3: Painter's Servant
Combining Painter's Servant with Tempest Bell gives you a way to apply lots of different Ailments for some very entertaining fireworks. Embrace the chaos and add whatever random damage bonus gear you can. That the gloves have solid resistances at level 1 is a huge bonus.
#2: Jarngreipr
Jarngreipr are great leveling Gloves for any attack build. Physical damage, attack speed and life all on a level 6 base. They feature here because they make it super easy for a Warrior or Mercenary to deal with Attributes for Quarterstaff leveling. They let you just stack Strength and not think about complicated matters like Intelligence.
#4: Grip of Winter, Firm Bracers
Grip of Winter have been sighted multiple times in these lists in conjunction with other unique items. For Quarterstaff leveling they finally get to stand alone. Good Cold Damage and great Ailment scaling give you a solid little boost to both Offence and Defence. And it just so happens that skill support for Cold Damage in the Quarterstaff archetype.
Summoner Leveling Uniques
#1: Oaksworn
Oaksworn may not appear to be as powerful as Enfolding Dawn, the next item on this list, but looks can be deceptive. Oaksworn is the only Shield that grants you Spirit. It lets you swap out your main hand Wand with a Low Level Spirit and Aura Sceptre, and use Oakswarn in your offhand for extra Spirit and defence. You should also note the hefty Chaos Resistance it includes as a bonus, making this a potentially best in slot for leveling a Summoner.
#2: Enfolding Dawn
Enfolding Dawn gives a massive amount of Spirit right from Level 1 to summon Minions and it somehow gets to have up to 15% to all Elemental Resistances. Use it to spam Skeletal Warriors and Skeletal Snipers. What more could you want? The downside of Mana loss from Intelligence can be an issue so take a look at Mana Solving uniques earlier in the article and also the next item, Gravebind.
For more information on leveling a Summoner build that would use Oaksworn and Enfolding Dawn check out our guide!
#3: Gravebind
Gravebind let you claim credit for your minion's kills — typical. They also give you up to 10 life and 6 mana per enemy killed by you, and now your minions! A nice little sustain option tailor made to smooth out Summoner early game.
The Decadent Bourgeoisie Leveling Unique Awards
And now, the award for the most ostentatious, flagrant displays of wealth in leveling Unique society...
The Winner: Astramentis
"Astramentis is only level 25 and can give well over 100 Strength, Intelligence and Dexterity? Wow! That sounds great for my Pillar of the Caged God Melee Witch Build I'm working on! Let me just open up trade and grab one real qui..."
Final Words of Timmy Two-Chaos
Runner Up: Thief's Torment
Thief's Torment is what happens when you get a leveling Unique that truly solves Mana problems without any (real) drawbacks! Instead of a trade price of 1 Exalted Orb for the humble Glowswarm like the plebians spend, you spend upwards of 5 Divine Orbs on a Thief's Torment.
And for your ostentatious display of wealth you get a leveling unique that does:
- Everything.
But what about that drawback? You'd wear zero rings if it meant you could equip a Thief's Torment and you know it.
The Truly Tragic Leveling Unique Awards
Last — and certainly least — the award for the most truly tragic Leveling Unique! They really tried, these items really tried... poor things.
The Winner: Elevore, Hunter Hood
Elevore seems to be implying that Charms are somehow worth dedicating your entire Helmet slot to. It's overlooking the fact that you only have one charm equipped while leveling and that it's likely playing an extremely subtle role in your leveling experience. And it's ignoring the fact that Charms tend to consume 40 charges per use. This helmet gives you one extra use per 1 minute and 20 seconds. One?! Just One?! You're better off turning this into a Chance Shard.
1st Runner Up: Erian's Cobble, Guarded Helm
Erian's Cobble is hilarious but it is not a good leveling unique. Hilarious because it looks more like an Appendix to Lord of the Rings than a Helmet. Even more hilarious: it can also roll all 0's on it's modifiers, which would give you a unique helmet with no affixes.
With so many lines of text you'd be forgiven for thinking it must at least be better than other low level helmets. And sure, if you manage to get mostly top rolls it's pretty competitive with Rare and Magic Helmets at level 11 — but not by much. And you're average rolls are barely going to beat a Magic helm. It would be a great item if it also had small amounts of added physical, Lightning, Cold and Fire damage. But for now it's mostly good for meme collectors trying to find the "perfect" 0-modifer Erian's Cobble.
Second Runner Up, No Wait First, Wait Third. Gah Just Give them the Award: Gamblesprint, Embossed Boots
In theory Gamblesprint is amazing — low level boots that can get up to 40% increased Movement speed! That's more than even endgame boots. And even if you calculate it "on paper" they give 20% movement speed, very good at level 16!
But reality is often disappointing. In Gamblesprint you have boots that do not make you feel like you're speeding up... They make you feel like you're slowing down! And at worst they can make it feel like your internet is dying as you stutter from 2% movespeed to 38% movespeed and back again. When you do get hit and drop to a low movement speed your instinct is going to be to try and get hit again! They may work for you if you are a "glass half full" kind of person but, when it comes to Movement speed in Path of Exile 2 most of us are firmly "Glass Half Empty".
How to Get Leveling Uniques
There are many Unique Items in Path of Exile 2 and you simply wont find all of the ones you want to use while leveling a new build. Hunting down more monsters, incorporating increased Item Rarity modifiers, using Golden Charms, and using item types like the Gold Amulet and Gold Ring helps you find more Uniques. But even then, you cannot be sure that the specific unique you want is going to drop. This guide may help you find a use for an interesting low-level Unique item you find, but the best way to get what you want is through trade.
Trading for Leveling Uniques
Trading is the most practical way to obtain specific Unique items for leveling new builds in Path of Exile 2. Here's how to search for and buy them.
To quickly buy a leveling Unique item:
- Ensure you have at least a few Exalted Orbs to trade with. You can use the Currency Exchange to convert other currencies into Exalted Orbs as needed.
- Head to the official Path of Exile 2 Trade site, sign in and select the correct League (Standard, Hardcore etc).
- Type the name of the Unique Item you wish to buy and click search.
- Click "Direct Whisper" to message the seller instantly and await a party invite or response! If they do not respond they may be busy or unavailable, just move on to the next option.
To ensure you get a good deal and a well-rolled leveling Unique follow these additional instruction first:
- Refine your search to better versions of the unique by clicking the "Filter by Item Stats" button and adjusting the minimum value of desired stats. Note: Uncheck the boxes on irrelevant affixes! This avoids breaking your search with special-case items like corruptions.
- Learn the ranges on your desired affixes by highlighting the modifier in the search results and noting the blue text. For example: [40-60]
- Under "Trade Filters" input a Maximum buyout price in Exalted Orbs to avoid issues with items listed for Divine Orbs or other currencies.
To learn more check out our guide on trading and our guide on making Currency.
Click the image to enlarge the trade site guide to buying leveling Uniques!
Summary
Leveling Uniques can make it much faster and more fun to level additional builds in Path of Exile 2. Here's a quick summary of the top leveling Unique items of each category:
- Movement Speed: Wanderlust
- Mana Solving: Midnight Braid, Rawhide Belt
- Problem Solving: Birthright Buckle, Wide Belt
- Damage (Generalist): Crown of the Victor, Iron Crown
- Defensive (Any Build): Goldrim, Felt Cap
- Energy Shield: Luminous Pace, Straw Sandals
- Bow Builds: Widowhail, Crude Bow
- Crossbow Builds: Radiant Grief, Lace Hood
- Spellcaster: Lifesprig
- Mace Builds: Horns of Bynden, Rusted Greathelm / Wings of Caelyn, Rusted Greathelm
- Quarterstaves: Pillar of the Caged God
- Summoner: Enfolding Dawn
- Super Expensive: Thief's Torment + Ingenuity + Astramentis.
Credits
Written by: ZIGGYD
Reviewed by: Havoc, Helmbreaker, Tenkiei