Once players have explored most of the new content and systems introduced in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.4.0, the natural next goal becomes long-term progression. For many, that means farming currency efficiently, pushing into higher-tier maps, and refining a build capable of handling both speed-focused content and dangerous endgame encounters. Achieving this balance requires a build that feels smooth to play, scales well with investment, and remains reliable even as difficulty increases.

The Ice Shot Deadeye build in Patch 0.4.0 is one such option. It stands out for its exceptional clear speed, strong crowd control through freezing and chilling, and a surprisingly high level of survivability for a bow-based archetype. By combining Deadeye's projectile-focused ascendancy bonuses with cold damage scaling and efficient positioning, this build excels in both mapping and mid-to-high tier endgame farming. Below, we will break down the core configuration, supporting skill gems, currency considerations, gear choices, and practical gameplay tips to help you make the most of this build.

Ice Shot Deadeye Build Core Configuration

At the heart of this build is Ice Shot, a bow skill that converts a portion of physical damage into cold damage and creates a chilling area on impact. In Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.4.0, Ice Shot benefits greatly from improved projectile interactions and cold ailment scaling, making it ideal for fast-paced clearing.

The Deadeye ascendancy is chosen primarily for its synergy with projectile skills. Bonuses such as increased projectile speed, additional projectiles, and improved accuracy dramatically enhance Ice Shot's coverage and consistency. These bonuses allow the build to clear large packs with minimal repositioning, which is essential for efficient farming.

Defensively, the build relies on a combination of evasion, movement speed, and crowd control. Enemies that are chilled or frozen are significantly less threatening, and Deadeye's mobility ensures you are rarely locked into dangerous situations. Rather than relying on heavy armor or energy shield, this build thrives on avoiding damage altogether while controlling the battlefield.

Other Skill Gems and Support Gems

While Ice Shot is the main damage skill, it is supported by several secondary gems that enhance both offense and survivability.

Auras and buffs play a major role. Cold-damage-focused auras increase overall damage output, while evasion or movement-related buffs help maintain survivability. Utility skills such as movement abilities are essential, allowing you to reposition quickly during boss fights or escape dangerous ground effects.

Support gems for Ice Shot should prioritize cold damage scaling, projectile efficiency, and attack speed. Increased cold damage, elemental penetration, and projectile modifiers all contribute to faster clears and more reliable freezes. Attack speed supports are especially valuable, as they improve both damage output and the responsiveness of the build.

Defensive utility gems, such as those providing temporary damage mitigation or emergency movement options, round out the setup. These tools are especially useful in Patch 0.4.0 content, where enemy density and damage spikes can be punishing if you are caught off guard.

Path of Exile 2 Currency Considerations

One of the major advantages of the Ice Shot Deadeye build is its scalability. It performs well on a moderate budget but continues to improve significantly with investment. Early on, you can focus on farming currency through fast mapping, taking advantage of the build's clear speed to complete content quickly.

As you accumulate Path of Exile 2 Currency, prioritizing upgrades that directly improve damage consistency and survivability is key. Weapons with higher physical damage and added cold damage provide immediate benefits, while improved gear with evasion and resistances helps stabilize defenses.

Because the build clears content quickly, it is well-suited for repeated farming strategies, such as running efficient map layouts or league mechanics that reward speed. Over time, this steady income allows you to refine your gear and push into more challenging content without feeling underpowered.

Best Gear Choices

Gear selection plays a crucial role in maximizing the effectiveness of the Ice Shot Deadeye build. The bow is the single most important item, as it directly determines your base damage. Look for bows with high physical damage, attack speed, and modifiers that enhance cold or elemental damage. Added cold damage and increased elemental damage with attacks are particularly valuable.

Quivers should complement your offensive stats, offering bonuses to projectile damage, attack speed, or critical chance if you choose to scale crits. Defensive stats such as life and resistances are also important, especially as you progress into higher-tier content.

Armor pieces should prioritize evasion, life, and elemental resistances. Movement speed on boots is essential, as it synergizes with Deadeye's playstyle and helps you maintain momentum while mapping. Helmets and gloves can provide additional damage modifiers, such as increased cold damage or attack speed, while still contributing to survivability.

Jewelry offers flexibility. Rings and amulets can be used to fine-tune resistances, add flat cold damage, or improve critical scaling. As your budget grows, upgrading jewelry often provides some of the most noticeable improvements to overall performance.

How to Use This Build

Playing the Ice Shot Deadeye effectively is all about positioning and flow. During mapping, the goal is to keep moving while firing Ice Shot into packs from a safe distance. Thanks to Deadeye's projectile bonuses, you rarely need to stop or aim precisely; most enemies will be hit and chilled before they can threaten you.

For tougher enemies and bosses, maintaining distance is critical. Use your movement skills to avoid telegraphed attacks and reposition as needed. The chilling and freezing effects of Ice Shot help control the pace of the fight, giving you windows to deal damage safely.

As you progress deeper into endgame content, learning enemy patterns becomes increasingly important. While the build has strong survivability for a bow character, it still relies on avoiding direct hits. Proper timing, smart movement, and effective use of utility skills will ensure consistent success.

Conclusion

The Ice Shot Deadeye build in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.4.0 is an excellent choice for players seeking a fast, fluid, and rewarding playstyle. With its combination of high clear speed, reliable crowd control, and scalable defenses, it performs exceptionally well in both currency farming and endgame progression.

Whether you are looking to refresh your league experience or invest in a build capable of pushing deeper content, Ice Shot Deadeye offers a compelling balance of power and playability. With thoughtful gear choices, smart POE 2 Currency investment, and a solid understanding of positioning, this build can carry you confidently through everything Patch 0.4.0 has to offer.