Leveling in Path of Exile 2 can feel very different depending on the class you choose. The Warrior is the tanky melee bruiser archetype, designed to stand toe-to-toe with enemies while swinging massive weapons. But while the class feels strong defensively, its early-game damage output isn't the fastest. With patch 0.3.0 introducing new melee Skill Gems, things are improving-but until we fully know their availability, a Boneshatter-based leveling path remains the most reliable and efficient option for Warriors.

This guide covers everything you need to know about leveling a Warrior in Path of Exile 2 (0.3.0), from Skill Gem setups to gear priorities, passives, and Ascendancy progression.

Boneshatter Warrior Leveling in Patch 0.3.0

The tried-and-true Boneshatter Warrior remains the strongest leveling setup for patch 0.3.0. While new options like Forge Hammer and Ancestral Cry may become available in Act 1, most players will begin with the Boneshatter + Infernal Cry combo, backed by Rolling Slam and Herald of Ash for AoE clearing.

Recommended Gem Setup

Here's the core Skill Gem layout for early leveling:

·Boneshatter: Reach - Magnified Effect

·Rolling Slam: Martial Tempo - Magnified Effect

·Infernal Cry: Cooldown Recovery - Premeditation

·Herald of Ash: Magnified Effect - Vitality

·Shield Charge: Ingenuity

Gameplay Loop:

1. Open with Infernal Cry to soften packs.

2. Use Rolling Slam to prime enemies for Stun and group them.

3. Finish with Boneshatter, triggering Herald of Ash explosions for chain clears.

Shield Charge serves as both a mobility tool and a damage source. While patch 0.3.0 introduces Sprinting, it isn't always safe since enemies can stun you out of it. Shield Charge, now buffed, provides a reliable dash that prevents knockbacks and deals solid damage.

Mid-Game Progression: Boneshatter Warbringer

Once you reach midgame, your build expands with new Warcry synergies and upgraded AoE tools. After completing the Trials of the Sekhemas, you'll ascend into the Warbringer and start unlocking nodes that amplify your Warcries and area coverage.

Ascendancy Priorities

·Warcaller's Bellow - Boosts Warcry AoE and effectiveness.

·Greatwolf's Howl - Reduces Warcry cooldowns for smoother rotations.

New Gem Options

·Sunder: Martial Tempo

·Volcanic Fissure or Forge Hammer (if accessible): Magnified Effect

How these fit in:

·Sunder replaces its old crit gimmick with Sundered Armour, a debuff that makes enemies take 20% increased physical damage. This massively buffs your follow-up strikes.

·Volcanic Fissure covers wide areas, great for farming packs. If Forge Hammer is available, it synergizes strongly with Warcries to crack fissures open with devastating slams.

Together, these skills allow you to clear faster while scaling into higher-level zones.

Gear Setup for Leveling a Warrior

Leveling as a Warrior demands balancing life, armor, and damage. Here's what you should look for on each slot:

·Helmet: Armor - Attributes

·Amulet: Spirit - Life - Resistances

·Chest: Life - Armor - Resistances - Attributes

·Gloves: Armor - Attributes - Resistances

·Rings: Resistances - Mana Regen - Added Elemental Damage

·Belt: Resistances - Life/Mana

·Boots: Movement Speed - Life - Life Regen

·Weapon: High Physical Damage - Attack Speed - +Level to Melee Skills

Tips:

·Always stack life first. As a melee class, you'll take unavoidable hits.

·Recovery mods and Vitality aura will smooth sustain.

·Spirit isn't a huge concern early on, since Herald of Ash is cheap, but you may need some Spirit on jewelry if adding more auras later.

If RNG fails you, this is the perfect time to buy POE2 Items to stay ahead of the curve. Even a single weapon upgrade can cut your clear times in half.

Passive Tree Setup for Warriors in Patch 0.3.0

Patch 0.3.0 introduces several new passive clusters for Warriors, making pathing more flexible. While the exact nodes you take will depend on gear and playstyle, here's a general approach:

Early Game

·Focus on life, armor, and melee damage nodes near the Warrior start.

·Prioritize attack speed and stun chance for smoother Boneshatter clears.

Mid-Game

Once you ascend into Warbringer, rush:

·Warcaller's Bellow - Warcry AoE.

·Greatwolf's Howl - Reduced Warcry cooldown.

·Anvil's Weight - Enables Armor Break mechanics, synergizing with skills like Sunder.

Late Game Transition

·Consider pivoting into Warcry-driven totem builds. These require respecs and specific Path of Exile 2 Items like Uncut Gems, but remain powerful.

Remember: You can always respec nodes later, so focus on plugging weaknesses while leveling-whether that's more resistances, damage, or leech.

Leveling Tips and Tricks

·Keep upgrading weapons regularly. A low-damage weapon makes Warrior leveling feel sluggish. Prioritize high base damage maces or axes.

·Cap your resistances before each major boss fight. Even with strong defenses, uncapped resistances can lead to sudden death.

·Use flasks actively. Don't save them-life and utility flasks are crucial for smoothing spikes.

·Experiment with new gems. Patch 0.3.0 may add melee options not covered here. If Forge Hammer or other skills drop early, swap them in for smoother clears.

·Positioning matters. Use Shield Charge and Disengage to avoid deadly ground effects while keeping uptime on damage.

Final Thoughts on Warrior Leveling (0.3.0)

Leveling a Warrior in Path of Exile 2 is a slower, tankier journey compared to ranged or caster classes. However, with the Boneshatter + Infernal Cry + Herald of Ash core, you'll maintain solid clear speed and strong survivability throughout the campaign.

Patch 0.3.0's buffs to Warcry nodes, Sunder, and Volcanic Fissure provide even more options to smooth progression, while Warbringer remains the Ascendancy of choice for its synergy with melee-heavy builds.

By focusing on life, resistances, and physical damage scaling, you'll take your Warrior from Act 1 to endgame smoothly-setting yourself up for a later transition into advanced melee or totem builds.