Path of Exile 2 is a highly anticipated sequel to the beloved online action RPG, Path of Exile, developed by Grinding Gear Games. Building upon the successful foundation of the original game, PoE 2 introduces a multitude of new features, revamped systems, and enhanced mechanics. One of the most beloved and powerful mechanics from the original game that makes its return in Path of Exile 2 is the Raise Spectre skill.

In this guide, we will take an in-depth look at how to get and use Raise Spectre in Path of Exile 2, providing an overview of how this unique skill works, the best strategies to maximize its potential, and tips to make the most of your Spectres. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer to the series, this guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of how to harness the power of the Raise Spectre skill.

What is Raise Spectre?

In Path of Exile, Raise Spectre is a spell that allows you to summon an enemy from the world to fight on your behalf. The summoned creatures are called Spectres, and they retain many of the abilities and stats they had when alive. The key aspect of Raise Spectre is that it gives you the power to control your enemies, turning them into allies that fight with you. The Spectres are extremely versatile and can be tailored to suit a wide variety of playstyles and builds.

Spectres can be raised from the remains of monsters in the game world, and they possess a broad array of abilities depending on the type of monster you choose. From ranged units to spellcasters, there is a Spectre to suit nearly every combat strategy. The power of your Spectres is dictated by the level of the skill gem, as well as the unique modifiers you can obtain through passive skill tree investments, gear, and ascendancy choices.

How to Get Raise Spectre in Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 2, acquiring the Raise Spectre skill follows a similar approach to the original game. Here's how you can obtain the skill and begin raising your own army of Spectres.

Unlocking the Raise Spectre Skill Gem:

As with most skill gems in Path of Exile, Raise Spectre will be found as part of the game's progression. It is typically available from a Quest Reward, Poe 2 trade or as a drop from specific monsters. In PoE 2, the questline and NPCs may have changed, but players can expect the gem to be acquired sometime early in the campaign. For most builds, Raise Spectre is obtained around the Act 2 or Act 3 stage of the story. Look for quests that provide summon skills or necromancy rewards to unlock this gem.

Raising Spectres from Enemy Corpses:

Once you've obtained the Raise Spectre skill gem, you can begin raising Spectres from the remains of slain enemies. However, you'll need to use the Raise Spectre skill on a corpse of a monster you wish to summon. The monster's type and abilities will be transferred to your Spectre, so it's important to choose monsters with strong abilities that complement your build.

Important Note: In PoE 2, some changes have been made to the skill, with more emphasis on monster variety and additional customization options. You may need to experiment with different monster types to find which ones work best for your build and playstyle.

Leveling the Raise Spectre Gem:

Like most skill gems, Raise Spectre gains increased power as it levels up. As the gem levels, the number of Spectres you can control increases, and the power of the raised Spectres improves. The maximum number of Spectres you can summon is governed by the gem level and any passives or modifiers that increase the maximum number of Spectres. Raise Spectre is typically used in combination with Minion Support Gems like Minion Damage, Minion Speed, or Spell Echo to maximize the power of your Spectres.

Obtaining Spectre-Specific Modifiers:

In PoE 2, the customization options for Spectres have been expanded. You can now use certain unique items, flasks, and passive skill tree nodes that directly enhance your Spectres. Some specific Spectres can also be summoned using unique items like the The Vertex helmet, which enhances specific types of raised minions, or The Green Nightmare for particular build synergies.

Best Spectres in Path of Exile 2

Choosing the right Spectres is one of the most important aspects of maximizing the effectiveness of the Raise Spectre skill. Certain Spectres excel in different aspects of combat, whether it's ranged damage, spellcasting, tanking, or utility. In Path of Exile 2, some Spectres will be better suited for specific builds, while others are more versatile.

Ranged Spectres:

Storm Mages (or their equivalent in PoE 2): These Spectres cast high-damage spells and often provide electric or fire-based damage. They're great for ranged builds and can deal devastating damage while staying out of harm's way.

Toxic or Fire Spectres: These Spectres focus on dealing elemental damage through area-of-effect attacks. They're especially effective for clearing large groupsof enemies quickly.

Spellcasting Spectres:

Necromancer Spectres (or similar): These Spectres are capable of casting debilitating spells such as curses or summoning their own minions, adding an additional layer of utility and damage.

Tank or Melee Spectres:

Gargoyles or Golems (depending on availability in PoE 2): These tanky Spectres absorb damage and can protect you while you focus on dealing damage from a distance.

High-HP melee Spectres: Some Spectres are designed to engage in close combat, absorbing damage and dealing it back in return. These are great for hybrid builds focused on damage and survivability.

Using Raise Spectre Effectively

To get the most out of Raise Spectre, you need to incorporate proper strategies into your build. Below are some key tips on how to use your Spectres effectively in Path of Exile 2:

Maximizing Spectre Numbers:

One of the first priorities when using Raise Spectre is to increase the maximum number of Spectres you can summon. The more Spectres you have, the more damage and utility you can generate. Look for nodes in the Passive Skill Tree that increase minion count, or use items like the Minion Horn or Cloak of Defiance to boost your Spectre army.

Choose Spectres with Synergy:

Select Spectres that complement your build. If you're playing a fire-based character, consider raising Fire Storm Mages or other fire-based Spectres to increase your damage output. If you're focused on elemental resistance or curses, look for Spectres that cast spells like Flame Totem or Frost Wall to provide more utility.

Supporting Your Spectres:

In addition to the usual minion support gems like Minion Damage or Minion Life, consider adding aura-based support for your Spectres. Hatred, Anger, and Wrath can increase their elemental damage. Additionally, flesh offerings or bone offerings can be used to boost their damage or defensive capabilities.

Avoiding Overcrowding:

While it might seem tempting to summon as many Spectres as possible, overcrowding can cause AI pathfinding issues. Try to find a balance between minion quantity and effectiveness by choosing fewer, more powerful Spectres that synergize well with your build.

Using Corpse Mechanics:

Keep in mind that you can only raise Spectres from dead monsters. Some areas may be lacking in corpses, so keep an eye out for enemy types that allow you to maximize your corpse collection. You can also use Corpse Detonation skills or other means of controlling corpses to re-summon Spectres after they are destroyed, Can help players get cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency faster.

Conclusion

Raise Spectre is a fantastic skill for players who love summoning minions to do their bidding. In Path of Exile 2, this skill retains its core functionality while adding new layers of complexity, with more customization options, Spectre-specific abilities, and synergy with other mechanics. By following the tips in this guide, you can unlock the full potential of your Spectres and create an army of undead monsters to carry you through the toughest challenges in the game.

Remember to experiment with different Spectres, builds, and support gems to find the optimal setup for your playstyle. With careful planning and clever use of the Raise Spectre skill, you'll soon have a powerful team of Spectres that will dominate the battlefield for you.

Good luck, Exile!