Overview
Spud The King’s Invoker Monk build centres on a shock loop that generates power charges, keeps shock uptime near 100%, and rewards aggressive play with escalating lightning damage throughout the campaign. The core rotation feeds three resources simultaneously: Storm Wave applies shock, Siphoning Strike extracts that shock for bonus damage and generates power charges, and Falling Thunder converts those charges into screen-clearing lightning explosions. The Invoker ascendancy further extends shocked-ground duration, meaning enemies walk into persistent shock patches that synergise with every lightning skill in the kit.
Falling Thunder is the damage engine. The build reaches its stride once the shock loop is fully online — typically mid-act 2 — but even before then, the combination of Storm Wave and Siphoning Strike clears packs efficiently. Killing Palm provides an additional power charge on demand, letting the build enter boss encounters already at maximum charge count. A good Quarterstaff is the largest early investment; the Grimrot Coif helmet is a high-value unique drop that dramatically improves survivability.
The Invoker’s identity in 0.5 leans on shocked-ground persistence and shock-extraction mechanics. Falling Thunder hits harder the more power charges are consumed, so the loop rewards players who keep the cycle tight. Hollow Palm Technique is noted as an alternative pathing option if Quarterstaff upgrades are slow to arrive, but Invoker with a weapon is the primary recommendation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High, consistent shock uptime once the loop is established in act 2
- Strong boss damage via power-charge-fuelled Falling Thunder
- Scales into maps without a major gear overhaul
- Flexible ascendancy options: Martial Artist and Acolyte of Chayula are viable
Cons
- Multiple active buttons required until the shock loop is online
- Early act 1 experience is demanding and relies on Quarterstaff upgrade timing
- Requires tracking power charges, shock stacks, and Siphoning timing
- Does not have a one-button early-game feel
Key Skills
- Falling Thunder — Primary damage, spends power charges for burst
- Storm Wave — Shock application to enable the loop
- Siphoning Strike — Extracts shock, generates power charges
- Tempest Bell — Boss burst amplifier
- Killing Palm — On-demand power charge generation
- Frozen Locus — Utility survivability tool
Gear & Anointments
Priority: Quarterstaff with high physical or lightning damage for acts 1-3. Target Grimrot Coif helmet as a high-value find. Body Armour with strength for early survivability; transition toward ES/EV bases when available.
Rings: Iron rings for attribute requirements early on. Boots: Bated Pace for movement speed.
Support gem priority: Added Lightning Damage, Conduction (shock), Concentrated Effect, Rage, Faster Attacks, Ice Bite.
Leveling / Campaign Notes
Acts 1-2: Cast Storm Wave to apply shock, then Siphoning Strike to extract it and gain power charges. Use Falling Thunder with maximum charges for burst. Frozen Locus provides emergency survivability on bosses. Once the shock loop is online mid-act 2, damage ramps significantly. Invoker’s shocked-ground node makes pack clearing substantially easier from this point forward.
Credits & Source
- Creator: Spud The King
- Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWeVPzXoPOxR5ONkr6Tekyg
- Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2LkL7ev27Y
- Guide Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS-uK9LlV7s
- Companion Guide: https://mobalytics.gg/poe-2/profile/spud-the-king-nksem3/builds/one-shot-monk-leveling-poe2-0-5-league-starter