PoE 2 Best Spectres for Summoner Builds (Dawn of the Hunt 0.2.0)

Spectres are a core part of summoner builds in Path of Exile 2, especially for players aiming to take advantage of monster abilities in combat. With the release of Dawn of the Hunt, many players are experimenting with different monster types to figure out which spectres are worth using. In this Path of Exile 2 Best Spctre Guide, we outline how spectres work, how to capture them, and which ones are currently performing well for early-game summoner leveling builds based on early testing and feedback.

How Spectres Work in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt?

The first step in building around spectres is acquiring the Bind Spectres gem. This gem becomes available at level 7 and allows you to bind the corpse of a slain enemy, reviving it as a spectre. Once bound, the gem is consumed and transformed into a unique spectre gem tied to that specific monster — and it cannot be reused for a different spectre. Want to collect powerful spectres faster? Use PoE2 trade at AKRPG.com to gear up your summoner with the right orbs, gear, and spirit gear boosts to dominate with your undead army!

These spectres cost a flat amount of spirit reservation, which varies depending on the monster. Some cost as little as 30 spirit, while others can cost up to 100. Fortunately, passive tree nodes that reduce spirit reservation can help you fit more spectres into your build.

For comparison:

A Shaman spectre costs 100 spirit.

A River Drake costs 70 spirit.

Certain utility or support spectres may cost as little as 50 spirit.

Unlike companions, which reserve a percentage of your maximum spirit, spectres reserve a flat amount. This distinction is important when planning your summoner’s passive tree and support gem setup.

Capturing and Managing Spectres

Think of spectres like Pokémon -  you’ll want to collect and store multiple Bind Spectres gems so you always have access to different monster types. Because the gem is consumed upon use, having extras lets you rotate between spectres without losing your current ones.

Once summoned, spectres retain their level and can be supported by standard support gems. They can also be leveled up through gameplay or upgraded using skill gem items.

Be aware that not all monsters retain their visual modifiers or abilities when revived. Some appear promising due to visible auras or buffs but offer little once bound. Only innate abilities — those naturally part of the monster - seem to carry over effectively.

What Makes a Good Spectre in PoE 2?

The best spectres generally fall into two categories:

• Damage dealers with reliable offensive abilities.

• Utility types that provide buffs, auras, debuffs, or crowd control.

• Abilities that apply shock, exposure, or area damage are especially useful. Buffs like Haste or resist auras can also improve party performance, especially in early game situations where gear stats are limited.

PoE 2 Spectre Tier List - Best Spectres for Minion Summoner Builds in Dawn of the Hunt

Players have been actively testing spectres since the launch of Dawn of the Hunt. Here are a few that stand out so far:

1. Val Guard

Val Guards have set the early standard for performance among spectres. These ranged units offer both utility and high damage. The oil trap they throw weakens enemy fire resistance and slows movement, while the grenade follows up with big AoE fire damage. This combination makes them viable for both mob clearing and boss fights.

Look for the grenade-throwing version that costs 50 spirit — avoid the bow-wielding variant that costs 60. With only basic support gems, Val Guards already outperform most minions.

2. Shaman

Shamans are solid early-game spectres that provide consistent output with fireball and explosion attacks. In testing, damage ranged from 400 to 600 DPS, making them a practical choice for fire-focused builds in the first few acts. Though they don’t provide buffs or auras, they are easy to find and bind, making them a good temporary option while you hunt for rarer units.

3. Lightning Warcrier

Still early in testing, the Lightning Warcrier has been identified on tier lists as a potentially strong hybrid spectre. It’s expected to contribute shock effects and enemy disruption while providing an extra layer of AoE damage. This spectre could be valuable in builds that benefit from lightning or elemental stacking.

4. River Drake

Despite promising visuals and aura-like modifiers in the wild, River Drakes lose most of their features when bound. They retain no meaningful abilities and only offer basic attacks. Testing showed no added utility or unique traits, making them a poor use of spirit reservation. Consider skipping this one.

5. Arsonist

Referenced briefly during gameplay, Arsonists may offer fire-themed abilities that work well alongside Val Guards. The plan to keep two Arsonists active alongside Val Guards suggests they bring something unique to the table. More testing is needed, but they could support sustained fire damage or apply fire-related effects.

6. Companion-Type Spectres

Companion-type monsters may be bound as spectres and used for their passive support abilities or utility roles. Unlike standard companions, spectres do not reserve a percentage of your spirit — they use a flat value, making them easier to manage in high-reservation builds. While their abilities are still being confirmed, they’re worth investigating for team-wide buffs or aura support.

7. Beetle Pack Spectres

These monsters appear in linked packs and show potential for unique group-based traits or buffs. Early tier lists and testing suggest some of these beetles may carry group auras or utility effects. If true, they could serve as defensive or offensive supports in multi-spectre setups. Keep an eye on their abilities and modifiers during your runs.

8. Warcry-Based Spectre

Mentioned briefly as a spectre with Warcry and AoE Lightning, this one is being researched for its potential hybrid role. It may provide enemy disruption, taunts, or even shock effects — all valuable for both control and damage amplification. While the exact name wasn’t given, it’s likely part of the early-tier list used by testers and may become a staple in support-heavy setups.

9. Spectres with Aura Abilities

Some spectres are believed to provide aura support similar to what was seen in Path of Exile 1. While no confirmed capture has shown these abilities yet, it’s speculated that certain rare monsters may offer Haste or all-resistance auras. These would be highly valuable for summoner teams lacking gear-based resistances or needing speed boosts.

Spectres to Avoid in PoE 2 0.2.0 (For Now)

Not all spectres are worth the spirit cost. Based on early testing, these should be approached with caution:

• River Drake – No innate abilities retained; only basic attacks.

• Unidentified Buff Spectres – Some monsters appear to be "buffers" based on tooltips or tier lists but do not provide actual auras or support when summoned.

• Wrong Val Guard Variants – There are multiple Val Guards; only the grenade-throwing one is useful. Others (like the bow-wielding variant) cost more spirit and offer less impact.