POE2 0.2.0b Patch Review: Summoner Builds Still Struggle Despite Monster HP Nerfs

A tested breakdown of gameplay pacing, AI issues, and system design flaws

The 0.2.0b hotfix in Path of Exile 2 aimed to reduce monster health and improve early game pacing. This article offers a hands-on review focused on summoner builds, exploring whether the patch helped address core gameplay issues. Includes AI flaws, system bottlenecks, and practical build advice.

📚 Table of Contents

• 1. What Did Patch 0.2.0b Actually Change?
• 2. Post-Patch Summoner Build Retest
• 3. Combat Pacing: Improved or Still Clunky?
• 4. Systemic Weaknesses in the Summoner Archetype
• 5. The Spectre System: Diversity in Theory, Failure in Practice
• 6. Map Mechanics vs. AI: A Direct Conflict
• 7. Why the Power Curve Still Feels Flat
• 8. Final Verdict and Build Suggestions

1. What Did Patch 0.2.0b Actually Change?

The 0.2.0b patch was Grinding Gear Games' rapid response to community backlash about early game difficulty. Key adjustments included:

• Reduced monster health in the campaign
• Fixed skill bugs and loot inconsistencies
• Intended to improve pacing and player retention

🎥 Want to see a detailed test video? Watch it here.

2. Post-Patch Summoner Build Retest

Even with full investment in gear, gem levels, and support minions like priests, summoner builds still feel underwhelming and fragile.

• Minions are still easily wiped — even by basic enemies
• Damage output remains low, even in optimal setups
• Players are forced to kite constantly as AI fails to keep up

This patch slightly improved pacing, but not core viability for summoners.

3. Combat Pacing: Improved or Still Clunky?

Yes, monsters die faster now. But the core experience for summoners hasn’t changed:

• Minion response is still slow — engagement lag is noticeable
• Gameplay feels reactive instead of fluid
• Still reliant on constant kiting and positioning

The patch fixed numbers, not mechanics.

4. Systemic Weaknesses in the Summoner Archetype

• Support gems don’t scale survivability well
• Minions die too fast even with dedicated gear
• Requires high effort for minimal reward

Summoners currently face structural disadvantages that no gear can compensate for.

5. The Spectre System: Diversity in Theory, Failure in Practice

POE2 added over 500 Spectre types. But…

• Only 1–2 Spectres are actually viable
• Most have terrible AI or low DPS
• Reviving is tedious and not worth it

The system promises diversity, but fails in execution.

6. Map Mechanics vs. AI: A Direct Conflict

• Map mods like "minion reflect" make entire builds unusable
• AI pathfinding causes desync and delays
• Minions can’t keep up with player movement speed

The map system punishes summoners disproportionately.

7. Why the Power Curve Still Feels Flat

• Passives give minimal impact
• Ascendancy bonuses feel generic
• There's no sense of “getting stronger” over time

Progression is numeric, not experiential — and players feel it.

8. Final Verdict and Build Suggestions

🚫 Avoid These Builds:

• Summoners / Spectres
• Combo-dependent builds without solid base damage

✅ Consider These Instead:

• Cyclone — great uptime and clear speed
• Explosive Arrow — strong AoE pacing
• Speed-based melee builds with scaling potential

Need quick gear for switching builds? You can get reliable poe 2 currency here. It's fast, secure, and helpful early on.

Check itemD2R for trading, meta updates, and more build support.

📌 Final Thoughts

The 0.2.0b patch is a step forward, but summoners are still left behind. The HP nerfs help pacing, but don’t fix core systems — AI, scaling, survivability.

Until deeper changes arrive, summoners remain one of the least rewarding playstyles in POE2.

🎥 Full build test video: