Path of Exile 2: Smith of Kitava Build Guide

Path of Exile 2 introduces a refined class system, and for Path of Exile 2 Currency fans of devastating melee damage, the Warrior is an ideal choice. One of its powerful Ascendancies, the Smith of Kitava, offers a unique blend of tankiness and overwhelming offense, making it a top-tier pick for players who like to smash through enemies with brute force.

In this guide, we'll break down the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy, including the best skills, support gems, passive tree priorities, and strategies to help you dominate in the Dawn of the Hunt league.

Smith of Kitava Build Overview

The Smith of Kitava transforms the base Warrior class into a destructive force with high damage, strong AoE potential, and excellent survivability. This build thrives on heavy-hitting melee attacks and Warcry enhancements, making it ideal for players who enjoy aggressive playstyles.

Pros:

High burst and sustained damage
Very tanky in mid-to-late game
Good boss killer and mob clearer

Cons:

Vulnerable in early acts before the tank tools unlock
Mana issues early on
Limited range of options

How to Unlock Smith of Kitava

You'll unlock this Ascendancy halfway through Act 2, after completing the Trial of Sekhemas. To get there, you must first defeat Geonor in Act 1 as a base Warrior.

Leveling Guide (Acts 1-3)

Act 1

You'll build the core of your kit here. Prioritize these skills and Path of Exile 2 Currency (support gem) pairings:

1. Skills & Supports:

Boneshatter + Brutality, Impact Shockwave
Rolling Slam + Overpower
Mace Strike + Concentrated Effect
Infernal Cry + Premeditation
Perfect Strike + Window of Opportunity, Fire Infusion
Herald of Ash

Tip: Use Mace Strike when Mana is low.
Defeat the King of the Mists to unlock Herald of Ash.

Act 2

Build momentum and unlock your Ascendancy.

1. Skills & Supports:

Add Shield Charge (no support needed yet)
Leap Slam + Overpower, Rage
Move Fist of War and Unbreakable to Rolling Slam
Complete Trial of Sekhemas → Unlock Smith of Kitava

2. Ascendancy Points:

Smith's Masterwork
Kitavan Engraving

Act 3

Further optimize and expand your damage output.

1. Skills & Supports:

Boneshatter + Brutality, Impact Shockwave, Magnified Effect
Perfect Strike + Fire Infusion, Window of Opportunity, Concentrated Effect
Leap Slam + Overpower, Brink
Time of Need + Fast Forward
Remove Mace Strike and Shield Charge

2. Unlock:

Trial of Chaos → Gain Support Straps and Leather Bindings

Cruel Mode & Endgame Mapping

Once you reach Cruel Mode, your build shifts into high gear.

New Skills:

Hammer of the Gods + Lacerate, Fist of War, Heavy Swing
Rolling Slam now with Rage, Brink, Unbreakable
Infernal Cry gains Raging Cry
Herald of Ash adds Vitality
Leap Slam + Overpower, Martial Tempo

Passive Skill Tree Priorities

Focus on Strength nodes and buy POE 2 Chaos Orbs melee enhancement skills:

Core Passives:

Reverberating Impact
Relentless
Blood Rush
Singular Purpose
Shockwave
Devastation
Overwhelm
Colossal Weapon
Admonisher (boosts Warcries)
Burning Strikes (amplifies Perfect Strike)