No matter how strong your build is on paper, in POE 2 Currency U4GM patch 0.4, your Monk will only reach its full potential if you gear correctly. With the reworked Spirit system, faster combat pacing, and powerful support gem scaling, equipment is now the main factor that separates average Monks from meta monsters.

Whether you are playing Storm Palm, Iron Fist, or Shadow Serpent, this guide will walk you through exactly what stats, item types, and upgrades you need to dominate the 0.4 endgame.

Why Gear Matters More in 0.4

Before patch 0.4, Monks often felt resource-starved. Now, Spirit regeneration and scaling from gear can completely transform the class. A Monk with poor equipment will struggle, but one with optimized stats can feel nearly unstoppable.

The 0.4 update:

  • Increased Spirit scaling on skills

  • Added Spirit modifiers to more item bases

  • Improved defensive stat efficiency

This means your gear now directly controls:

  • Your damage

  • Your sustain

  • Your survivability

Core Stats Every Monk Needs

No matter which build you choose, there are several universal stats all Monks should prioritize.

1. Spirit Regeneration

This is the single most important stat for all Monk builds. More Spirit means more skills, more damage, and more mobility.

Look for:

  • Spirit regeneration per second

  • Spirit gained on hit

  • Increased maximum Spirit

2. Attack Speed

Monk skills scale heavily with attack speed. Faster hits mean:

  • More lightning chains

  • More poison stacks

  • Faster combo generation

3. Damage Scaling

Depending on your build:

  • Storm Palm: Lightning damage, shock chance

  • Iron Fist: Physical damage, armor scaling

  • Shadow Serpent: Poison chance, damage over time

4. Survivability

All Monks need:

  • Life

  • Damage reduction

  • Resistances

Iron Fist prioritizes armor, while Storm Palm and Shadow Serpent rely more on evasion and Spirit-based mitigation.

Weapon Choices by Build

Storm Palm

  • One-handed lightning-based fists or staves

  • High attack speed

  • Added lightning damage

  • Spirit regeneration modifiers

Iron Fist

  • Heavy gauntlets or blunt weapons

  • Physical damage

  • Armor bonuses

  • Life on hit

Shadow Serpent

  • Fast dual-wield claws

  • Poison chance

  • Attack speed

  • Damage over time

Your weapon is your biggest damage upgrade—replace it often.

Armor and Accessories

Helmet

  • Spirit regen

  • Life

  • Resistances

Chest

  • Damage reduction

  • Armor or evasion

  • Life

Gloves

  • Attack speed

  • Damage type bonuses

Boots

  • Movement speed

  • Spirit regen

  • Life

Rings & Amulet

  • Spirit

  • Damage scaling

  • Resistances

Endgame Optimization

Once you reach maps and high-tier bosses, you should:

  • Cap resistances

  • Reach at least 2.5k+ life

  • Maintain constant Spirit uptime

Upgrade with crafted modifiers whenever possible.

Common Gearing Mistakes

  • Ignoring Spirit regeneration

  • Overstacking damage with no defense

  • Using slow weapons

Final Thoughts

The Monk is only as strong as the gear you give it. Master Spirit scaling, attack speed, and defense, and your Monk will dominate the 0.4 meta with ease.