If you have been watching Spirit Walker builds in Path of Exile 2, you've probably seen people talk about Kripp's BIG MONKEE setup like it's doing something a bit unfair. It is not a normal pet build, and that is why it stands out. Your beast does most of the work, but your own setup still matters more than people first expect. A good weapon swap, the right spirit budget, and smart use of POE 2 Currency can make the difference between a beast that just survives and one that actually tears through maps.
How the Build Actually Plays
The core idea is simple enough. You use Tame Beast to lock in a unique monster, then build around making that creature hit harder, live longer, and keep moving. In campaign, Mighty Silverfist is usually the first big target, and it gets the job done without much drama. Later on, most players aim for Zekoa, the Headcrusher, because the damage scaling is just better and the crits are no joke. What makes the setup interesting is that Companion Damage is not only about the beast. It feeds back into your own actions too, so you are not just standing there watching a pet do all the work. You are part of the loop.
That also changes how the fight feels. You are not trying to micromanage a pack of weak summons. You are steering one heavy hitter and backing it up with your own attacks. Wolf Pack helps fill space and keeps enemies busy. Pounce gets you into position fast, which matters more than people admit, since dead time is lost damage. Maul gives you something solid to use when you need to stay active, and Pain Offering is the button you save for moments that actually count. Most players spam buffs too early. This build works better when you hold back a little and wait for the real opening.
When It Makes Sense to Swap Over
Even though Tame Beast comes online fairly early, it is usually smoother to level another way first. Twister leveling still feels better for a lot of players, especially before your passive tree and spirit pool are ready to support the companion style. A lot of people make the switch around Act 3 or after the second Ascendancy Trial, and that timing usually feels right. Before that, you can get by without spending too much on specialized gear. After that, the build starts asking for more specific pieces, and that is where having some spare currency helps. Respeccing, gem upgrades, and a few key item changes all add up faster than you expect.
This is also where a lot of players get impatient and burn through their stash. That usually leads to half-finished gear and a beast that feels weaker than it should. Better to wait until you have the basics in place. Once you've got enough spirit, enough support gems, and a little armor behind you, the build stops feeling awkward and starts feeling very stable. It's one of those setups that rewards patience more than fast spending.
Gear, Defences, and Beast Hunting
The gear side is not as expensive as some endgame builds, but it still needs care. Companion Skill Levels are the big one. After that, you want Minion Damage, Life, Mana, Armour, and Runic Ward where possible. Armour-based pieces tend to make more sense here than pure evasion in several slots, especially if you are trying to lean into Iron Reflexes later on. The better your defensive base is, the less often you get forced into bad movement, and that matters because your companion setup works best when you can stay calm and keep pressure on the enemy.
Finding the right beast is its own little grind. Mighty Silverfist is a solid starting point, but Zekoa is the kind of upgrade that changes the build's ceiling. On paper, the crit scaling is part of the appeal. In practice, it just means bosses disappear faster once your setup is tuned. The catch is that getting a really strong tame can take time, and sometimes you'll burn through maps before you find the one you actually want. That is why players who know the build usually keep a reserve of resources ready. It gives you room to craft, roll, and keep hunting without turning every bad drop into a problem.
Final Thoughts
What makes BIG MONKEE fun is that it doesn't play like a typical minion build, and it doesn't play like a standard melee build either. It sits somewhere in between. You guide the pace, your beast does the heavy lifting, and the whole thing gets stronger the more carefully you put it together. If you like builds that feel a bit weird at first but click hard once the pieces are in place, this one is easy to enjoy. Just don't rush the upgrade path. Build the base, fix the spirit issues, and keep a bit of currency around so you can buy POE 2 Orb of Alchemy when the right crafting window opens. That small bit of planning usually pays off more than forcing upgrades too early.
