Path of Exile 2 patch 0.3.0 brought a host of new mechanics, but one of the most innovative is the Hollow Palm Technique Keystone passive. This powerful node completely changes how you approach combat by letting your character fight bare-handed while still benefiting from Quarterstaff skills. In other words, you become a living weapon with no reliance on traditional gear-based weapons.

While any class can technically use Hollow Palm, the Monk is by far the best fit. Thanks to its natural synergy with Quarterstaff attacks, high Dexterity scaling, and martial-arts-inspired flavor, the Monk finally fulfills the fantasy of the "Iron Fist" fighter. The Hollow Palm Acolyte of Chayula build takes this fantasy even further, mixing fast-paced bare-handed combat with critical strike scaling for a unique and rewarding playstyle.

This build guide will cover the key aspects of playing Hollow Palm in Path of Exile 2, including its viability as a league starter, recommended skill gem setups, passive tree priorities, and gearing tips for patch 0.3.0.

Is Hollow Palm a Viable League Starter?

The short answer: Yes-but with caveats.

·The Hollow Palm Technique is located just 12 points away from the Monk's starting area, which makes it possible to transition into the build by the early 20s.

·However, the Monk suffers from a slower leveling curve because it lacks early flat damage nodes. Hollow Palm alone doesn't fix this; you'll need to invest in Dexterity, attack speed, and crit chance before the build feels powerful.

That said, once you've unlocked Hollow Palm and built a foundation around Dexterity scaling, this build becomes incredibly fun. Campaign clearing feels fluid, the animations are satisfying, and while endgame meta viability is still debated in 0.3.0, it shines as a campaign crusher and early mapping build. For smoother progression, buying Path of Exile 2 items or currency can speed up gearing and reduce friction in the early game.

Skill Gem Setup for Hollow Palm Acolyte

Once you complete your first Ascendancy trial around level 20 and unlock Hollow Palm, you can fully lean into the bare-handed style. Until then, leveling with Lightning Arrow or a bow skill will help you progress more quickly.

Core Gem Links

1. Tempest Flurry - Rapid Attack - Lightning Attunement - Elemental Armament

·Your bread-and-butter attack skill, empowered by Hollow Palm's unique scaling.

2. Herald of Thunder - Longshot - Magnified Area

·Provides sustained lightning damage and AoE clear speed.

3. Storm Wave - Lightning Attunement - Elemental Armament

·A flexible coverage skill that layers more elemental hits.

4. Frost Bomb - Magnified Area

·Reduces enemy resistances, perfect for boss phases.

5. Charged Staff - Shock - Innervate

·Works well with crit scaling to maintain uptime on shock and lightning damage.

Alternative Options

·Ice Strike if you prefer a cold-based theme.

·Hybrid Cold + Lightning setups for flexible scaling and smoother damage across resist-heavy zones.

Passive Tree Setup

Before transitioning to Hollow Palm, invest in attack speed and flat damage nodes to ease the early acts. Around level 25, when bare-handed combat becomes viable, respec toward crit and Dexterity scaling.

Key Passives

·Jugular and Deadly Force (near Monk start): Early flat damage.

·Careful Assassin and Throat Seeker: Excellent mid-game crit scaling.

·Dexterity clusters: To boost both damage and evasion.

Attribute Focus

·Dexterity: Core scaling for attack speed, evasion, and gem requirements.

·Intelligence: Useful for crit chance scaling if you invest in Energy Shield gear.

Ascendancy Picks (around level 40)

·Walking Dream: Improves survivability and consistency.

·Inner Turmoil: Provides a big offensive boost with multi-type damage scaling.

Gear Setup for Hollow Palm Acolyte

Hollow Palm is both unique and budget-friendly since you don't need weapons. Instead, your gear becomes all about maximizing the bonuses granted by the Keystone.

Hollow Palm Bonuses

·1% more Attack Speed per 25 Evasion Rating on armor.

·+0.1% Crit Chance per 10 Energy Shield on armor.

This gives you two main gearing paths:

·Dexterity-based Evasion gear for raw attack speed.

·Intelligence-based Energy Shield gear for higher crit scaling.

·A hybrid mix if you want balance.

Recommended Stats

·Increased Attack Speed

·Flat Dexterity

·Energy Shield or Evasion scaling (depending on choice)

·Critical Strike Multiplier

·Elemental Resistances

·Life rolls for survivability

Jewelry

·Rings: Resistances + Dexterity/Intelligence.

·Amulet: Flat Dexterity and crit chance.

·Belt: Defensive rolls, ideally with Life.

Tip: Since crafting early-game gear can be resource-intensive, consider trading or using POE2 Currency to acquire Dexterity-heavy armor and crit-boosting accessories more quickly.

Playstyle Tips

·Bossing: Drop Frost Bomb to shred resistances, then unleash Tempest Flurry.

·Clearing: Rely on Herald of Thunder and Storm Wave to handle packs.

·Positioning: Stay mobile-bare-handed range is limited, so movement speed is essential.

·Scaling: Prioritize Dexterity for smoother leveling, then layer in crit for stronger mapping.

Final Thoughts

The Hollow Palm Acolyte of Chayula build in Path of Exile 2 (Patch 0.3.0) is one of the most distinctive and enjoyable ways to play the game right now. While it isn't the easiest leveling option-thanks to the Monk's slow start-it rapidly transforms into a bare-handed powerhouse once Hollow Palm is unlocked.

For players who want a fun, thematic, and budget-friendly build that feels fresh compared to traditional weapon setups, Hollow Palm is a perfect choice. Whether you're roleplaying as an "Iron Fist Monk" or simply seeking an off-meta option that still clears the campaign with style, this build has everything you need.