All Path of Exile 2 classes: Which one to choose, differences and characteristics

Embarking on a new journey in Path of Exile 2 requires players to make an important choice regarding their main character class. This decision has a profound impact on your gaming experience. While PoE 2 provides more options than many other games in the genre, grasping the strengths and general traits of each class is crucial for understanding what to anticipate during gameplay.

This guide is designed to help you select your preferred class for this grand adventure. Below, we will detail the differences and features of all the classes available in PoE 2, aiding you in making an informed choice.

Overview of Classes in Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 2, there are 12 unique character classes. However, during the early access phase, only half of these classes can be selected, meaning players will have to pick from 6 options at the beginning of their adventure.

It’s essential to recognize that every class can ultimately use any weapon and skill within the game. Nonetheless, classes are typically crafted to align with specific combat styles or archetypes. For instance, while you can opt to play a Warrior like a Mage, it’s generally more beneficial to leverage the Warrior’s strengths in melee combat.

Here’s a concise summary of each class’s characteristics (for more detailed insights, exploring specific guides is suggested):

Sorceress

• Main Attribute: Intelligence.
• Preferred Weapons: Staves.
• Ascendancies: Storm Weaver and Chronomancer.

“I command the elements: I understand why lightning strikes, why fire burns, and why ice freezes. They act at my will. The vengeance of the Maraketh will track down those who have wronged, no matter their escape.”

Warrior

• Main Attribute: Strength.
• Preferred Weapons: Maces.
• Ascendancies: Warlord and Titan.

“I desired little: a forge, a bed. But I lost everything when they razed my home. Hand me a hammer, and they will learn that a man of peace becomes a great danger when pushed to war.”

Ranger

• Main Attribute: Dexterity.
• Preferred Weapons: Bows.
• Ascendancies: Marksman and Tracker.

“All I need is a steady arrow. With my swift feet and keen eyes, put a bow in my grasp, and they will perish if they attempt to approach.”

Witch

• Main Attribute: Intelligence.
• Preferred Weapons: Wands.
• Ascendancies: Infernalist and Blood Mage.

“I do not fear death, for I wield it. The darkness and the dead are my tools of war. My foes decay from within as my army of corpses rends them apart amidst their screams.”

Mercenary

• Main Attribute: Dexterity and Strength.
• Preferred Weapons: Crossbows.
• Ascendancies: Witch Hunter and Gemling Legionnaire.

“If you possess a weapon, I will use it. Just direct me where to aim. I have witnessed the wonders and terrors of conflict, and I will do what is necessary to survive. If you have coins, I am at your service.”

Monk

• Main Attribute: Dexterity and Intelligence.
• Preferred Weapons: Staves.
• Ascendancies: Summoner and Chayula’s Acolyte.

“My existence has been a journey of discipline and focus, preparing me for this. I fight for the benevolent Dreamer. Unshackle my hands, and those who seek chaos will fall before me!”

Understanding Ascendancies

In Path of Exile 2, each class features ascendancies. In the final version of the game, each class will include up to 3 unique ascendancies, resulting in a total of 36 different combinations (during early access, only 2 ascendancies per class are accessible).

• Ascendancies act as more specific specializations for each class.
• They help define your hero’s build in greater detail.
• For instance, a Warrior can choose a path that emphasizes war cries or one that focuses on being a tank with heavy, deliberate strikes.

How do you unlock these ascendancies? As your character levels and you progress through the game, you will eventually participate in specific ascendancy trials that require defeating enemies and bosses to prove your worth. Completing these trials successfully enables you to select an ascendancy for your class.

Once you’ve ascended your character, you can earn ascendancy points to invest in various dedicated attributes. This allows you to enhance the ascendancy that interests you most within your class, boosting specific stats and gaining new effects tailored to your archetype.

Choosing the Right Class

New players often wonder if there is a best class in Path of Exile 2. In truth, no class is definitively superior to others. Each class emphasizes a particular style or archetype, so the best advice is to select one that appeals to you.

The archetypes for each class are as follows:

• Sorceress: An intelligent mage who masters various elements.
• Warrior: A melee fighter capable of inflicting high damage.
• Ranger: An agile expert in bows and crowd control.
• Witch: A necromancer who spreads disease and raises armies of the undead.
• Mercenary: A skilled crossbowman focused on ranged combat.
• Monk: A martial artist adept in fluid physical strikes and elemental spells.

Based on these archetypes, choose the class that resonates with you the most and don’t stress over whether it’s the top choice. Every class has its unique strengths, and throughout your journey, you can unlock their full potential due to the diverse skills and extensive passive trees available in the game.

If you’re still curious about class rankings, you might want to check out tier lists that highlight each class’s strengths.

Future Classes

Once Path of Exile 2 transitions out of its early access phase and launches the complete version, an additional 6 new classes will become available. These include:

• Druid: A shapeshifter who can temporarily adopt animal abilities.
• Duellist: A swordsman specializing in refined techniques.
• Huntress: A lethal and versatile fighter proficient in both melee and ranged combat.
• Raider: A barbarian who relishes attacking with heavy, devastating axes.
• Assassin: A stealthy rogue who excels with daggers and evasion.
• Templar: A faith-based character capable of invoking sacred light.

This overview highlights the classes that will complete the character lineup in Path of Exile 2.