Contents
Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular ARPG, introduces a revamped class and Ascendancy system that adds depth and variety to character progression. With a total of 12 base classes planned and six available during Early Access, players can explore diverse playstyles. Each class has its own unique attributes, skills, and Ascendancy options, allowing players to specialize further as they progress. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Path of Exile 2 Classes and Ascendancies, from their attributes to their gameplay styles, helping you prepare for the challenges that await in Wraeclast.
| Base Class | Ascendancy 1 | Ascendancy 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Warrior | Warbringer | Titan |
| Monk | Invoker | Acolyte of Chayula |
| Ranger | Deadeye | Pathfinder |
| Witch | Infernalist | Blood Mage |
| Sorceress | Stormweaver | Chronomancer |
| Mercenary | Witch Hunter | Gemling Legionnaire |
Path of Exile 2 Base Classes Overview
In Path of Exile 2, classes are divided into archetypes based on their primary attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or hybrids of these. Each class has access to three unique Ascendancy paths (two available during Early Access) that further refine their abilities. Here’s a look at the six Early Access classes:
- Warrior: A Strength-based tank specializing in melee combat with maces. The Warrior excels at heavy-hitting attacks and crowd control.
- Ascendancies: Warbringer (enhances Warcries and Totems) and Titan (focuses on durability and massive area damage).
- Monk: A hybrid Dexterity/Intelligence class blending martial arts with elemental magic. Agile and versatile, the Monk alternates between melee strikes and spellcasting.
- Ascendancies: Invoker (elemental effects through critical hits) and Acolyte of Chayula (mobility-focused combat).
- Ranger: A Dexterity-based class specializing in bows and ranged combat. The Ranger combines elemental arrows with AoE skills for strategic gameplay.
- Ascendancies: Deadeye (precision-based ranged damage) and Pathfinder (enhanced mobility and poison damage).
- Witch: An Intelligence-based summoner who wields dark magic to control undead minions or unleash devastating spells.
- Ascendancies: Infernalist (elemental damage) and Blood Mage (life-draining spells).
- Sorceress: Another Intelligence-based caster focusing on elemental magic. The Sorceress manipulates weather effects or time itself for battlefield control.
- Ascendancies: Stormweaver (lightning/cold magic) and Chronomancer (time-based abilities).
- Mercenary: A hybrid Strength/Dexterity class using crossbows for tactical combat. The Mercenary excels in adaptability with unique weapon modes like sniper or shotgun fire.
- Ascendancies: Witch Hunter (anti-magic specialization) and Gemling Legionnaire (gem-enhanced abilities).
Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy System Explained
Ascendancy classes are specialized paths that unlock as you progress through the game’s campaign. These subclasses offer unique skill trees that significantly impact your build’s playstyle. For example:
- Completing the Trial of the Sekhemas in Act 2 unlocks your first two Ascendancy points.
- Further points are earned through trials like the Trial of Chaos in Act 3.
- Once chosen, an Ascendancy cannot be changed, though skill points within it can be respecced.
Each Ascendancy introduces new mechanics or enhances existing ones, such as elemental damage boosts, summoning capabilities, or mobility improvements.
Choosing Your Class in Path of Exile
Selecting a class in Path of Exile 2 depends on your preferred playstyle:
- If you enjoy tanking damage while delivering powerful melee strikes, consider the Warrior or Marauder.
- For fast-paced ranged combat with strategic positioning, the Ranger or Mercenary may suit you.
- Players who prefer magic-based gameplay can explore the Witch or Sorceress.
- Hybrid classes like the Monk or Templar offer a mix of melee combat and spellcasting.
What’s New in Path of Exile 2?
The sequel brings several innovations to character progression:
- Gender-Locked Classes: Unlike its predecessor, each class is gender-specific.
- Enhanced Combat Mechanics: Features like dodge rolling, animation retargeting, and movement during attacks improve fluidity.
- Skill Customization: Skills are tied to gems that can be freely swapped between characters without attribute restrictions.
- Ascendancy Depth: Each subclass introduces distinct playstyles with specialized skill trees.
