Path of Exile 2 boasts incredible depth, letting you craft a unique character using hundreds of skills and items. But once you've mastered the basics, a crucial choice awaits: your Ascendancy Class! Currently in early access, each class offers two (with a third planned for full release) distinct progression paths. Let's explore them all!
Also, check out our guide on choosing the best starting build!
Table of Contents
- Witch Ascendancy Classes
- Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
- Warrior Ascendancy Classes
- Monk Ascendancy Classes
- Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
- Ranger Ascendancy Classes
Witch Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Infernalist
Currently a top contender! The Infernalist Witch commands a fiery arsenal, but also offers a unique summoning twist: Infernal Hounds straight from the underworld! Transform into a demonic beast for increased damage and mobility (at the cost of increased health loss). The Loyal Hellhound skill is crucial for demonic form survivability, while Beidat's Will links Spirit to maximum HP, necessitating investment in both Strength and HP for a formidable undead army.
Blood Mage
While not as dominant as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers thrilling gameplay. Sanguimancy replaces Mana with Health, creating a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Skills like Vitality Siphon and Life Remnants leech health from enemies, while Sunder the Flesh and Gore Spike enhance critical hits and attack damage respectively.
Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage with high critical hit chance, triggering Elemental Storm via Tempest Caller. Inflicting status ailments is key, enhanced by Strike Twice. Spirit Gems amplify elemental damage against afflicted enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will boost spell casting speed and Mana regeneration. Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield, bolstering survivability.
Chronomancer
A new addition to Path of Exile, the Chronomancer manipulates time. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze open exciting combat possibilities. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its time-bending abilities (Now and Again, Apex of the Moment, Quicksand Hourglass) offer unique strategic depth.
Warrior Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Warbringer
The Warbringer combines war cries and totems for devastating melee combat, effective even against bosses. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration. Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manipulate corpse explosions and Warcry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm bolster defensive capabilities.
Titan
For a controlled, defensive approach, the Titan excels. Powerful, slow attacks paralyze enemies, forcing them to overcome thick armor. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly increase defenses and maximum HP. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment enhance Slam abilities, while Surprising Strength boosts damage against stunned foes.
Monk Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power for potent melee combat and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills, adding strategic depth.
Acolyte of Chayula
This Monk embraces Darkness, forgoing Spirit for increased Darkness and survivability (Embrace the Darkness). Consuming Questions with Mana Leech offers a risky, potentially powerful approach, but currently relies on inefficient MP drain.
Mercenary Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Witchhunter
A top-tier class, the Witchhunter excels at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits, coupled with Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner, make it potent against both weak enemies and bosses. Witchbane, No Mercy, and Zealous Inquisition offer further strategic advantages.
Gemling Legionnaire
Gameplay revolves around gems. Thaumaturgical Infusion boosts resistances based on gem colors. Crystalline Potential and Implanted Gems enhance skill levels. Advanced Thaumaturgy reduces skill costs and attribute requirements. Integrated Efficiency adds three extra skill slots, and Gem Studded allows using two identical Support gems.
Ranger Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Deadeye
A classic ranged combat class. Passive skills increase range and damage. Endless Munitions adds projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups. Excellent for bow users focusing on elemental damage.
Pathfinder
Master of poison. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application but shortens duration. Combines gas grenades, high movement speed, and slow resistance for toxic battlefield control.
Note: This guide covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Future updates may alter passive skills and class balance.
