Path of Exile 2 Classes: How To Choose Class for Beginning

With the release of Path of Exile 2, players can look forward to an even deeper and more engaging experience that will appeal to both series veterans and newcomers alike. Whether you're tackling the early acts or preparing for the challenging EndGame, choosing from the wide range of Path of Exile 2 classes will be the foundation of your adventure. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at these classes to help you find the one that perfectly matches your playstyle and unlocks your full potential. Let’s explore the options and decide who you want to become in the thrilling world of Wraeclast!

Which PoE 2 Classes Exist?

Path of Exile 2 delights players with its diverse classes, offering a wide range of options for every playstyle. Early Access already features six core classes, each unique and delivering its own distinct gameplay experience. But this is just the beginning — in the full release, the developers at Grinding Gear Games have plenty more in store for us, including six additional classes.

Classes Available in Early Access

All classes are unique and interesting in their own way. Every player can find a hero that matches their playstyle. This list will make it a bit easier to choose your path forward.

Warrior

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The Warrior is a melee master who survives through strength and endurance. He absorbs heavy hits, delivers crushing damage, and controls enemies with stuns. Armed with hammers and maces, the Warrior uses totems to buff himself and his teammates, as well as war cries that empower allies and deal damage to enemies.

Subclasses:

• Warbringer: enhances interactions with totems, turning them into active participants in combat. His totems not only boost allies' abilities but also attack enemies, becoming a key part of the build. This subclass is ideal for players who prefer a hybrid playstyle that combines offense and support.
• Titan: specializes in stunning enemies and dealing increased damage to controlled targets. The Titan boasts high durability, making it a perfect choice for players who want to be an "unbreakable wall" on the battlefield.

Monk

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The Monk is an agile fighter who combines physical damage with magic. He excels with staves and polearms, delivering lightning-fast strikes infused with elemental magic. The core gameplay of the Monk revolves around buffing himself with elemental magic and dishing out damage through both spells and physical attacks.

Subclasses:

• Invoker:s pecializes in summoning creatures to assist in battle. His summoned minions possess a variety of abilities, ranging from dealing damage to distracting enemies. This subclass is perfect for players who prefer a strategic playstyle.
• Acolyte of Chayula: harnesses magic tied to ancient forces and mystical entities. The Acolyte's abilities balance between supporting allies and dealing damage. This is a more complex subclass, ideal for those seeking unique mechanics.

Mercenary

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The Mercenary combines strength and dexterity, offering a versatile playstyle. He specializes in ranged combat, utilizing crossbows, throwing weapons, and explosives. His high mobility allows him to evade attacks with ease, while a variety of tactical skills make him valuable in any situation.

Subclasses:

• Witchhunter: focuses on eliminating magical enemies using stealth attacks and special techniques. This subclass adds tactical and strategic elements, making the Mercenary a formidable foe for mages and other spell-dependent characters.
• Gemling Legionnaire: specializes in using special ammunition such as explosive arrows and grenades. The Legionnaire excels at controlling large groups of enemies, creating chaos on the battlefield.

Ranger

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The Ranger is a dexterity-based class focused on ranged attacks. She excels with bows and crossbows, preferring to take down enemies from a distance. Her high mobility and traps make her the perfect choice for a hit-and-run playstyle.

Subclasses:

• Deadeye: specializes in precise attacks with a high critical strike chance. Their abilities enhance ranged damage and allow them to eliminate enemies before they can get close.
• Pathfinder: this subclass focuses on the use of flasks and traps. It increases flask efficiency by adding unique effects and makes traps a key element of gameplay.

Sorceress

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The Sorceress is a master of elemental magic. She wields fire, ice, and lightning to deal area damage and control enemies. The Sorceress can annihilate large groups of foes by creating powerful spell combinations.

Subclasses:

• Stormweaver: specializes in lightning-fast attacks, shocking enemies and increasing their vulnerability to magical strikes. This subclass is perfect for an aggressive playstyle.
• Chronomancer: utilizes time magic to slow enemies, speed up allies, stop time, and control the flow of battle. This subclass is ideal for players who prefer a tactical approach.

Witch

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The Witch is a dark mage specializing in necromancy and shadow magic. She can summon creatures from the otherworld, cast curses, and weaken enemies. The Witch excels both in offense and support roles.

Subclasses:

• InfernalistFocuses on fire magic and summoning demonic creatures that deal devastating damage. This aggressive subclass is ideal for taking down large groups of enemies.
• BloodmageUses life force to activate powerful spells. This subclass requires careful resource management but offers immense damage potential in return.

According to the developers, two more classes will be added in about two months. They mentioned that these classes are already complete but need some final polishing. Here are these classes:

• Druid

This class will focus on nature magic and shapeshifting. The Druid will be able to transform into various animals, such as wolves or bears, and use nature spells for damage and support.

• Spearmaster

A class focused on using long weapons like spears and pikes. The Spearmaster will feature high mobility, crowd control abilities, and powerful mid-range attacks.

So, it can be said that PoE 2 Early Access will feature 8 classes, with 4 more classes to be added after the full release in 2025. Here are the classes that the developers at Grinding Gear Games have prepared for us:

• Bard

A support class that uses music and magical melodies to strengthen allies and weaken enemies. The Bard can also deal damage with sound-based attacks.

• Berserker

A subclass focused on an aggressive combat style. Berserkers sacrifice defense for a massive boost in attack power. The more damage they take, the stronger they become.

• Engineer

A specialist in mechanisms and gadgets. This class will utilize traps, turrets, and mechanical companions to dominate the battlefield.

• Summoner

A deeper dive into the magical path, focusing on summoning various creatures for combat. The Summoner will be able to create an entire army of golems, demons, and other magical entities.

Another important aspect of character progression in PoE 2 will be Ascendancies, or subclasses. For path of exile 2 classes after release, there will be 3 Ascendancies for each class, making a total of 36. However, during Early Access, only 2 specializations will be available per class. Delving deeper into the game mechanics reveals that these subclasses significantly alter the gameplay of each class, so much so that they can essentially be considered separate PoE classes. This means we’re looking at a total of 36 classes, with progression limited only by your imagination and some in-game possibilities.

What are the best Path of Exile 2 Classes for start?

In this part of the article, we’ll discuss which path of exile 2 classes are best to choose for starting your journey in PoE 2. Experienced players, after watching the game’s presentation, already have a rough idea of which gameplay style they want to test first. However, there are also newcomers and those who have never played PoE before, who might not know which classes are available or which one they should start with. Let’s use all the information we have to make the choice clearer in the form of a conditional tier list. But we want to warn you that there’s still a lot unknown about the game—how to farm, what to farm, and the best ways to level up—so this is simply a subjective list made with the information we have and a lot of heart.

Warrior

If you’re looking for a reliable and straightforward melee class to start your journey in Path of Exile 2, the Warrior is an excellent choice. His gameplay remains familiar to players of the original game, offering a strong, tanky character that thrives in the thick of battle. The Warrior is all about raw power and resilience, making him a “walking tank” who shrugs off damage and delivers devastating attacks.

What sets the Warrior apart in PoE 2 are the added layers of strategy and versatility. Control abilities like stuns allow him to dominate the battlefield, while a wide variety of skill gems introduce exciting combinations that cater to different playstyles. The Warrior is perfect for those who enjoy being the frontline powerhouse while still having the flexibility to experiment with unique builds.

We recommend starting with the Warrior because his straightforward mechanics are great for newcomers, and his durability offers a forgiving learning curve. If you want a class that balances simplicity with the potential for complex builds, the Warrior is an ideal starting point.

Monk

The Monk brings an entirely new experience to Path of Exile 2, making him an incredibly exciting choice for players looking to try something fresh. This character will appeal to both seasoned players and newcomers. Unlike the Warrior, who relies on brute strength and endurance, the Monk is a fast and agile melee fighter focused on combo-based attacks and elemental magic. His fluid movements and swift strikes make every battle dynamic and engaging.

What sets the Monk apart is his unique approach to combat. Using staves and polearms, he combines physical damage with magical buffs, creating powerful combos capable of overwhelming enemies. His high mobility allows him to dodge attacks while maintaining control of the fight. Developers have confirmed that the Monk is currently the most polished class in PoE 2 in terms of animations, mechanics, and intricate details.

We recommend starting with the Monk if you enjoy fast-paced, active gameplay. His mix of melee combat and magic offers plenty of room for experimentation, while his mobility makes him an excellent choice for players who value a tactical approach.

Witch

The Witch has always been one of the most iconic classes in Path of Exile, and in PoE 2, she has become even more compelling. Her gameplay revolves around necromancy and dark magic, allowing her to summon powerful minions and weaken enemies with devastating curses. The expanded necromancy mechanics in PoE 2 take her abilities to the next level, giving players greater control over their undead army and their interactions with enemies.

What makes the Witch so appealing is her flexibility. Her minions can serve as both a shield and a source of damage, while her curses enable her to handle even the toughest opponents. Her subclasses unlock new possibilities, such as summoning demonic creatures or using blood magic for powerful spells. These options make the Witch an excellent choice for players who enjoy strategy and tactical battlefield control.

The Witch is also a great character to start with because her gameplay offers a balance of offense, support, and strategic depth. If you enjoy controlling the battlefield with minions and debuffs, the Witch is a perfect fit for you. Her playstyle is also well-suited for beginners who want to explore complex mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.

This section is based on subjective opinions and information from forums. Which class you choose to start with in Path of Exile 2 Early Access is entirely up to you. Whether that choice is based on the character’s appearance or your gameplay preferences (which we’ll discuss further below), the decision is yours to make. The most important thing is to enjoy the game!

How To Pick Your Class for PoE 2 Early Access

Choosing classes in Path of Exile is a crucial step that impacts your progress through the acts and your success in the EndGame. The mechanics, abilities, and playstyle of each class shape your combat strategy and interaction with the game world.

In the early stages, it’s important to learn the basic mechanics and find an effective build. In the EndGame, your choice will be tested in challenging battles where survival and maximizing damage are key. Your class should match your playstyle, unlock its full potential at higher levels, and bring enjoyment to both leveling and the game as a whole. Below, we’ll provide a brief overview of each class and its gameplay to help you decide which one you’d like to play the most.

Warrior

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If you enjoy being at the center of the fight, taking hits, and dishing out powerful attacks, the Warrior is a great choice. This class relies on strength and endurance, excelling in close combat. Armed with hammers and maces, the Warrior stuns enemies, uses war cries for buffs or damage, and relies on totems to strengthen himself or support the team.

If you prefer straightforward and easy-to-understand gameplay where you can tank damage and deliver crushing blows, the Warrior is perfect for you. It’s especially great for beginners who want a class that’s simple to learn but still rewarding to master.

Monk

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If you enjoy speed, precision, and a touch of magic, the Monk is an excellent choice. This agile fighter combines physical damage with elemental magic, delivering rapid strikes while enhancing himself with magical effects. You can use staves for whirlwind attacks or polearms for powerful leaps into battle. The Monk's gameplay revolves around combos and precise timing, making it dynamic and engaging.

If you enjoy mobile gameplay with a mix of physical damage and magic, the Monk is a great choice. This class is for players who appreciate the ability to move quickly, unleash combos, and cast spells before enemies even realize what's happening. You control every strike, buff yourself with magic, and destroy everything in your path.

Mercenary

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The Mercenary is a versatile ranged class. Armed with crossbows, throwing weapons, and even explosives, he offers both tactical options and variety. His high mobility allows him to evade attacks easily, while his wide arsenal lets him adapt to almost any situation. Whether it’s picking off enemies one by one or creating chaos with grenades, the Mercenary brings strategy to the battlefield.

If you enjoy keeping your distance, moving quickly, and planning tactics on the fly, the Mercenary is a great choice. With his crossbows, throwing weapons, and powerful area attacks, he’s highly effective against groups of enemies. This class balances precise single-target damage with crowd-control effects, offering a mix of mobility and raw power.

Ranger

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The Ranger is all about precision and speed, perfect for those who want to deal damage from a distance while staying on the move. Bows, crossbows, and traps let you keep enemies at bay, while high mobility helps you avoid dangerous situations. Your tactic is simple: hit and run, always staying one step ahead.

If you enjoy playing a nimble marksman who constantly changes position and focuses on accurate strikes, this class is for you. The Ranger is a great choice if you value freedom of movement and want to maintain control of the battlefield.

Sorceress

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If you love powerful spells and want to burn through entire groups of enemies with magic, the Sorceress is your class. She commands fire, ice, and lightning, dealing damage and controlling the battlefield with wide-area spells. The ability to combine different elements makes her versatile and exciting for players who enjoy experimenting with builds.

This class is perfect if you’re used to playing mages and want to feel like a true master of elemental magic. If you’re drawn to flashy spells and the ability to dominate from a distance, the Sorceress won’t disappoint.

Witch

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If you enjoy controlling hordes of enemies and building strategies around summoned creatures, the Witch is your class. She raises the dead to form her army and weakens enemies with powerful curses. Her abilities allow her to dominate the battlefield and handle even the toughest opponents effectively.

This class is perfect if you want to play as a mage who can deal damage while also controlling the fight with minions and debuffs. If you’re into a strategic and tactical playstyle, the Witch is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

Path of Exile 2 offers a wide variety of classes to suit every preference and playstyle. Whether you’re a fan of melee combat, a tactical marksman, or a master of magic, there’s something for everyone. Experiment, find your perfect class, and enjoy an engaging journey!

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