Path of Exile 2's next league is on the horizon, and with it comes a new economy ripe for the picking. As of 25 March 2025, we're still in Early Access, but the principles of league starting success are crystal clear: pick a class that thrives on trash gear, clears content quickly, and sets you up to snowball into the top 1% of Wraeclast's wealthiest exiles. Drawing on seasoned insight and community buzz, we've broken down the best starter class to kick-start your economic empire - without the need for a fancy Temporalis or 1,000 Divine build. Spoiler: it's not a Warrior (sorry, melee fans).
A new league is a reset button - everyone's stock is empty and the market is a chaotic free-for-all. Early on, triple-resistance gear that's dirt cheap in late league can fetch a tidy sum, while divine uniques are nowhere to be found. Your first character isn't just a campaign drudge; it's your ticket to earning cash fast. Efficiency is king here - think low investment, high output. Nerfs to meta builds like Spark Archmage or Ice Strike Invoker may shake things up, but the right starter can weather the storm and rake in the gold, chaos, and divine.
If you want to hit the ground running and watch your wealth pile up, the Ranger's Deadeye ascendancy is your golden goose. This bow-wielding beast excels with basic gear—slap some arrows on a rare bow, and you're off. Its strength lies in its mobility and range, allowing you to zip around maps and snipe enemies without breaking a sweat. Skills like Lightning Arrow or Gas Arrow with Flame Wall offer versatile damage (fire, lightning, chaos—you name it), and Deadeye's ascendancy pumps up movement speed and projectile power.
Why it works for the economy: Speed equals progress. The faster you clear, the more loot you grab, and in those early days, every drop counts. Deadeye doesn't need expensive uniques early on, and its flexibility means you can pivot to whatever the meta throws at you - be it poison or explosive crossbow shenanigans. Sure, Herald of Ice or Cast on Shock might face nerfs, but Deadeye's core kit stays solid. Start here, farm up, and funnel your riches into a flashy second character later.
Runner-Up: Witch (Infernalist Ascendancy)
For a different kind of dominance, the Witch's Infernalist Ascendancy brings the heat - literally. Minion builds shine with minimal gear, relying on skill gems like Skeletal Arsonists or Raging Spirits to scale damage. Slip a +1 Minion gem into a socket and your fiery army will start to shred. The Infernalist's Hellhound hits while you sit back and throw Flame Wall or Detonate Dead for extra chaos. It's a forgiving setup - perfect if you're dodging new boss mechanics or running on a budget PC (though too many minions could slow you down).
Economy-wise, Infernalist is a steady earner. It's not as fast as Deadeye, but it's a brick wall against early game threats like Count Grano. Pros love it for a reason: it scales from trash to god tier with ease, allowing you to safely stockpile currency. Hardcore players especially dig the meat-shield minions. Just don't expect to blast through maps - patience pays off here.
Honorable Mention: New Classes (Druid & Huntress)
Patch 0.2.0 may release two shiny new toys: Druid and Huntress. Details are still sketchy, but whispers suggest that Druid might lean towards summoning (think Minion vibes with a twist), while Huntress could bring the dexterity-scaling mobility - maybe even the spear-throwing. Exciting? Hell, yes. Risky? You bet. New classes are a gamble - untested and potentially underwhelming without meta knowledge. Stick to proven winners unless you're itching to experiment and don't mind a slow start. Look for mobility or minion.
Key Traits to Prioritize
No matter your pick, here's what makes a starter sing:
Low Gear Dependency: Trash gear needs to work. Deadeye and Infernalist thrive without rares; avoid stat-stackers like Gemling Legionnaire early on.
Mobility: Time is money. Deadeye's speed or Invoker's Flicker Strike cut clearing times—melee like Warrior lags behind (sorry again).
Cost Efficiency: Make more than you spend. Farm cards, sell rares, and build a surplus to fund your next big build.
When It Doesn't Matter
If you're rolling with a squad sharing gear, sponsored by a rich buddy, or joining a mature league late, your starter choice is less critical. Solo Self-Found (SSF) folks who don't care about trade can also pick whatever sparks joy—economy be damned. But for most of us lone wolves chasing wealth, nailing that first character is the difference between one Divine and three by week one.
Strategy for Success
Start with Deadeye or Infernalist to grind efficiently—focus on movement speed (grab a Smuggler's Code if you can) or minion buffs. Stack currency, learn the new meta as it unfolds (it will take a month or two to settle in), and then pivot to a beefed-up build with your profits. Part-time players, take note: any inefficiency hurts more with limited hours, so stick to these reliable picks.
This isn't about one-and-done glory—it's a stepping stone. Build wealth, adapt, and soon you'll be the exile flexing a 97-Ingenuity belt while others scramble for scraps.
Thanks for Reading
That's your roadmap to crushing it in Path of Exile 2's next league! Whether you're sniping with Deadeye or commanding Infernalist's fiery horde, you're ready to dominate the economy. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more tips as Wraeclast develops!
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