Everything About 12 Classes in Path of Exile 2

Editor's Note: With the recent launch of Patch 0.4.0, The Last of the Druids update, Path of Exile 2 now features eight playable classes, bringing shapeshifting and elemental mastery to the forefront. The full roster of 12 classes promises even greater diversity. This guide covers current mechanics, strategies, and future potential—helping you find the archetype that resonates most. Which combat fantasy draws you in: precision archery, minion hordes, or beast transformations?

Path of Exile 2's class system emphasizes flexibility. Skill gems allow any build on any class, but starting passive tree positions and weapon affinities guide natural strengths. Ascendancies provide specialized nodes and skills for deeper customization. As early access progresses, these options continue to expand, rewarding experimentation while offering strong starting paths.

Current Playable Classes: Mechanics and Strategies

Ranger: Precision Ranged Specialist

Gameplay Style: Dexterity-focused archer. Mobile ranged damage with elemental or poison layers.

Mechanics: Early bow access enhances projectiles and zones. Mobility ensures positioning control.

Ascendancies: Deadeye (projectile precision), Pathfinder (poison spread), TBA.

Strategic Tips:

• Use evasion and slows to manage packs.

• Overlap ailments for amplified effects.

Expert Insight: Potential Risk—Limited space restricts kiting in dense areas. Optimal path: Penetration nodes maintain consistency against resistances.

Mercenary: Versatile Crossbow Gunner

Gameplay Style: Dexterity/Strength hybrid. Tactical ranged with explosive utility.

Mechanics: Instant crossbow shots, ammo swaps, and grenades for status application.

Ascendancies: Witchhunter (single-target focus), Gemling Legionnaire (gem expansion), Tactician (totem buffs).

Strategic Tips:

• Adapt ammo to enemy types.

• Pin elites for controlled bursts.

Expert Insight: Optimal Path—Gemling's extra sockets enable multi-skill preparedness, reducing build swaps.

Witch: Minion and Curse Commander

Gameplay Style: Intelligence summoner. Army-based indirect combat.

Mechanics: Spirit sustains diverse minions, including spectres. Curses amplify weaknesses.

Ascendancies: Infernalist (fire demons), Blood Mage (life-fueled power), Lich (chaos mastery), Abyssal Lich (advanced chaos).

Strategic Tips:

• Position minions for optimal engagement.

• Chain infections across groups.

Expert Insight: Potential Risk—Unpredictable minion aggro in chaotic encounters. Optimal path: Survivability investments ensure army longevity.

Sorceress: Elemental Spellcaster

Gameplay Style: Pure Intelligence mage. High-burst elemental control.

Mechanics: Fire, cold, lightning chains with conditional free casts. Djinn support available.

Ascendancies: Stormweaver (debuff storms), Chronomancer (time manipulation), Disciple of Varashta (djinn summons).

Strategic Tips:

• Layer elements for reactions.

• Manipulate time on tough phases.

Expert Insight: Optimal Path—Djinn hybrids add utility, mitigating pure offense vulnerabilities.

Monk: Agile Elemental Striker

Gameplay Style: Dexterity/Intelligence hybrid. Fluid melee with charge bursts.

Mechanics: Staff combos build charges; dashes enable hit-and-run.

Ascendancies: Invoker (elemental avatars), Acolyte of Chayula (chaos darkness), TBA.

Strategic Tips:

• Farm charges on minors for major expends.

• Dash to reposition efficiently.

Expert Insight: Potential Risk—Charge reliance slows single-target. Optimal path: Passive generators like bells for consistency.

Huntress: Spear Hybrid Fighter

Gameplay Style: Dexterity spear user. Seamless ranged-to-melee transitions.

Mechanics: Thrown spears chain; zones detonate on command.

Ascendancies: Amazon (crit exploitation), Ritualist (blood/jewelry amps), TBA.

Strategic Tips:

• Setup zones before detonation.

• Target weaknesses on bosses.

Expert Insight: Optimal Path—Ritualist's jewelry boosts amplify endgame gear efficiency.

Warrior: Tanky Melee Bruiser

Gameplay Style: Strength-focused. Durable heavy strikes.

Mechanics: Slams combine physical/elemental; blocking reduces incoming.

Ascendancies: Titan (stuns/defenses), Warbringer (totems/warcries), Smith of Kitava (ancestral enhancements).

Strategic Tips:

• Trigger fissures mid-combo.

• Block to cover animations.

Expert Insight: Potential Risk—Animation locks invite interrupts. Optimal path: Warcry speed buffs for fluidity.

Druid: Shapeshifting Nature Mage

Gameplay Style: Strength/Intelligence hybrid. Elemental spells with beast forms.

Mechanics: Transform into bear (melee slams), wolf (agile cold), wyvern (breath attacks); form-spell synergies.

Ascendancies: Oracle (visions/death cheat), Shaman (elemental depth), TBA.

Strategic Tips:

• Interact eruptions across forms.

• Adapt transformations per threat.

Expert Insight: Potential Risk—Form switches disrupt in rapid combat. Optimal path: Manual controls for precise timing.

Upcoming Classes: Anticipated Additions

Four classes remain: Shadow (Dex/Int: traps, daggers, burst), Duelist (Str/Dex: swords, finesse), Marauder (Str: axes, primal rage), Templar (Str/Int: flails, holy auras). These will round out archetypes like ambush and support.

Path of Exile 2 Classes FAQs

How do I choose a starting class in Path of Exile 2?

Classes set passive tree starts and early affinities, but gems enable full flexibility. Consider preferred weapons and attributes. Respecs allow later adjustments.

What is the best class for beginners in Path of Exile 2?

Ranger or Witch provide ranged safety and minion buffers, easing mechanic learning like ailments and positioning.

When does a class get its Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2?

Trials unlock points progressively through acts and endgame. Early choices mid-campaign; full allocation later. Trials repeatable for testing.

How many Ascendancies can I pick per class in Path of Exile 2?

One primary path with planned three options. Points build its tree; respecs possible endgame.

What is the best class for boss killing in Path of Exile 2?

Mercenary (Witchhunter) or Sorceress shine via focused bursts. Defensive layers handle mechanics.

How do upcoming classes like Shadow fit into Path of Exile 2 meta?

Shadow's trap/mine equippables suit field control and calculated bursts, expanding ambush strategies upon release.

Thanks for Reading

Path of Exile 2's 12 classes blend familiar archetypes with innovative twists, from crossbow tactics to djinn summons and shapeshifting fury—delivering endless build potential in an evolving world.

This overview captures the essence of Path of Exile 2 classes today. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for the latest on Path of Exile 2 patches, leagues, and meta shifts. [Enter Full Path of Exile 2 Guide Hub]