Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2: Ascendancy Tier List
Time: 2025-04-29 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: poe2 tier list
Navigating the ever-shifting meta of Path of Exile 2 can feel like chasing a storm, but near a month into patch 0.2, the ascendancy landscape is starting to take shape. Whether you're a seasoned exile or a fresh face in Dawn of the Hunt, understanding which ascendancies dominate—and which are struggling—can make or break your build. This tier list breaks down the strongest and weakest ascendancies based on their versatility, build options, and performance in the current meta. For more gaming tips and gear to power up your journey, consider saving our site to your favourites and browsing our store for some killer finds.
S-Tier Ascendancies:
At the top of the heap, a few ascendancies stand out as powerhouses, largely thanks to their synergy with the overtuned Lightning Spear skill and their ability to excel in multiple scenarios.
Amazon:
No surprise here—Amazon is a beast. Its versatility shines with Lightning Spear builds, which dominate the meta due to their raw power and speed. Amazon's ability to adapt to various playstyles makes it a must-pick for solo players and league starters alike. Whether you're clearing maps or tackling bosses, Amazon delivers.
Deadeye:
If speed is your game, Deadeye is your name. As one of the fastest ascendancies, it pairs perfectly with Ranger builds and Lightning Spear. Its mobility and damage output keep it in S-tier, even if future nerfs try to tame it.
Lich:
Tanky and versatile, Lich holds its S-tier spot with strong minion builds (like Bone Lich) and spell-based options (Callous Lich). Its durability makes it a favourite for low-budget players and league starts, though its scaling potential isn't as explosive as others.
Invoker:
Monk's spirit bonuses and flexibility with builds like Lightning Spear, Nuke Wave, and Ice Strike keep it in S-tier. It's a solid all-rounder, offering both damage and survivability for players who want a balanced experience.
Blood Mage:
A surprise climber from A-tier in earlier predictions, Blood Mage now rivals Lich as a top caster ascendancy. Its massive critical chance bonuses make it ideal for Lightning Spear and other spell builds, pushing it into S-tier for its sheer damage potential.
A-Tier Ascendancies:
These ascendancies are reliable and powerful but fall short of S-tier due to clunkiness, budget requirements, or limited build diversity.
Smith of Kitava:
Incredibly tanky and a solid choice for Warrior builds, Kitava shines in A-tier. Its damage output lags behind Lich or Monk, and it struggles to leverage Lightning Spear, but its durability makes it an excellent pick for players prioritizing survival.
Infernalist:
A strong contender for critical-based mage and minion builds, Infernalist is close to S-tier but held back by its ascendancy tree. You often only need four points, leaving the rest feeling underwhelming. Still, it's a fantastic option for specific playstyles.
Gemling Legionnaire:
Ballista fans rejoice—Gemling is a top pick for totem builds and attribute-stacking Lightning Spear setups. Its high cost and clunky gameplay keep it from S-tier, but it's a solid A-tier for dedicated players.
Warbringer:
With recent block node buffs, Warbringer climbs to A-tier. Its tankiness and fun builds (like thorns) make it a strong choice, although some skills feel clunky compared to those of Kitava or Monk.
Ritualist:
A tricky one to rank, Ritualist sits between A and B. It shines in party play with item rarity buffs (e.g., Callous builds), but solo players may find Amazon or Deadeye more effective. High-budget builds push it toward A-tier, but it's not universally strong.
B-Tier Ascendancies:
B-tier ascendancies have potential but are outshined by their A- and S-tier peers due to clunkiness or lack of meta synergy.
Chronomancer:
Cold skill enthusiasts might enjoy Chronomancer's crowd control, but it feels clunky compared to Blood Mage or Lich. It has A-tier potential with the right build, but stays in B for now.
Titan:
Titan remains a middle-of-the-road option. Its passives are decent, but Monk, Warbringer, or Kitava often outperform it in similar roles. It needs buffs or new builds to shine.
Tactician:
A solid league-start pick for ballista builds, Tactician falls off late-game as Gemling outscales it. It's still viable but struggles to compete with A-tier options.
C-Tier Ascendancies:
These ascendancies are currently underperforming, either due to weak scaling or lack of viable builds.
Stormweaver:
Once hyped as a strong mage option, Storm Weaver has plummeted to C-tier. It's outclassed by Blood Mage, Lich, and even Chronomancer in most caster scenarios, with no standout builds to redeem it.
Pathfinder:
A disappointing fall from A-tier predictions, Pathfinder lacks the bonuses to compete in the Lightning Spear meta. It's playable but feels like a weaker Deadeye or Amazon.
Witchhunter:
Despite promised buffs, Witch Hunter remains lacklustre. Gemling outperforms it in crossbow builds, leaving Witch Hunter as a niche, underwhelming choice.
F-Tier Ascendancy:
Acolyte of Chayula:
Sadly, Chayula is the weakest link. Its energy shield leech and tankiness are decent, but every other ascendancy outclasses it. Few players are running it, and it desperately needs a rework to compete.
Why Lightning Spear Rules the Meta
One trend is clear: ascendancies that synergize with Lightning Spear—Amazon, Deadeye, Monk, Blood Mage—dominate the meta. This skill's overtuned damage and versatility make it a go-to for most builds, with or without uniques like Tangle Tank. Until Grinding Gear Games (GGG) balances it, expect these ascendancies to stay on top. For off-meta picks, Lich and Gemling offer strong alternatives for minion or ballista enthusiasts, while tanky options like Kitava and Warbringer cater to defensive playstyles.
What's Next for Patch 0.2?
The current meta heavily favors Lightning Spear builds, but GGG could shake things up with balance changes. Buffs to underperformers like Storm Weaver, Pathfinder, or Witch Hunter might elevate them to A-tier, while nerfs to Lightning Spear could level the playing field. Keep an eye on patch notes and community discussions to stay ahead of the curve. For now, stick to S- or A-tier ascendancies for the smoothest experience, and don't sleep on budget-friendly builds that leverage tankiness or speed.
FAQs About Path of Exile 2 Ascendancies in Patch 0.2
Which ascendancy is best for beginners in patch 0.2?
Amazon or Lich are great starter picks. Amazon's versatility with Lightning Spear and Lich's tankiness make them forgiving for new players.
Why is Lightning Spear so popular?
It's overtuned, offering high damage and clear speed, making it ideal for most ascendancies like Amazon, Deadeye, and Blood Mage.
Should I play a C-tier ascendancy like Storm Weaver?
Unless you're committed to a niche build, avoid C-tier ascendancies. They're outclassed by A- or S-tier options in most scenarios.
Can Ritualist work for solo play?
It's viable with high-budget builds, but Amazon or Deadeye are stronger for solo content due to their damage and speed.
Will GGG buff weaker ascendancies soon?
There is no confirmation, but GGG often tweaks underperformers mid-season. Monitor patch notes for updates on Storm Weaver or Pathfinder.
Thanks for Reading
The Path of Exile 2 meta is a wild ride, and this ascendancy tier list should help you pick a winner for patch 0.2. Keep exploring Dawn of the Hunt, and stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more guides to dominate your next build.
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