PoE 2: Beginner Class Guide & Choices

Time: 2025-02-09 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: PoE 2 Beginner Classes

Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) introduces players to a complex world where your choice of class can significantly shape your gameplay experience. With a number of unique classes, each offering different playstyles, choosing the right class as a newcomer can set you up for success. Here's how to choose your first class in PoE2, based on insights from Game8.co and tailored for newcomers to the series.

Understanding PoE2 classes

PoE2 will feature 12 classes at full release, with six available during Early Access. Each class has a unique starting point on the passive skill tree and comes with its own set of Ascendancies (specialisations):

Witch: Focuses on spellcasting, minions and curses.

Marauder: A melee powerhouse specialising in brute force.

Ranger: Ranged combat and dodging are their strengths.

Duelist: A balance of melee and ranged with an emphasis on agility.

Templar: Combines melee and sacred magic for a versatile play style.

Shadow: Master of stealth, poisons and traps.

Factors to consider when choosing a class

Play style preference

Melee vs. Ranged: If you enjoy getting up close and personal, the Marauder or Templar might be for you. Do you prefer to keep enemies at a distance? Ranger or Witch might be better.

Magic vs. Physics: Are you drawn to the mystical arts or do you like the straightforwardness of physical damage? Witches excel at magic, while Marauders are all about raw physicality.

Complexity

Simple to complex: For beginners, classes like Marauder or Ranger are straightforward with their damage types and mechanics. Witch or Shadow may offer more complexity due to spell synergy or trap mechanics.

Survivability

Tank vs. Glass Cannon: Some classes, like the Marauder, naturally lean towards tanking, while others, like the Witch, may require a more defensive setup but can deal massive damage.

Build Flexibility

Versatility: Classes like the Duelist or Templar offer a good mix of stats, allowing for more build experimentation as you learn the game.

Recommended classes for beginners

Marauder

Why choose: High survivability, simple mechanics (melee attacks), and a very forgiving skill tree starting point.

Best for: Those who want to learn the mechanics of the game while still feeling powerful and resilient.

Ranger

Why choose: Excellent for learning positioning and ranged combat. Easy to equip with bows, which are often dropped.

Best for: Players interested in a hit-and-run style with less risk of getting surrounded.

Witch

Why choose: Provides a gentle introduction to spellcasting, with minions acting as a buffer. Can transition into different builds as you understand the game better.

Best for: Those fascinated by magic or wanting to dive into a support role.

How to approach class selection

Experiment: Don't hesitate to try different classes. PoE2 allows you to create multiple characters, so you can experiment without losing progress on your main character.

Community Resources: Check out guides, community builds or even streams to see classes in action. Game8.co has detailed class breakdowns and build suggestions for beginners.

Passive Skill Tree: Understand that while each class starts in a different part of the tree, you can eventually access most nodes with enough points, allowing for some build flexibility.

Ascendancies: Think about which Ascendancy you might like, as this may influence your initial class choice. For example, the Witch Necromancer Ascendancy may appeal to those interested in summoner builds.

Thank you for reading

Choosing your first class in Path of Exile 2 is a matter of balancing your personal play style with the game's mechanics. While there's no one "best" class for beginners, Marauder, Ranger or Witch are generally recommended for their ease of use and learning curve. Remember, part of the fun of PoE2 is experimenting, so feel free to explore and switch classes as you become more familiar with the game's depth.

May your first steps into the dark world of Wraeclast be as exciting as they are educational.