Time: 2025-08-23 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: The Third Edict

If you're gearing up for Path of Exile 2's Patch 0.3.0, choosing the right ascendancy class can make or break your league start. With balance changes shaking things up, some classes shine brighter than others, while a few have fallen from grace. This tier list, inspired by the latest insights and patch notes, ranks the ascendancy classes based on their performance, versatility, and ease of use for both new and seasoned players. Whether you're aiming for a smooth early game or planning to dominate endgame content, this guide has you covered.
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Deadeye remains the undisputed king of Patch 0.3. Known for its blazing speed and high damage output, this class is a safe bet for nearly any build. Whether you're slinging arrows with a bow, thrusting spears, or even casting projectile spells, Deadeye's versatility makes it a meme-worthy favorite. Its ability to adapt to multiple playstyles ensures you won't fall behind, making it the go-to for players who want a reliable and powerful league starter.
Blood Mage holds its ground as an S-tier powerhouse despite a slight nerf to its crit multiplier (from 1% per 40 life to 1% per 50 life) and the loss of physical mitigation ignore on crit. The big win? Sanguineous, the life-cost skill for spells, is now free, granting two extra ascendancy points. This opens up builds with crit multi, base crit chance for spells (50% is massive), and life leech nodes for sustain. Blood Mage is a spellcaster's dream, offering flexibility and raw power for a strong league start.
Chayula Monk has climbed to A-tier with significant buffs. The class's clunkiness has been smoothed out, and its new volatility mechanic is a game-changer. Gaining volatility stacks from elemental ailments (ignite, chill, shock) adds 3% extra chaos damage per stack, potentially stacking to absurd levels. Gameplay reveals showed purple orbs swirling around the character, hinting at massive damage potential.
Invoker stays strong in A-tier, largely untouched by nerfs. Its synergy with the Hollow Palm Technique keystone makes it a favorite for unarmed builds, though we're still waiting on details about base damage scaling. Flicker Strike fans can stick with their builds, and the class's access to energy shield and evasion nodes ensures survivability.
Ritualist jumps to A-tier after a modest buff and an improved trading system that makes gearing more accessible. While still expensive due to its reliance on high-end items, Ritualist's versatility shines through. Builds like the Corrupted Blood AFK setup remain strong, and with the right investment, this class can handle nearly any content.
Lich is a stable A-tier choice for players seeking a smooth league start. It excels in minion and self-cast builds, offering high damage potential. Its only drawback? A lack of speed compared to S-tier classes. Still, Lich's synergy as a top-tier caster makes it a dependable option for general content and early progression.
Titan's hulking form and access to 150 new notable passive nodes make it an A-tier pick for creative players. Its ability to stack niche stats like cooldown reduction or reduced duration opens up unique build possibilities. While its power level might lean toward B-tier, Titan's potential to capitalize on new passive tree additions makes it a fun and viable choice for those who love experimenting.
Pathfinder earns its A-tier spot with its comfy playstyle, especially for crossbow and channeling builds. The reduced movement penalty during skill use is a huge boon for clear speed, as seen in builds like Rutu's crossbow setup or Mat's Incinerate. A buffed elemental damage reduction node adds tankiness, making Pathfinder a safe and versatile choice.
Amazon holds strong in A-tier despite a crit chance nerf. Its weakness health bar mechanic and skill speed bonuses keep it competitive, especially for Tangle Tongue spear builds, which remain potent despite a base crit chance nerf. Amazon is a slightly less dominant version of Deadeye but still a reliable pick for crit-focused players.
Infernalist sneaks into A-tier with buffs to Demon Form and the Pyromantic Pact. While it loses +6 to spell levels, it retains weapon stats and gains potential for self-damage builds that trigger elemental effects. However, it's slightly outclassed by Blood Mage for mainstream spellcasting, making it a niche but strong option.
Tactician sits comfortably in B-tier with its versatile totem and banner mechanics. The ability to gain deflection based on armor and the reworked banner system add depth, but no standout builds have emerged yet.
Witch Hunter remains in B-tier, offering early map clear with explosion effects and first-strike boss damage. However, it's outclassed by Deadeye for crossbow builds and Titan for grenade setups, making it a decent but not exceptional choice.
Warbringer drops to B-tier due to its limited build options and the nerf to Giant's Blood. While totems and tanky setups like Jade Warrior and armor break are viable, the class lacks the versatility of others.
Chronomancer lands in C-tier due to its niche playstyle. While freeze-time, one-shot boss builds are possible, the class lacks perks for general mapping.
Stormweaver is a wildcard in C-tier. Its new elemental remnant and infusion mechanics offer potential, but without clear data on remnant strength, it's hard to gauge.
Smith of Kitava plummets to F-tier after losing the Inferno Class Belt and suffering from the Giant's Blood nerf. The max fire resist stacking archetype is nearly dead, and the minor buff to Manifest Weapon doesn't compensate.
Gemling Legionnaire joins Smith of Kitava in F-tier. Its attribute stacking is weak, and the only notable perk is crit immunity with heavy Redjack use.
Deadeye is the safest and most versatile choice for beginners due to its speed, damage, and build flexibility.
Yes, Chayula Monk's volatility mechanic and reduced clunkiness make it a strong A-tier option for creative builds.
The loss of the Inferno Class Belt and Giant's Blood nerf hit its max fire resist and overall power, requiring heavy gear investment.
Absolutely. With free Sanguineous and extra ascendancy points, Blood Mage remains a top-tier spellcaster for endgame.
Sorceress is niche due to uncertainty around elemental remnants. It's safer to choose A- or S-tier classes unless you're experimental.
Patch 0.3 brings exciting changes to Path of Exile 2's ascendancy classes, with Deadeye and Blood Mage leading the pack for safe and powerful league starts. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, this tier list should help you pick a class that fits your playstyle. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more guides, updates, and tips to conquer Wraeclast!
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