POE2 Class Choices for New and Veteran Players

Time: 2025-01-20 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: POE2 Class Choices

Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) introduces players to a world of complexity and choice with its array of classes, each offering distinct gameplay mechanics, progression and strategic depth. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of Path of Exile 1 or new to the ARPG genre, understanding these classes is crucial to enjoying what could be one of the most defining ARPG experiences. This guide will not just scratch the surface, but delve into the mechanics of each class, their progression, and provide insights into gameplay strategies to help you decide which class suits your playstyle in PoE2's Early Access.

Understanding class mechanics

Before we delve into each class, let's establish some basic mechanics:

Ascendancies: Each class has two Ascendancies in Early Access, increasing to three at launch. Ascendancies are specialised sub-classes that change the way you play, offering unique passive skills and abilities.

Weapon and Skill Focus: Unlike traditional class-based games where skills are locked, PoE2 allows you to use any skill in the game with the right weapon specialisation.

Defence and damage mitigation: As the game gets harder, choosing a form of defence (dodge, block, energy shield) is vital to survival.

Warrior

Overview:

The Warrior in PoE2 is your classic melee powerhouse, focusing on heavy, impactful attacks. This class is for those who love the feel of direct confrontation, with the ability to pivot while attacking for dynamic combat.

Ascendancies:

Titan: Focuses on high AOE and single-target burst damage, ideal for those looking to dominate melee combat.

Warbringer: Enhances utility with shield mechanics, totems, and war cries, providing a more supportive melee role.

Gameplay Tips:

Experiment with different weapon sets such as maces or axes for different combat styles.

Use the stagger meter wisely to manage your defensive abilities.

Who should play:

If you enjoy the melee combat of games like Diablo's Barbarian or the tactile feedback of swinging heavy weapons, the Warrior is for you.

Sorceress

Overview:

The Sorceress is an elemental spellcaster that blends the traditional mage archetype with innovative combo mechanics. The focus is on chaining spells for devastating effects.

Ascendancies:

Chronomancer: Manipulates time and cooldown recovery, allowing for rapid spellcasting.

Storm Weaver: Boosts critical damage and status effects such as Shock and Chill, perfect for those who enjoy a high-risk, high-reward play style.

Gameplay Tips:

Combine different elemental spells for synergistic effects, such as using static charges through a firewall.

Focus on mobility and positioning to maximise spell efficiency.

Who should play:

Fans of spellcasters from any of the Diablo games or those who enjoy strategic spell combinations will find the Sorceress enchanting.

Monk

Overview:

Combining melee combat with elemental manipulation, the Monk offers a blend of speed and magical combat. Unlike traditional Monks, this class emphasises elemental damage over spiritual.

Ascendancies:

Summoner: Boosts elemental effects, evasion, and energy shielding, focusing on a balanced, elemental-focused approach.

Acolyte of Chaulula: Swaps elements for chaos damage, introducing a darker, more volatile play style.

Gameplay Tips:

Master the art of chaining melee and elemental attacks for crowd control and high damage output.

Balance your high-risk, high-reward gameplay with defensive options such as evasion.

Who should play:

If you're intrigued by the idea of a martial artist with magical abilities or enjoy the elemental aspects of Diablo's Monk, this class is for you.

Mercenary

Overview:

The Mercenary brings a unique twist with its focus on ranged combat, specifically the mechanics of the crossbow. It's designed for players who enjoy a strategic, methodical approach to combat.

Ascendancies:

Witch Hunter: Specialises in high damage against healthy enemies and killing weakened enemies, perfect for fast-paced encounters.

Gemling Legionnaire: Offers more skill access and defensive buffs via support gems, encouraging versatility.

Gameplay Tips:

Experiment with different types of ammunition to adapt to different combat scenarios.

Use traps and grenades not just for damage, but to control the battlefield.

Who should play:

Players who love the sniper-like precision of Diablo's Demon Hunter or enjoy games with a tactical, shooting element will find this class appealing.

Ranger

Overview:

The Ranger is all about speed, agility, and ranged attacks with bows, with an emphasis on dodging and poison mechanics. It's the quintessential archery class for those who prefer to strike from a distance.

Ascendancies:

Deadeye: Increases projectile and bow damage, tailored for those who want to focus on archery.

Pathfinder: Enhances the flask mechanic, providing speed and poison damage, ideal for dynamic, fast-paced gameplay.

Gameplay Tips:

Use mobility skills to dodge and position yourself for the perfect shot.

Master flask management for offensive and defensive boosts.

Who should play:

If you're drawn to agile, bow-wielding characters in RPGs like Dragon's Dogma 2 or Diablo's Rogue, the Ranger will appeal to you.

Witch

Overview:

The Witch is the summoner class of PoE2, with a focus on chaos, curses and minions. Unlike traditional summoners, PoE2's system automates the summoning of minions, allowing you to focus more on spellcasting.

Ascendancies:

Infernal: Transforms you into a demon-like figure with fire and chaos damage, less about summoning and more about personal power.

Blood Mage: Uses health instead of mana for spells, focusing on life sucking and longer lasting curses.

Gameplay Tips:

Manage your Spirit Reserve effectively to maintain your army of minions without neglecting your own spellcasting.

Use curses and chaos spells strategically to control and weaken enemies.

Who should play:

Those who enjoy the strategic depth of minion management or the dark magic of necro classes in RPGs will find The Witch compelling.

Verdict

With its class system, Path of Exile 2 offers a playground for both tactical thinkers and action lovers. Each class, with its unique mechanics and progression, offers a different lens through which to experience the game's rich, complex world. Whether you're planning to dive in with a preconceived strategy or prefer to explore as you go, understanding the class dynamics is key to mastering PoE2.

Thanks for Reading

Remember, there's no such thing as the 'best' class, just the one that suits your style. Experiment, fail, learn and above all, enjoy the journey. Early Access is the perfect time to explore without the pressure of permanence.