Path of Exile 2 boasts incredible depth, letting you customize your character with hundreds of skills and items. But once you've mastered the basics, the real challenge begins: choosing your Ascendancy Class! Currently in early access, each class offers two progression paths (with a third planned for full release). Let's explore the available Ascendancies.
Also, check out our guide on choosing the best starting build!
Witch Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Infernalist
Currently a top contender! The Infernalist Witch commands devastating fire spells and, for summoners, a new underworld ally: the Infernal Hound! Transform into a demonic beast for increased damage and mobility (at the cost of increased health loss). The Loyal Hellhound skill is crucial for demonic form survival, while Beidat's Will ties Spirit to maximum HP, demanding investment in both Strength and HP for a formidable undead army.
Blood Mage
While not as dominant as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers thrilling gameplay. Sanguimancy replaces Mana with Health, demanding careful risk management. Vitality Siphon and Life Remnants drain enemy health, Sunder the Flesh enhances critical hit buffs, and Gore Spike boosts critical strike damage. A high-risk, high-reward playstyle.
Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes massive elemental damage with high critical hit chances, triggering Elemental Storm via Tempest Caller. Inflicting status ailments is key, aided by Strike Twice. Spirit Gems amplify elemental damage against afflicted enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will boost spell casting speed and Mana regeneration, while Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield for improved survivability.
Chronomancer
A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze offer exciting combat possibilities. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its time-bending abilities—like Now and Again (chance to avoid cooldowns), Apex of the Moment (slows nearby monsters), and Quicksand Hourglass (increased spell casting speed)—offer immense potential.
Warrior Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Warbringer
The Warbringer combines war cries and totem summons for devastating melee combat. Totems distract and absorb damage, while Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration. Warcaller’s Bellow causes exploding corpses, and Greatwolf’s Howl removes Warcry cooldowns. For a more defensive approach, Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm boost shields and blocking.
Titan
Prefer controlled, defensive combat? The Titan's powerful, slow attacks paralyze enemies. Stone Skin increases armor by 50%, and Mysterious Lineage boosts maximum HP by 15%. Offensive abilities like Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment strengthen Slam skills, and Surprising Strength increases damage against stunned foes.
Monk Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power for potent melee attacks and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills, adding strategic depth.
Acolyte of Chayula
This Monk embraces Darkness, forgoing Spirit for increased Darkness and survivability (Embrace the Darkness). Consuming Questions with Mana Leech removes Energy Shield cooldowns, but currently relies on inefficient MP drain (as of version 0.1.1).
Mercenary Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Witchhunter
A powerful class excelling at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits allows for quick clearing of weaker enemies. Against bosses, Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner are crucial. Witchbane and No Mercy reduce enemy concentration and increase damage, while Zealous Inquisition causes slain enemies to explode.
Gemling Legionnaire
Gameplay centers around gems—their stats, quality, and even color. Thaumaturgical Infusion increases resistances based on gem colors, while Crystalline Potential and Implanted Gems enhance skill levels. Advanced Thaumaturgy reduces skill costs and attribute requirements, and Integrated Efficiency adds three extra active skill slots. Gem Studded allows using two identical Support gems.
Ranger Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Deadeye
For ranged combat enthusiasts. Passive skills increase range and damage. Endless Munitions adds a projectile per skill use. Ideal for those preferring bows and elemental damage, offering increased movement speed, extra projectiles, and an additional Mark.
Pathfinder
A master of poison. Passive skills double poison effectiveness. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application but shortens duration. Gas grenades, high movement speed, and slow resistance allow for efficient toxic battlefield control.
This guide covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes in PoE2's early access. More will be added, and future updates may alter passive skills. Details may differ from the final release.
