Path of Exile 2 boasts incredible depth, letting you craft a character precisely to your liking using hundreds of skills and items. But once you've mastered the basics, a crucial decision awaits: 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.
For a guide on choosing the best starting build, check out [this article](link-to-article-here).
Witch Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Infernalist
Currently a top contender! The Infernalist Witch commands a fiery arsenal, but summoners rejoice – this class introduces Infernal Hounds, adding a loyal underworld companion to your ranks. Transform into a demonic beast for increased damage and mobility (at the cost of increased health consumption). The Loyal Hellhound skill and Beidat's Will node (linking Spirit to maximum HP) are crucial for survival in this form, allowing you to build an army of the undead.
Blood Mage
While not as dominant as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers captivating gameplay. Sanguimancy replaces mana with health, creating a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Skills like Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike help manage this risk, focusing on draining enemy health and boosting critical hit damage.
Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage with high critical hit chances, triggering Elemental Storm via Tempest Caller. Inflicting status ailments is key, boosted by Strike Twice and amplified further using Spirit Gems against afflicted enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will improve spell casting and mana regeneration, while Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield for survivability.
Chronomancer
A new addition to PoE, the Chronomancer manipulates time, offering unique combat possibilities with spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its time-bending abilities (Now and Again, Apex of the Moment, Quicksand Hourglass) offer intriguing strategic depth.
Warrior Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Warbringer
The Warbringer combines war cries and totem summons for devastating melee combat, even against bosses. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration, while Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manipulate warcry cooldowns. For a more defensive approach, Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm boost shield and blocking capabilities.
Titan
Prefer a controlled, defensive approach? The Titan uses powerful, slow attacks to paralyze enemies, forcing them to break through formidable armor. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage enhance defenses and maximum HP. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment boost Slam abilities, while Surprising Strength increases damage against stunned foes.
Monk Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power for powerful abilities and status effects. This melee class uses elemental damage and status effects, leveraging Power Charges to enhance skills.
Acolyte of Chayula
Embracing darkness, the Acolyte of Chayula forgoes Spirit for Darkness, boosting survivability. Consuming Questions and Mana Leech further enhance defenses, though current limitations make it less efficient than the Invoker.
Mercenary Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Witchhunter
A powerful class excelling at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits makes quick work of weaker enemies, while Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner are crucial against bosses. Witchbane, No Mercy, and Zealous Inquisition offer further offensive and area-of-effect capabilities.
Gemling Legionnaire
Gameplay revolves around gems, their stats, quality, and even color. Thaumaturgical Infusion, Crystalline Potential, Implanted Gems, Advanced Thaumaturgy, Adaptive Capability, Integrated Efficiency, and Gem Studded offer diverse options for build customization and experimentation.
Ranger Ascendancy Classes in PoE2
Deadeye
A classic ranged combat class with increased attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds projectiles, ideal for clearing enemies. This class excels with bows, focusing on elemental damage, movement speed, and marking enemies.
Pathfinder
A master of poison, this class excels at draining enemy health with doubled poison effectiveness. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application but shortens duration. Combining gas grenades with high movement speed and slow resistance creates a devastating area-of-effect strategy.
This guide covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. More will be added as PoE2 develops. Note that passive skills and class balance may change in future updates.
