Path of Exile 2 has officially unveiled its Character and Ascendancy Classes in advance of early access. This article provides a comprehensive overview of each class and its capabilities.
The anticipation surrounding Path of Exile 2 has reached a fever pitch following the success of its predecessor. Fans are eagerly curious about the returning Character Classes as well as the innovative Ascendancy Classes that promise to enrich gameplay.
We will clarify the distinctions between Character Classes and Ascendancy Classes, followed by an in-depth analysis of each. Please note that not all classes will be accessible during the early access phase.
Path of Exile 2 will feature a minimum of 12 Character Classes, each boasting unique playstyles and abilities.
Understanding Character Classes and Ascendancy Classes
In the universe of Path of Exile 2, a Character Class serves as the foundation for your character, including roles like Sorceress, Warrior, and Ranger. Currently, there are 12 confirmed Character Classes, each offering three distinct Ascendancy Classes. However, during early access, players will only have access to two Ascendancy Classes for each Character Class.
An Ascendancy Class represents a skill path that players can select to customize their characters further. For instance, selecting the Sorceress Character Class allows players to delve into the Stormweaver Ascendancy, focusing on weather and elemental magic, or they can opt for the Chronomancer Ascendancy, manipulating time itself. This choice allows for a unique gameplay experience, even within the same Character Class.
It’s important to note that once an Ascendancy Class is chosen, players cannot switch to another; the selected path becomes locked. However, players can respec their skills within the chosen Ascendancy, letting them explore various builds and strategies—significantly differing from build systems seen in other games like Diablo 4.
Complete List of Character and Ascendancy Classes
While certain Ascendancy Classes remain under wraps until the conclusion of early access, we now have insights into the primary Character Classes and a glimpse of two available Ascendancy Classes for each.
Keep in mind, each class will be genderlocked, setting it apart from titles such as Diablo. Here’s a breakdown:
The Sorceress: Master of Elemental Magic
The Sorceress epitomizes the classic caster role, allowing players to unleash devastating elemental area-of-effect attacks. Ideal for those drawn to magical builds, this class specializes in harnessing the destructive forces of fire, ice, and lightning.
Stormweaver Ascendancy
The Stormweaver Ascendancy amplifies elemental damage by enhancing spell potency and effectiveness, giving players the thrill of watching enemies incinerate or freeze amidst a tempest of magical chaos.
Chronomancer Ascendancy
A strategic spellcaster, the Chronomancer utilizes time manipulation techniques. This Ascendancy allows the Sorceress to decelerate foes, temporarily halt time, or even reverse critical situations, providing a dynamic approach to combat.
The Warrior: The Pinnacle of Melee Combat
The Warrior class is the quintessential melee powerhouse, characterized by brute force and close-quarters combat. Comparable to the Barbarian in Diablo 4, this class excels at engaging enemies in the thick of battle. However, new players may find it challenging to master due to its aggressive playstyle.
Titan Ascendancy
The Titan Ascendancy emphasizes melee capabilities through enhanced Slam and Stun abilities while bolstering the Warrior’s defensive traits, creating an archetypal melee combat experience.
Warbringer Ascendancy
The Warbringer focuses on boosting the Warrior’s Totem and Warcry skills, offering tactical options to intimidate foes and provide buffs. Under skilled hands, this Ascendancy can yield substantial rewards, perfect for players who enjoy a more nuanced gameplay style.
The Ranger: Precision and Agility
At its core, the Ranger embodies the rogue archetype, favoring stealth and precision with a bow over close combat. Capable of evading foes and striking from a distance, this class specializes in delivering elemental-infused arrows.
Deadeye Ascendancy
The Deadeye enhances the Ranger’s marksmanship, increasing arrow accuracy and lethality while introducing skills to unleash volleys of arrows, making this a top choice for ranged DPS enthusiasts.
Pathfinder Ascendancy
This Ascendancy infuses poison into the Ranger’s arsenal, ensuring that arrows inflicted with toxin lead to swift demise. Additionally, the Pathfinder can infect multiple enemies, turning skirmishes into chaotic poison-infused battles.
The Witch: Conjurer of Dark Arts
The Witch stands as the embodiment of dark magic, summoning minions and harnessing necromancy akin to the Necromancer class in Diablo. Her unique skill set extends beyond traditional magic artillery.
Blood Mage Ascendancy
The Blood Mage links damage output to the Witch’s life force, enabling her to drain health from foes to sustain her own vitality. This high-risk, high-reward style may pose challenges for beginners while rewarding adept players.
Infernalist Ascendancy
Shifting towards the typical summoner archetype, the Infernalist allows the Witch to summon a formidable Hellhound and harness catastrophic fire magic. Additionally, this Ascendancy grants the ability to morph into a powerful Demon Form at the cost of health—use wisely.
The Mercenary: Crossbow Mastery
The Mercenary class embodies the skillful rogue, drawing comparisons to the Demon Hunter and Assassin classes from Diablo. Wielding crossbows and tactical gadgets, this class offers a unique range of ranged combat options, including freezing grenades and ignitable oil traps.
Witchhunter Ascendancy
Focused on combating spellcasters, the Witchhunter enhances magical resistance and empowers attacks that counter elemental spell buffs. Though less effective against standard mobs, this class excels against magic-imbued bosses.
Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy
A treasure hunter with military expertise, the Gemling Legionnaire leverages gem knowledge to augment skills. This Ascendancy, while rooted in standard Mercenary abilities, offers customizable damage output through strategic Skill Gem utilization.
The Monk: Holy Warrior or Dark Avenger
The Monk class serves as the epitome of agility and spirituality. Mastery over staff combat enables rapid movement and elemental manipulation, effectively marrying martial arts with magical prowess.
Invoker Ascendancy
Ascending to a higher tier, the Invoker can summon spirit avatars, unleashing devastating elemental damage during combat. This transformation empowers the Monk with formidable capabilities before reverting to their original form.
Acolyte of Chayula Ascendancy
Embracing the shadows, this Ascendancy prioritizes chaos abilities, enhancing both defense and attack while allowing the Monk to wield dark powers. A true embodiment of balance between light and dark.
The Druid: Nature’s Guardian
The Druid represents mastery over the natural world, featuring the ability to shapeshift into powerful forms such as a werewolf or werebear. With nature-inspired skills, they embody the primal essence of the earth.
Details about their Ascendancies are still forthcoming, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Huntress: Dexterity and Precision
Resembling the Amazon and Rogue from Diablo, the Huntress is a dexterity-oriented class that excels in melee combat using spears and other weaponry.
Information regarding the Huntress’s Ascendancies remains undisclosed, and updates will be provided in due course.
Future Classes on the Horizon
There are indications of at least four additional classes being prepared for unveiling by Path of Exile’s developers, including the Shadow, Duelist, Marauder, and Templar.
More classes may be introduced beyond these, and further information will be added to this guide as it becomes available.
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