Guide to Respec Your Character in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 introduces versatile respec options, enabling players to experiment with various character builds or refine their existing strategies. As the game continues its extended early access phase, players are encouraged to explore its depths, providing valuable feedback to the development team while addressing bugs and gameplay mechanics.

Despite being in early access and presenting a formidable challenge, Path of Exile 2 has garnered a commendable player base. If you’re among the many adventurers diving into this expansive world, understanding how to reverse your build decisions will be pivotal as you progress.

Path of Exile 2 Passive Skill Tree — Image Credit: dexerto/Grinding Gear Games

The Passive skill tree in Path of Exile 2 can appear quite overwhelming initially.

Unlocking Respecs in Path of Exile 2

To begin respeccing your character, you must first unlock this feature. Progress through the main questline until you complete the Mysterious Shade quest and defeat the Lachlann of Endless Lament boss. This encounter is typically the final challenge you’ll face in the Cemetery of the Eternals area, where your character will likely be between levels 7 and 12.

After this, return to the Clearfell Encampment and heal the Hooded One. Completing this task will grant you access to the respec option.

Respecing Passives in Path of Exile 2

Once the Hooded One is healed, they become an interactable NPC, providing you with the option to respec your Passive skills. Selecting this option will transport you to the intricate Passive skill tree, where you can make decisions about your character’s development.

Hover over any nodes you have invested in to see their details. To refund a Passive point, click or press the appropriate action button if you are using a controller. Keep in mind that refunding Passive points will cost Gold, and the expense increases based on your location within the Passive tree. Therefore, careful consideration and planning are crucial, as excessive respecs may severely deplete your resources.

Path of Exile 2 Passive Respec — Image Credit: dexerto/Grinding Gear Games

While early Passive respecs are relatively inexpensive, accumulating Gold in Path of Exile 2 can be quite challenging.

Respecing Your Ascendancy Class in Path of Exile 2

Currently, in the early access version of Path of Exile 2, players cannot change their Ascendancy Class once chosen. This means that the decision you make upon completing your first Ascendancy trial is final. However, you can refund points allocated within your Ascendancy tree, allowing you to explore different specializations.

Details on whether players will have the ability to switch Ascendancy Classes in the full game remain unconfirmed.

Adjusting Skills in Path of Exile 2

In contrast to many action RPGs like Diablo 4, where skills are arranged within a tree, Path of Exile 2 handles skills as items. To unlock a specific skill, players must locate an Uncut Skill Gem and infuse it with a skill of their choice. The skills you can inscribe depend on the level of the gem as well as the weapon equipped.

You can assign up to nine skills in your skill menu. If you wish to swap one out, simply navigate to the skills tab in your inventory. Select the Skill Gem you want to equip and drag it over the existing skill you wish to replace. The previous Skill Gem will return to your inventory, where it can be sold or stored in your Stash for future use.