Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive into the Ascendancy Classes

Path of Exile 2 offers unparalleled character customization, letting you tailor your hero with hundreds of skills and items. But the true challenge lies in selecting an Ascendancy Class! Currently in early access, each class boasts two progression paths (with a third planned for full release). Let's explore the available Ascendancies.

(See also: Our guide to choosing the best starting build.)

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Witch Ascendancy Classes

• Infernalist: A top-tier choice! This powerful Witch wields a devastating array of fire spells and summons the Infernal Hound. Transforming into a demonic form boosts damage and mobility, though at the cost of increased health vulnerability. Skills like Loyal Hellhound and Beidat's Will are key to maximizing this build's potential.

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• Blood Mage: While not as dominant as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Sanguimancy replaces mana with health, demanding careful resource management. Skills like Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, and Gore Spike are crucial for survival.

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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes

• Stormweaver: This Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage with a high critical hit chance, leveraging Tempest Caller and Elemental Storm. The Stormweaver excels at inflicting status ailments, amplified by Spirit Gems. Constant Gale and Force of Will are essential for maintaining spellcasting speed and mana regeneration.

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• Chronomancer: A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time to control the battlefield. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze offer exciting combat possibilities. While not currently the strongest, the Chronomancer's potential is high.

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Warrior Ascendancy Classes

• Warbringer: A melee powerhouse combining war cries and totem summons. Totems provide crucial distraction and damage mitigation, allowing for aggressive close-quarters combat. Skills like Imploding Impacts, Anvil’s Weight, and Warcaller’s Bellow enhance damage and survivability.

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• Titan: A defensive juggernaut, the Titan uses slow, powerful attacks to paralyze enemies and break through armor. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly boost survivability, while Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment amplify damage.

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Monk Ascendancy Classes

• Invoker: A melee-focused Monk harnessing elemental power and status effects. The Invoker utilizes Power Charges to enhance skills, adding strategic depth.

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• Acolyte of Chayula: This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for increased Darkness and survivability. While Consuming Questions offers potential, its reliance on mana leech currently limits its effectiveness.

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Mercenary Ascendancy Classes

• Witchhunter: Currently a top contender, the Witchhunter excels at eliminating demons and undead. High damage output on first and last hits, combined with skills like Pitiless Killer and Zealous Inquisition, makes this a formidable class.

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• Gemling Legionnaire: Gameplay centers around gems, their colors, and quality. Skills like Thaumaturgical Infusion, Crystalline Potential, and Integrated Efficiency offer unique build possibilities.

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Ranger Ascendancy Classes

• Deadeye: A ranged combat specialist, the Deadeye enhances attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds extra projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups of enemies.

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• Pathfinder: A master of poison, the Pathfinder inflicts devastating poison damage with high effectiveness. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application, while gas grenades create toxic clouds.

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This guide covers the twelve currently available Ascendancy Classes in PoE2's early access. More will be added, and existing skills may be adjusted before the full release.