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

Path of Exile 2 offers unparalleled character customization, allowing players to tailor their builds using hundreds of skills and items. However, the choice of Ascendancy Class adds another layer of complexity and strategic depth. Currently in early access, each class boasts two (with a planned three for the full release) distinct progression paths. Let's explore the available Ascendancies!

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

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Table of Contents:

• Witch Ascendancy Classes
• Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
• Warrior Ascendancy Classes
• Monk Ascendancy Classes
• Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
• Ranger Ascendancy Classes

Witch Ascendancy Classes

Infernalist

A top-tier choice! The Infernalist Witch commands a devastating arsenal of fire spells and summons the Infernal Hound from the underworld. Transforming into a demonic form boosts attack damage and mobility, albeit at the cost of increased health vulnerability. The Loyal Hellhound skill and Beidat's Will node (linking Spirit to maximum HP) are crucial for survivability and maximizing the undead army at your command.

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Blood Mage

While not as universally strong as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward playstyle centered around Sanguimancy – consuming HP instead of MP. Skills like Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike are essential for managing this precarious balance.

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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes

Stormweaver

The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage with high critical hit chance, leveraging Tempest Caller to trigger Elemental Storm. Inflicting status ailments is key, enhanced by Strike Twice and Spirit Gems. Constant Gale and Force of Will boost spell casting speed and MP regeneration, while Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield for enhanced survivability.

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Chronomancer

A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time, employing spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze for innovative combat strategies. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its potential is significant, with skills like Now and Again, Apex of the Moment, and Quicksand Hourglass offering tactical advantages.

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Warrior Ascendancy Classes

Warbringer

The Warbringer excels in close-quarters combat, combining war cries with totem summons to maximize melee damage. Imploding Impacts and Anvil's Weight enhance armor penetration, while Warcaller's Bellow and Greatwolf's Howl manage warcry cooldowns. Renly's Training and Turtle Charm provide defensive options.

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Titan

For a more controlled, less risky approach, the Titan utilizes powerful, slow attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage boost defenses and maximum HP, while Earthbreaker, Ancestral Empowerment, and Surprising Strength enhance offensive capabilities.

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Monk Ascendancy Classes

Invoker

The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power for potent abilities and status effects. This melee class uses elemental damage and status effects, further enhanced by Power Charges.

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Acolyte of Chayula

The Acolyte of Chayula embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, significantly boosting survivability. Consuming Questions and Mana Leech enhance defenses, though current limitations make it less effective than the Invoker.

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Mercenary Ascendancy Classes

Witchhunter

A powerful class, the Witchhunter excels at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits allows for efficient clearing, while Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner are crucial against bosses. Witchbane, No Mercy, and Zealous Inquisition further enhance its effectiveness.

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Gemling Legionnaire

The Gemling Legionnaire's gameplay revolves around gems, utilizing their color and quantity to enhance resistances (Thaumaturgical Infusion), skill levels (Crystalline Potential and Implanted Gems), and skill costs (Advanced Thaumaturgy and Adaptive Capability). Integrated Efficiency and Gem Studded significantly expand build possibilities.

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Ranger Ascendancy Classes

Deadeye

The Deadeye favors ranged combat, increasing attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups of enemies. This class is particularly effective with bows and elemental damage.

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Pathfinder

The Pathfinder specializes in poison, dealing double-effective damage. Overwhelming Toxicity increases poison application but shortens duration. High movement speed and slow resistance, combined with gas grenades, create a uniquely effective playstyle.

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Note: This guide covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Future updates may alter passive skills and introduce new classes.