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 real challenge begins with 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 on choosing the best starting build.)
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Witch Ascendancy Classes
Infernalist
A top-tier choice! The Infernalist Witch commands devastating fire spells and summons Infernal Hounds 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 undead army potential.
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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. Sanguimancy replaces mana with health, demanding careful resource management. Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike help mitigate the risks.
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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes elemental mayhem, maximizing critical hits and triggering Elemental Storm with Tempest Caller. Inflicting status ailments is key, amplified by Strike Twice and Spirit Gems. Constant Gale and Force of Will improve spellcasting speed and mana 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. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze offer exciting combat possibilities. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its time-bending mechanics (Now and Again, Apex of the Moment, Quicksand Hourglass) provide high potential.
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Warrior Ascendancy Classes
Warbringer
The Warbringer excels in close-quarters combat, combining war cries and totem summons. Totems act as distractions and damage sponges. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight increase armor penetration, while Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manipulate warcry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm enhance defensive capabilities.
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Titan
For a more controlled, defensive approach, the Titan utilizes powerful, slow attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage boost defenses and health. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment enhance Slam abilities, while Surprising Strength increases damage against stunned foes.
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Monk Ascendancy Classes
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power, focusing on melee combat, elemental damage, and status effects. Power Charges further enhance skills.
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Acolyte of Chayula
This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, boosting survivability. Consuming Questions and Mana Leech enhance defenses, but 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, combined with Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner, makes it effective against both weak enemies and bosses. Witchbane, No Mercy, and Zealous Inquisition further enhance its capabilities.
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Gemling Legionnaire
This unique class centers around gems, utilizing their color and quantity to enhance resistances (Thaumaturgical Infusion), skill levels (Crystalline Potential, Implanted Gems), and reduce skill costs and attribute requirements (Advanced Thaumaturgy, Adaptive Capability). Integrated Efficiency and Gem Studded unlock additional skill slots and support gem options.
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Ranger Ascendancy Classes
Deadeye
The Deadeye Ranger excels in ranged combat, increasing attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups. This class is particularly effective with bows and elemental damage.
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Pathfinder
A master of poison, the Pathfinder utilizes potent poison effects with doubled effectiveness. Overwhelming Toxicity increases poison application but shortens duration. Gas grenades, high movement speed, and slow resistance create a devastating battlefield control strategy.
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This overview covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes in PoE2's early access. More classes and potential skill adjustments are expected in future updates.
