Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive into the Ascendancy Classes
Path of Exile 2 offers unparalleled character customization with hundreds of skills and items. But the real challenge lies in selecting an Ascendancy Class, which significantly shapes your character's abilities and playstyle. Currently in early access, each class features two progression paths, with a third planned for the full release. 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
A top-tier choice! The Infernalist Witch commands devastating fire spells and summons the Infernal Hound from the underworld. Transforming into a demonic form boosts 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 summoned minion effectiveness.
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While not as universally strong as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward experience. Sanguimancy replaces mana with health, demanding careful resource management. Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike are key skills for sustaining this perilous playstyle.
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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage, often with high critical strike chance, utilizing Tempest Caller to trigger Elemental Storm. Inflicting status ailments is key, enhanced by Strike Twice. Spirit Gems amplify damage against afflicted enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will boost spell casting speed and mana regeneration. Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield, improving survivability.
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A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time, offering innovative combat strategies. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze create exciting combo opportunities. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, it holds significant potential. Key skills include Now and Again (chance to avoid cooldowns), Apex of the Moment (slows nearby enemies), and Quicksand Hourglass (increases spell casting speed).
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Warrior Ascendancy Classes
The Warbringer excels in close-quarters combat, combining war cries with totem summons for maximum melee damage. Totems act as distractions and damage sponges. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration. Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manage warcry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm bolster defensive capabilities.
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For a more controlled, defensive approach, the Titan utilizes powerful, slow attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly boost defenses and maximum HP. Offensive capabilities include Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment (strengthening Slam abilities), and Surprising Strength (increased damage against stunned foes).
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Monk Ascendancy Classes
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power, focusing on melee combat with elemental damage and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills, adding strategic depth.
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This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, boosting maximum Darkness to 100 and enhancing survivability. Consuming Questions combined with Mana Leech further reinforces defenses, but currently suffers from reliance on mana drain.
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Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
A powerful class, the Witchhunter excels at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits allows for efficient clearing. Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner are crucial against bosses. Witchbane and No Mercy reduce enemy concentration and boost damage. Zealous Inquisition adds a chance for enemy explosions.
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Gameplay revolves around gems, their stats, quality, and color. Thaumaturgical Infusion increases resistances based on gem colors. Crystalline Potential and Implanted Gems enhance skill levels. Advanced Thaumaturgy reduces skill costs and attribute requirements. Integrated Efficiency adds three extra skill slots. Gem Studded allows using two identical Support gems.
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Ranger Ascendancy Classes
A ranged combat specialist, the Deadeye enhances attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds a projectile per skill use. Ideal for bow users focusing on elemental damage, offering increased movement speed, extra projectiles, and additional Marks.
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The Pathfinder masterfully utilizes poison, dealing double-effective damage. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application but shortens duration. Gas grenades, high movement speed, and slow resistance create a potent area-denial strategy.
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Note: This guide covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Future updates may alter passive skills and class balance.
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