Path of Exile 2 Classes: 12 Classes and 36 Ascendancies

Path of Exile 2 is set to revolutionize the action RPG landscape once again, with its anticipated release bringing an array of new features, most notably the introduction of 12 classes and 36 Ascendancies. With the Closed Beta launching on June 7th, 2024, players are eagerly awaiting to explore the new possibilities and build diversity that these classes will bring. In this article, we will delve into the details of the new classes and their potential impact on gameplay.

Overview of Path of Exile 2 Classes

In Path of Exile 2, the class system remains a cornerstone of character development, influencing your starting point on the extensive passive skill tree and determining your available Ascendancy classes. Unlike many RPGs where classes lock you into specific abilities or playstyles, Path of Exile offers immense flexibility, allowing players to Path Of Exile 2 Gold craft unique builds through strategic use of the skill tree and gear choices.

The Importance of Class Selection

Starting Position on the Passive Tree: Each class starts in a different location on the passive skill tree. This starting position gives immediate access to certain types of nodes that can greatly influence the early direction of your build. For example, starting near Dexterity nodes can favor builds focusing on evasion and critical strikes, while Strength nodes might emphasize life and melee damage.

Ascendancy Classes: Each base class can choose from three Ascendancy classes, which are specialized versions offering significant boosts and unique mechanics. These Ascendancies further diversify the potential builds and strategies, allowing for intricate customization.

The New Classes in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 introduces six new classes while retaining six from the original game. Here’s a quick rundown of what we know about these classes so far:

New Classes

The Templar:

The Templar combines elements of strength and intelligence, focusing on spells and melee combat. He can choose between Guardian, Inquisitor, and Hierophant Ascendancies, each offering different defensive and offensive buffs.

The Duelist:

A hybrid of strength and dexterity, the Duelist excels in close-quarter combat and agility. Ascendancies include Slayer, Gladiator, and Champion, each emphasizing different aspects of melee combat and defense.

The Witch:

Focused on intelligence, the Witch excels in spellcasting. Her Ascendancies (Necromancer, Elementalist, and Occultist) allow for specialization in different schools of magic, from raising undead to elemental devastation.

The Ranger:

With a focus on dexterity, the Ranger is adept at ranged combat and evasion. Ascendancies include Deadeye, Raider, and Pathfinder, offering unique ways to deal damage and avoid attacks.

The Shadow:

The Shadow blends dexterity and intelligence, making him an expert in traps, mines, and assassinations. His Ascendancies (Assassin, Saboteur, Trickster) provide various ways to deliver burst damage and stealth.

The Scion:

Available later in the game, the Scion is a versatile class that combines elements from all three core attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence). Her Ascendancy, the Ascendant, allows her to take elements from multiple Ascendancies, making her incredibly flexible.

Returning Classes

The Marauder:

A strength-focused powerhouse, the Marauder remains a staple for players who enjoy brute force. His Ascendancies include Juggernaut, Berserker, and Chieftain.

The Ranger:

The nimble and precise Ranger continues to offer sharp shooting skills and evasion tactics.

The Witch:

The master of the arcane, the Witch returns with her dark spells and necromantic abilities.

The Duelist:

The skilled fighter combining agility and power, the Duelist makes his comeback.

The Templar:

The battle mage, proficient in both magic and melee, the Templar is ready to smite enemies once more.

The Shadow:

The cunning trickster, using dexterity and intelligence, the Shadow reappears with his deadly strategies.

The Role of Ascendancies

Ascendancies are what truly set Path of Exile apart in terms of character customization. Each of the 12 classes has access to cheap Path Of Exile 2 Gold three Ascendancy classes, leading to a total of 36 different Ascendancies. These Ascendancies provide unique abilities and buffs that can significantly alter how a character plays.

Ascendancy Mechanics

Guardian:

As an Ascendancy for the Templar, the Guardian offers support and defensive capabilities, ideal for group play and tanking.

Inquisitor:

Another Templar Ascendancy, the Inquisitor focuses on elemental damage and critical strikes, making it a potent choice for offensive spellcasters.

Hierophant:

This Templar Ascendancy enhances totem-based builds, allowing for multiple totems and significant totem buffs.

Slayer:

The Duelist’s Ascendancy, the Slayer, emphasizes life leech and melee damage, providing sustainability in combat.

Gladiator:

Also for the Duelist, the Gladiator offers a mix of offense and defense, excelling in blocking and bleed damage.

Champion:

The Champion focuses on fortification and buffing allies, making it a durable choice for melee combat.

Necromancer:

As a Witch Ascendancy, the Necromancer specializes in summoning and enhancing undead minions.

Elementalist:

This Witch Ascendancy excels in elemental damage and herald skills, creating powerful offensive spell builds.

Occultist:

The Occultist offers strong energy shield mechanics and chaos damage, making it perfect for hybrid and damage over time builds.

Deadeye:

A Ranger Ascendancy, the Deadeye focuses on projectile damage and accuracy, ideal for bow 

Raider:

Also for the Ranger, the Raider excels in speed and evasion, with bonuses to frenzy charges and movement.

Pathfinder:

The Pathfinder enhances flask effects and poison damage, providing sustainability and offense.

Assassin:

The Shadow’s Ascendancy, the Assassin, emphasizes critical strikes and poison damage for burst potential.

Saboteur:

Another Shadow Ascendancy, the Saboteur excels in trap and mine mechanics, offering explosive gameplay styles.

Trickster:

The Trickster offers a mix of evasion, energy shield, and damage over time, providing versatile options for different builds.

Anticipation and Preparation for PoE 2

With the Closed Beta starting on June 7th, 2024, players are eagerly preparing to dive into Path of Exile 2’s new content. The addition of 12 classes and 36 Ascendancies promises to enhance the already rich and complex gameplay, providing even more ways to customize and perfect characters. Players are advised to keep an eye on official announcements for further details on Ascendancies and to plan their builds in advance to make the most of the new options available.

Path of Exile 2 is set to offer an unprecedented level of depth and customization with its new classes and Ascendancies. The game’s innovative approach to character development ensures that no two players will have the same experience, as they explore the vast and ever-changing world of Wraeclast. Whether you’re a veteran player or new to the series, Path of Exile 2 promises to deliver a fresh and exciting challenge that will keep you engaged for countless hours. Prepare to embark on your journey, and may your path be filled with powerful artifacts and legendary feats.