Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive into 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 strategic depth. Currently in early access, each class features two (with a planned three for full release) progression paths. Let's explore the existing 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 devastating 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 consumption. 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 consistently powerful as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers a thrilling gameplay experience. Sanguimancy replaces MP with HP consumption, demanding careful resource management. Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike are key skills for mitigating the risk.
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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes massive elemental damage with high critical hit chance, triggering Elemental Storm via Tempest Caller. Inflicting status ailments is key, enhanced by Strike Twice and Spirit Gems. Constant Gale and Force of Will improve spell casting speed and mana regeneration. Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield, boosting survivability.
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Chronomancer
A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time, offering innovative combat strategies. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze open exciting possibilities. While not currently the strongest, the Chronomancer's potential is high, utilizing Now and Again, Apex of the Moment, and Quicksand Hourglass for time-bending tactics.
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Warrior Ascendancy Classes
Warbringer
The Warbringer excels in close-quarters combat, combining war cries with totem summons for maximum melee damage. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration. Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manipulate warcry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm offer defensive options.
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Titan
For a more controlled, defensive approach, the Titan paralyzes enemies with powerful, slow attacks. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage boost defenses and maximum HP. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment strengthen Slam abilities, while Surprising Strength increases damage against stunned foes.
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Monk Ascendancy Classes
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power, using melee attacks, elemental damage, and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills.
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Acolyte of Chayula
The Acolyte of Chayula embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, boosting survivability. Consuming Questions and Mana Leech enhance defenses, but currently suffers from inefficient mana drain.
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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 weaker enemies and bosses. Witchbane, No Mercy, and Zealous Inquisition further enhance its capabilities.
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Gemling Legionnaire
The Gemling Legionnaire's gameplay centers 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 adds three additional active skill slots, and Gem Studded allows using two identical Support gems.
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Ranger Ascendancy Classes
Deadeye
The Deadeye Ranger focuses on ranged combat, increasing attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups of enemies. This class is particularly strong with bows and elemental damage.
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Pathfinder
The Pathfinder specializes in poison damage, dealing double effectiveness. Overwhelming Toxicity increases poison application but shortens duration. High movement speed and slow resistance, combined with gas grenades, allow for efficient area control.
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Note: This guide covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Further classes and potential skill adjustments are expected in future updates.