Surviving PoE2: Optimal First Character Selection

Path of Exile 2: Top Builds for Early Access

Choosing your first character in Path of Exile 2's early access can be daunting. With six classes and two Ascendancy classes each, the possibilities are vast. This guide highlights some of the strongest and most enjoyable builds to help you conquer Wraeclast.

Image: screenplaysmag.com

Table of Contents:

• Best Witch Build: Minion Summoner Infernalist
• Best Mercenary Build: FrostFerno Witch Hunter
• Best Monk Build: Herald of Thunder Invoker
• Best Warrior Build: Armour Breaker Warbinger
• Best Sorceress Build: Ember Fusillade Stormweaver
• Best Ranger Build: Deadeye Grenadier

Best Witch Build: Minion Summoner Infernalist

This build offers a balanced and beginner-friendly approach to summoning. Instead of the risky Blood Mage, the Infernalist provides a more stable playstyle, commanding a horde of undead and demonic minions. The ability to transform into a demonic form adds a unique and exciting element.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Skeletal Brute, Skeletal Cleric, Pain Offering, Skeletal Arsonist, Detonate Dead, Flame Wall, Raging Spirits, Vulnerability, Summon Infernal Hound.

Gameplay Tips: Maintain fire support for your minions, utilize strategic movement during boss fights, and remember to cast Vulnerability for crucial debuffs. Experiment with minion combinations for optimal battlefield control.

Image: sportskeeda.com

Best Mercenary Build: FrostFerno Witch Hunter

This hybrid build combines chilling frost and searing flames for a unique and effective approach. Utilizing two crossbows and two passive skill trees, it excels in both early and late-game scenarios.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Permafrost Bolts, Explosive Grenade, Gas Grenade, Explosive Shot, Herald of Ash, Galvanic Shards, Herald of Thunder.

Gameplay Tips: Freeze enemies with Permafrost Bolts and Galvanic Shards, then unleash devastating explosive attacks. Maximize ice and fire damage bonuses through careful skill and weapon choices.

Image: sportskeeda.com

Best Monk Build: Herald of Thunder Invoker

This build prioritizes defense while delivering substantial damage, making it ideal for both campaign progression and endgame content. The Herald of Thunder skill is the cornerstone, transforming the Monk into a lightning-wielding powerhouse.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Tempest Flurry, Tempest Bell, Staggering Palm, Vaulting Impact, Orb of Storms, Storm Wave.

Gameplay Tips: Utilize mobility to engage and control enemy crowds. Combine Tempest Flurry and Orb of Storms for devastating AoE damage.

Image: gamerant.com

Best Warrior Build: Armour Breaker Warbinger

This balanced build utilizes a two-handed mace for impactful damage and solid survivability in melee combat.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Mace Strike, Stampede, Leap Slam, Ancestral Warrior Totem, Scavenged Plating, Hammer of the Gods, Seismic Cry, Attrition.

Gameplay Tips: Utilize Earthquake and Shockwave Totem for early-game crowd control. Maximize armor penetration for increased damage output.

Image: eurogamer.net

Best Sorceress Build: Ember Fusillade Stormweaver

This build offers a strong balance of damage and survivability, enabling rapid progression through the campaign.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Spark, Flame Wall, Ember Fusillade, Solar Orb, Firestorm, Flammability, Blasphemy (Enfeeble).

Gameplay Tips: Combine Spark and Flame Wall for increased fire damage. Utilize Ember Fusillade with Scattershot and Controlled Destruction for maximum impact.

Image: bo3.gg

Best Ranger Build: Deadeye Grenadier

This build boasts exceptional mobility and high AoE damage, but its lower survivability makes it challenging for new players.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Permafrost Bolts, Fragmentation Rounds, Flash Grenade, Gas Grenade, Explosive Shot, Explosive Grenade, Rapid Shot.

Gameplay Tips: Utilize a crossbow for high physical and elemental damage. Combine freezing, poisoning, and explosive attacks for maximum effect.

Image: reddit.com

These are some of the strongest builds currently available, but remember that balance changes and new content may shift the meta. Choose the build that best suits your playstyle and enjoy your journey through Wraeclast!