Path of Exile 2 currently features six distinct classes in its Early Access phase, with an exciting total of twelve classes anticipated upon the full release in 2025. The available classes—the Mercenary, Monk, Ranger, Sorceress, Warrior, and Witch—offer unique playstyles, each catering to different preferences of combat and strategy.
For newcomers diving into the game, evaluations of combat feel, build potential, and overall strength indicate that both the Mercenary and the Monk are top-tier choices. While the Warrior ranks lowest in a recent tier list, it thrives in endgame encounters against formidable bosses, proving its worth despite its initial rank. It’s important to note that all classes have their strengths and pitfalls, particularly in the context of their viability in various game scenarios.
This class guide aims to highlight the best choices available in Path of Exile 2 based on its Early Access state. Regular updates will follow to reflect balance changes and the introduction of new classes as the game evolves.
Last updated on April 8, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: The effectiveness of classes in Path of Exile 2 often depends on individual playstyles. However, a few classes stand out as particularly accessible and versatile within the current game meta. Notably, with the Dawn of the Hunt update, the Huntress has entered the competitive tier list. Initial impressions of her strengths in comparison to others will be addressed here, detailing her unique attributes and combat style.
7 Warrior
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Warrior
The Warrior delivers powerful blows with ground-shaking attacks, fortified by high armor that allows him to withstand strikes from numerous opponents.
- Primary Attributes: Strength
- Primary Weapon: Two-Handed Mace
- Playstyle: Devastating melee combat focused on crushing foes
- Difficulty Level: Medium to Hard
The Warrior represents a quintessential melee class in Path of Exile 2, leveraging raw strength and wielding a Two-Handed Mace. It excels in close-quarters combat, boasting high defense levels that enable it to bulldoze through adversaries.
For those who enjoy melee gameplay in action RPGs, the Warrior can deliver an engaging experience, particularly in boss fights where it shines with high single-target damage. Nevertheless, its melee-centric nature poses significant challenges, with players facing greater risks compared to ranged classes.
Optimal success as a Warrior requires mastery over boss mechanics and substantial defense builds, as foes often confront you head-on. Engaging in close-quarters combat means you must effectively dodge attacks, and the class lacks the long-range engagement capabilities some others enjoy. However, those who can manage the challenges will find the rewards in powerful damage outputs during endgame content, making this class a compelling yet demanding choice for players eager for melee action.
6 Huntress
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Huntress
Exiled from her homeland for harnessing the power of a skill gem to protect her village, the Huntress represents the fusion between melee and ranged combat, wielding a spear with exceptional agility.
- Primary Attributes: Dexterity
- Primary Weapon: Spear
- Playstyle: Versatile close and mid-range combat, with the ability to summon a Rhoa
- Difficulty Level: Hard
Despite her potential, early gameplay with the Huntress has room for improvement. Initially, she may struggle to gain traction, but her endgame capabilities can become highly rewarding with dedicated effort. The Huntress’s high-APM (actions per minute) playstyle may prove challenging for some players, emphasizing the need for precision and timing.
5 Witch
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Witch
Channeling the forces of death and decay, the Witch can summon legions of undead minions while casting formidable chaos spells.
- Primary Attributes: Intelligence
- Primary Weapon: Sceptre
- Playstyle: Minion summoning coupled with curses and ranged spellcasting
- Difficulty Level: Medium to Hard
The Witch class embodies the archetype of a spellcaster, drawing comparisons to traditional necromancer classes in other titles. With a rich toolkit filled with chaos-oriented spells, she excels in conjuring minions as well as casting debilitating curses to hinder opponents.
Fans of managing hordes and engaging in strategic combat will relish in the Witch’s ability to command an army of minions. Yet, during the Early Access stage, players might find challenges early on when it comes to damage output until they have access to more spells and minion options.
In high-level scenarios, a well-constructed Witch can match endgame prowess, although difficulty may arise in boss encounters depending on development choices. Players seeking a more direct damage experience without being overly reliant on minions can find viability pathways through adept skill trees.
4 Sorceress
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Sorceress
The Sorceress commands the elements, unleashing their full power to wreak havoc on her adversaries.
- Primary Attributes: Intelligence
- Primary Weapon: Wand
- Playstyle: Mastery of elemental magic with devastating range
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
As the premier ranged spellcaster in Path of Exile 2, the Sorceress stands out with some of the highest damage potential, both in single-target and area-of-effect scenarios. Relying on Intelligence as a core attribute, her spellcasting excels thanks to potent elemental capabilities that thrive both through the campaign and in endgame content.
However, the classic weakness of spellcasters applies here; while she can deal immense damage, her defenses remain frail. Being overwhelmed by enemy attacks can spell disaster unless players act quickly. Emphasizing Energy Shield can facilitate survival, but the Sorceress remains susceptible to rapid deaths under constant assault.
3 Ranger
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Ranger
The Ranger strikes swiftly and lethally, showering her foes with arrows before deftly evading retaliation.
- Primary Attributes: Dexterity
- Primary Weapon: Bow
- Playstyle: Fast-paced combat with continuous ranged attacks
- Difficulty Level: Medium
The Ranger class serves as Path of Exile 2’s primary Dexterity-centric option. Equipped with a bow, she utilizes evasive maneuvers to engage enemies while consistently dealing ranged damage. The class leans on Evasion for defense, complemented by nimble movement skills that keep damage at bay.
Rangers can explore diverse, powerful builds that enhance both leveling and endgame efficiency. However, the class’s viability can feel diminished without sufficient Evasion; taking hits can lead to precarious situations. With proper leveling, rangers are capable of swift maneuvering and strategic positioning to evade attacks effectively.
This class is ideal for players seeking an agile, ranged approach that avoids the spellcasting dynamics found in other classes while maintaining consistent attack patterns.
2 Monk
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Monk
The Monk combines speed and finesse, launching into and out of combat with a momentum-focused attack style.
- Primary Attributes: Dexterity and Intelligence
- Primary Weapon: Quarterstaff
- Playstyle: Agile melee fighter with a blend of ranged capabilities
- Difficulty Level: Medium
The Monk class offers a contrasting melee experience compared to the Warrior, utilizing a hybrid of Dexterity and Intelligence instead of focusing solely on strength. This versatility allows Monks to navigate combat with a unique style, balancing melee with mobility to capitalize on moments of opportunity.
Maximizing Monk’s potential can prove more challenging than the Warrior, but when executed well, they excel in both fast-paced clears and potent single-target encounters. The class becomes accessible to players keen on mastering various abilities tailored for different situations, resulting in gratifying combat sequences.
If you prefer a straightforward but powerful melee experience, the Warrior may be better suited. Yet for those who desire a more intricate gameplay style that accommodates both single-target and area-of-effect scenarios, the Monk encompasses the thrill of mastery within complex mechanics.
1 Mercenary
Strengths & Weaknesses of the PoE 2 Mercenary
The Mercenary utilizes a crossbow that can be adapted with various ammo types, delivering substantial impact while maintaining agility and versatility.
- Primary Attributes: Dexterity and Strength
- Primary Weapon: Crossbow
- Playstyle: Effective ranged combat through customizable ammunition and grenade options
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
The Mercenary commands the highest position among the classes in Path of Exile 2 for several reasons. Its unique blend of shooter mechanics transforms the game into a top-down shooter experience, making strategic decisions in weapon loadouts impactful. The ability to swap crossbow ammunition provides flexibility, allowing players to adapt their approach with lethal accuracy.
While the Mercenary grants players effective damage output and decent defense due to its mix of Dexterity and Strength, the gear often favors a balance of armor and evasion. The addition of the Witchhunter Ascendancy provides enhanced survivability, allowing the Mercenary to contend with non-physical threats with greater success.
Though it lacks the fast-paced engagement of a character like the Ranger, the Mercenary offers a compelling combat experience enriched by customizable strategies through explosive weaponry. For both leveling and endgame scenarios, players will find that this class holds the potential for expansive growth, presenting an engaging alternative for players keen on action and strategy.
Overall, each class offers distinct gameplay experiences, prompting players to find their unique preference in playstyle. Whether you gravitate towards melee combat, spellcasting, or a dynamic mix of both, Path of Exile 2 retains ample diversity to engage both new and veteran players alike.