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 true challenge lies in selecting an Ascendancy Class, which significantly shapes your character's capabilities. Currently in early access, each class boasts two progression paths, with a third planned for the full release. Let's explore the existing Ascendancies!
(See also: Our guide on choosing the best starting build.)
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Witch Ascendancy Classes
- Infernalist: A top-tier Witch specializing in devastating fire spells and summoning Infernal Hounds. The ability to transform into a demonic form boosts damage and mobility, though at the cost of increased health vulnerability. Key nodes like Beidat's Will enhance survivability by linking Spirit to maximum HP.
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- Blood Mage: A high-risk, high-reward class utilizing Sanguimancy, which replaces mana with health. Skills like Vitality Siphon and Life Remnants offset the risk by leeching health from enemies. This playstyle demands careful management of health.
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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
- Stormweaver: This Sorcerer unleashes powerful elemental damage, particularly benefiting from high critical hit chances to trigger Elemental Storm. Status ailments are key, amplified by Spirit Gems against affected enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will are crucial for mana management.
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- Chronomancer: A unique class manipulating time to control the battlefield. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze offer innovative combat strategies. While not currently the strongest, its time-bending abilities hold significant potential.
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Warrior Ascendancy Classes
- Warbringer: A melee-focused class combining war cries and totem summons for maximum damage output, even against bosses. Nodes like Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration.
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- Titan: A defensive powerhouse utilizing powerful, slow attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly boost survivability, while Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment enhance offensive capabilities.
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Monk Ascendancy Classes
- Invoker: A melee class harnessing elemental power and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills, adding strategic depth.
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- Acolyte of Chayula: This class forgoes Spirit for Darkness, boosting survivability. While Consuming Questions offers potential, its reliance on mana leech currently limits its effectiveness.
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Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
- Witchhunter: A top-tier class excelling at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits, combined with passive skills like Pitiless Killer, makes it highly effective.
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- Gemling Legionnaire: Gameplay centers around gems, their colors, and qualities. Nodes like Thaumaturgical Infusion and Integrated Efficiency offer unique strategic options and expand skill slots.
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Ranger Ascendancy Classes
- Deadeye: A ranged combat class enhancing attack range and damage output. Endless Munitions adds extra projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups of enemies.
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- Pathfinder: A poison-focused class dealing massive poison damage. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application, but shortens duration. Gas grenades and high mobility create a unique playstyle.
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This overview covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Expect further additions and potential balance adjustments as Path of Exile 2 develops.
