Even though *Path of Exile 2* is still in Early Access, players are eager to dive deep into the mechanics of their chosen class. While the game doesn't feature traditional subclasses, the Ascendancy system allows players to specialize their characters with unique abilities and playstyles.
How to Unlock Ascendancies in *Path of Exile 2*
To unlock Ascendancy Classes in *PoE2*, players must first conquer a special Trial of Ascendancy. During Early Access, you have two options: the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas or the Act 3 Trial of Chaos. Completing either of these trials for the first time will grant you access to choose an Ascendancy Class, along with 2 passive Ascendancy Points. Since the Trial of the Sekhemas is available earlier in the game, it's advisable to tackle this trial first. This way, you can unlock your Ascendancy and gain access to more powerful abilities earlier, making the subsequent parts of the game more manageable.
All Path of Exile 2 Class Ascendancies
In the Early Access phase of *Path of Exile 2*, there are six playable classes, each with two distinct Ascendancy options. As the game progresses, it will expand to 12 base classes, potentially introducing new Ascendancies with the additional classes.
Mercenary Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
The Mercenary class can choose between the Witch Hunter, which focuses on buff-based enhancements, or the Gemling Legionnaire, which emphasizes skill customization.
Witch Hunter
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The Witch Hunter Ascendancy enhances your offensive and defensive capabilities through passive buffs. It allows you to deal damage more effectively with skills like Culling Strike and No Mercy. This Ascendancy is perfect for players interested in debuffing enemies and maximizing their damage output.
Gemling Legionnaire
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Choosing the Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy gives you the ability to equip extra skills and attach additional buffs to them, offering flexibility in character customization. This is an excellent option for Mercenary players looking to tailor their build extensively.
Monk Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Monks can ascend as an Invoker, tapping into elemental powers, or as an Acolyte of Chayula, embracing shadow-based abilities.
Invoker
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The Invoker Ascendancy is ideal for players who want to wield elemental powers in a melee-focused style. It allows you to inflict status conditions on enemies, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more direct combat approach with elemental flair.
Acolyte of Chayula
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The Acolyte of Chayula Ascendancy lets you harness darkness powers, offering defensive and healing abilities alongside reality-warping attacks. This unique playstyle is perfect for players looking to mix up their standard Monk build with a shadow-based approach.
Ranger Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Rangers can enhance their ranged combat with the Deadeye Ascendancy or explore a poison-based playstyle as a Pathfinder.
Deadeye
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The Deadeye Ascendancy enhances your ranged combat abilities, increasing your movement and attack speed while dealing extra damage. Skills like Eagle Eyes and Called Shots make this a fantastic choice for dedicated archer builds.
Pathfinder
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The Pathfinder Ascendancy allows you to deal explosive poison and elemental damage through abilities like Poisonous Concoction. This is an excellent choice for players looking to deviate from the traditional archer build and explore a new ranged playstyle.
Sorceress Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Sorceresses can amplify their elemental powers with the Stormweaver Ascendancy or manipulate time as a Chronomancer.
Stormweaver
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The Stormweaver Ascendancy enhances the Sorceress's elemental abilities, adding an Elemental Storm ability and increasing damage output across various elements. It's an ideal choice for players who enjoy elemental caster gameplay and want to enhance their abilities without drastic changes.
Chronomancer
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The Chronomancer Ascendancy allows you to manipulate time, affecting cooldown times and providing strategic options in combat. This dynamic playstyle is perfect for players who enjoy altering the flow of battles.
Warrior Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Warriors can choose to deal massive damage as a Titan or summon Ancestral allies as a Warbringer.
Titan
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The Titan Ascendancy turns your Warrior into a formidable tank, enhancing defense with skills like Stone Skin and boosting attacks with abilities like Crushing Impacts and Surprising Strength. It's perfect for players who enjoy a heavy-hitting, tank-like role.
Warbringer
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The Warbringer Ascendancy lets you summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems, providing additional damage and taking hits for you. This is an excellent choice for players who want to add a summoning flair to their melee-focused Warrior.
Witch Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Witches can drain life from enemies as a Blood Mage or channel the fires of Hell as an Infernalist.
Blood Mage
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The Blood Mage Ascendancy allows you to drain life from enemies to restore your own, enhancing damage from lingering wounds and extending the duration of curses. This is ideal for players who want to control life forces and enjoy a strategic gameplay experience.
Infernalist
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The Infernalist Ascendancy lets you summon a Hellhound and shapeshift into a powerful Demon form, unleashing fire damage. It's a great choice for players who want to deal elemental damage while enjoying the support of powerful minion allies.
And that concludes our guide to the *Path of Exile 2* Ascendancies.
*Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*