Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive into Ascendancy Classes
Path of Exile 2 offers unparalleled character customization with hundreds of skills and items. However, choosing an Ascendancy Class adds another layer of strategic depth. Currently in early access, each class boasts two progression paths (with a third planned for full release). Let's explore the existing Ascendancies!
(See our companion article on choosing the best starting build.)
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Witch Ascendancy Classes
- Infernalist: A potent Witch specializing in fire spells and summoning Infernal Hounds. The ability to transform into a demonic form boosts damage and mobility but reduces health. Key nodes include Beidat's Will (linking Spirit to maximum HP) and Loyal Hellhound for enhanced demonic form survivability.
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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 mitigate the risk, while Sunder the Flesh and Gore Spike enhance critical hit damage.
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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
- Stormweaver: This Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage with high critical hit chance, leveraging Tempest Caller and Elemental Storm. Status ailments are key, amplified 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 class manipulating time. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze offer innovative combat options. While not currently the strongest, its time-bending abilities (Now and Again, Apex of the Moment, Quicksand Hourglass) hold significant potential.
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Warrior Ascendancy Classes
- Warbringer: A melee-focused class combining war cries and totem summons for maximum damage. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration, while Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manage warcry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm bolster defensive capabilities.
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- Titan: A defensive powerhouse utilizing slow, powerful attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage enhance survivability, while Earthbreaker, Ancestral Empowerment, and Surprising Strength boost damage output against stunned foes.
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Monk Ascendancy Classes
- Invoker: A melee Monk harnessing elemental power and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills, adding strategic depth.
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- Acolyte of Chayula: This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness. Consuming Questions and Mana Leech enhance defenses, but current limitations make it less effective than the Invoker.
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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 and Judge, Jury, and Executioner, make it highly effective. Witchbane and No Mercy reduce enemy concentration and boost damage.
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- Gemling Legionnaire: Gameplay revolves around gems, utilizing their color and quantity to enhance resistances (Thaumaturgical Infusion), skill levels (Crystalline Potential, Implanted Gems), and skill slots (Integrated Efficiency). Adaptive Capability reduces attribute requirements.
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Ranger Ascendancy Classes
- Deadeye: A ranged combat class enhancing attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds projectiles, ideal for clearing large groups of enemies. Excellent for bow users focusing on elemental damage.
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- Pathfinder: A poison-focused class dealing double poison damage. Overwhelming Toxicity increases poison application but shortens duration. Utilizes gas grenades for area-of-effect poison.
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Note: This guide covers the twelve currently available Ascendancy Classes in PoE2 early access. More will be added, and balance changes may affect skill details.
