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 beyond mastering skills and builds, lies the crucial decision: choosing an Ascendancy Class. Currently in early access, each class boasts two progression paths, expanding to three upon 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 top-tier choice! The Infernalist Witch commands devastating fire spells and summons the Infernal Hound from the underworld. Transforming into a demonic form boosts damage and mobility, albeit at the cost of increased health consumption. The Loyal Hellhound skill and Beidat's Will node (linking Spirit to maximum HP) are crucial for survivability and maximizing undead army potential.
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Blood Mage
While not as dominant as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Sanguimancy replaces mana with health, demanding careful resource management. Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike are key skills for survival and damage output.
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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes elemental mayhem, capitalizing on high critical hit chances and Elemental Storm via Tempest Caller. Inflicting status ailments is key, enhanced by Strike Twice and Spirit Gems. Constant Gale and Force of Will improve spellcasting speed and mana regeneration. Heart of the Storm converts Elemental Damage to Energy Shield, bolstering survivability.
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Chronomancer
A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze open up tactical possibilities. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its potential is high. Key skills include Now and Again (chance to avoid cooldowns), Apex of the Moment (slows nearby monsters), and Quicksand Hourglass (increases spellcasting speed).
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Warrior Ascendancy Classes
Warbringer
The Warbringer excels in close-quarters combat, combining war cries with totem summons. Totems act as damage sponges and distractions. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration. Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manipulate warcry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm offer defensive options.
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Titan
For a defensive-minded approach, the Titan utilizes powerful, slow attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly boost defenses and maximum HP. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment enhance Slam abilities, while Surprising Strength increases damage against stunned foes.
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Monk Ascendancy Classes
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power, focusing on melee combat, elemental damage, and status effects. Power Charges further enhance skills.
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Acolyte of Chayula
This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, significantly increasing survivability. Consuming Questions combined with Mana Leech offers further defensive potential, though currently hampered by mana drain efficiency.
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Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
Witchhunter
A powerful class, the Witchhunter excels at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits, combined with Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner, makes it effective against both weak and strong enemies. Witchbane and No Mercy further enhance damage and control. Zealous Inquisition adds an area-of-effect element.
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Gemling Legionnaire
Gemling Legionnaire gameplay centers around gems, their color, and quality. Thaumaturgical Infusion, Crystalline Potential, Implanted Gems, Advanced Thaumaturgy, Adaptive Capability, Integrated Efficiency, and Gem Studded offer unique build possibilities.
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Ranger Ascendancy Classes
Deadeye
The Deadeye Ranger focuses on ranged combat, enhancing damage and range. Endless Munitions adds extra projectiles. This is ideal for players favoring bows and elemental damage.
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Pathfinder
The Pathfinder specializes in poison, dealing double damage with poison effects. Overwhelming Toxicity increases poison application but reduces duration. Gas grenades, combined with high movement speed and slow resistance, create a toxic battlefield.
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Note: This covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Further Ascendancies and skill adjustments are expected in future updates.
