Mastering Path of Exile 2's Ascendancy System: A Comprehensive Guide
While Path of Exile 2 is currently in Early Access, players are already exploring the depth of its character customization. Though subclasses aren't a core feature, Ascendancies offer significant specialization through unique abilities. This guide details how to unlock and utilize these powerful enhancements.
Unlocking Ascendancies
To access Ascendancy Classes, players must complete a specific Trial of Ascendancy. In the Early Access version, these are the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas and the Act 3 Trial of Chaos. Completing either trial for the first time unlocks Ascendancy selection and rewards you with 2 passive Ascendancy Points. The earlier Act 2 trial is recommended for quicker access to enhanced abilities.
Available Ascendancies
Currently, Early Access features six base classes, each with two Ascendancy options. The full game will include twelve, with the remaining six likely introducing new Ascendancies.
Mercenary:
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Witch Hunter: This Ascendancy focuses on offensive and defensive buffs, enhancing damage output with abilities like Culling Strike and No Mercy. Ideal for players who enjoy debuffing enemies for increased damage.
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Gemling Legionnaire: This option centers on Skill Gems, allowing for extra skill slots and added buffs. Its flexibility makes it suitable for highly customized builds.
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Monk:
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Invoker: Embrace elemental powers and inflict status ailments. A strong melee-focused elemental option.
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Acolyte of Chayula: Harness shadow powers, offering defensive, healing, and damage-boosting abilities. A unique, shadow-based alternative.
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Ranger:
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Deadeye: Enhance ranged combat with increased attack speed, damage, and accuracy. Perfect for archers seeking peak performance.
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Pathfinder: Master poison and elemental damage through flask-based abilities and AoE effects. A compelling alternative to traditional bow-and-arrow builds.
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Sorceress:
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Stormweaver: Amplify elemental damage and unleash devastating elemental storms. A solid choice for enhancing existing elemental caster playstyles.
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Chronomancer: Manipulate time, affecting cooldowns and adding strategic depth to combat. Ideal for players seeking dynamic gameplay.
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Warrior:
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Titan: Become an unstoppable force, maximizing damage and defense with tank-oriented abilities. Perfect for players who enjoy being the frontline damage absorber.
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Warbringer: Summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems for support and additional damage. A great option for melee players who enjoy minion-based combat.
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Witch:
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Blood Mage: Drain life from enemies for self-healing and enhanced damage. A unique playstyle centered around life manipulation.
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Infernalist: Summon a Hellhound and shapeshift into a demonic form, unleashing fiery devastation. A powerful elemental damage option with minion support.
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Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
