Path of Exile 2 Classes and Ascendancy | Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2)

Last updated: April 18, 2025 1:13 PM

Updated information according to the latest release

Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) offers a diverse set of 12 classes, each bringing unique strengths and playstyles. Unlike traditional ARPGs, PoE2 allows complete freedom in skill selection through Skill Gems, meaning any class can use any skill. This flexibility encourages players to experiment and create unconventional builds, though new players may find it helpful to start with recommended skills for their chosen class.

Ascendancy

Each class in PoE2 can “Ascend” into a specialized sub-class, known as an Ascendancy. With three Ascendancy paths per class, players can tailor their character’s abilities even further, choosing skills and traits that enhance specific strengths. Although Ascendancy details are yet to be fully revealed, these sub-classes add layers of customization, allowing players to refine their character based on personal preference and gameplay style.

Attributes and Class Affinities

In PoE2, there are three core Attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Each class has a primary or hybrid Attribute alignment:

Strength: Focused on power and resilience.
Dexterity: Emphasizes agility and precision.
Intelligence: Supports spellcasting and critical hits.

There are two classes for each Attribute and hybrid combination, including Strength/Dexterity, Dexterity/Intelligence, and Strength/Intelligence hybrids. This system gives players 8 of the 12 known classes to choose from, each with a unique playstyle.

Attributes and Equipment in PoE2

Most gear has attribute requirements—Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence—that shape its base stats and influence your character’s capabilities. These attributes correlate with defensive stats:

Dexterity (DEX): Increases Evasion Rating, helping you avoid attacks.
Strength (STR): Boosts Armour, which reduces physical damage.
Intelligence (INT): Enhances Energy Shield, an extra barrier that protects life.

Some items are hybrids, combining attributes like Dexterity and Intelligence to create dual effects, such as increased evasion and energy shield. Beginners should focus on items that align with their desired defense type for a balanced build.

Armor Types and Their Stats

The primary types of armor in PoE2 include:

Dexterity-based: Provides Evasion Rating.
Strength-based: Focuses on Armour.
Intelligence-based: Grants Energy Shield.
Hybrid Gear: For example, Strength/Dexterity armor offers a combination of Armour and Evasion.

Each armor piece has unique modifiers depending on its attribute type, giving you specific boosts based on your character’s needs.

Jewelry: Rings, Amulets, and Belts

In PoE2, jewelry provides valuable implicit bonuses, known as implicits, that enhance specific character stats:

Rings: Often grant elemental resistances, life, or damage boosts.
Amulets: Increase attributes like Dexterity, Strength, or Intelligence, supporting gear requirements.
Belts: Can boost defensive stats like Armour and Evasion or increase life.

Each piece of jewelry can be essential during the campaign, so prioritize jewelry that boosts resistances and attributes.

Weapons and Weapon Attributes

Weapons in PoE2 are integral to defining your playstyle and correlate directly with attribute-based skills:

Strength Weapons: Deliver heavy, slow attacks with significant damage.
Dexterity Weapons: Provide rapid attacks but with lower individual damage.
Intelligence Weapons: Boost spellcasting abilities and enhance critical strike chances.

Hybrid weapons blend attributes for versatile performance. Players can wield one- or two-handed weapons and even dual-wield, depending on their build.

Off-Hand Equipment and Flasks

Off-Hand Weapon: Includes Shields, Bucklers, and Foci, which support either defensive stats (Shields for Strength) or spellcasting (Focus for Intelligence).
Flasks: These equip-able items are crucial for recovery and defense, refilling after enemy kills or using town wells. They can have up to two modifiers to enhance their effects, providing life or mana recovery and negating harmful status effects.

Suggested Modifiers by Gear Slot

Each gear slot in PoE2 has preferred modifiers that can elevate your character’s performance:

Body Armor, Gloves, Helmet: Focus on life, resistances, and defense.
Boots: Prioritize movement speed for better mobility.
Rings: Boost resistances and fill attribute gaps.
Amulets: Focus on attributes and critical strike modifiers.
Belts: Opt for life and resistance boosts.
Weapons: Seek damage boosts or utility mods specific to your character’s role.

Whether you’re gearing for survival, high damage, or balanced stats, selecting the right equipment and maximizing their stats will significantly enhance your journey in PoE2.

Also check out Path of Exile 2 Builds here.

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Classes and Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2