Path Of Exile 2 Best Classes Overview

Choosing a class in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) can be a daunting task, especially with the wealth of options available and the anticipated updates accompanying the game’s release. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide detailing the strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases for each class. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned player, or a fan of Hardcore (HC) or Solo Self-Found (SSF) modes, this guide breaks down what each class brings to the table.

Path Of Exile 2 Classes Overview

PoE 2 introduces 12 playable classes, divided into tiers based on overall performance and versatility. Classes are ranked from S-Tier (best) to C-Tier (challenging to optimize). This guide also identifies beginner-friendly options, top League starters, and the best classes for efficient leveling.

Tier	Classes
S	Marauder, Mercenary, Templar
A	Sorceress, Ranger, Witch, Druid
B	Monk, Shadow, Huntress, Duelist
C	Warrior

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S-Tier Classes

Marauder

The Marauder specializes in brute strength and tankiness, with unparalleled melee combat capabilities. As a top choice for tanky playstyles, the Marauder thrives in both solo and party setups.

Pros:

Durability – exceptional survivability with skills like Enduring Cry and Molten Shell.
High Physical Damage – devastates enemies with abilities such as Ground Slam and Cleave.

Cons:

Slow Map Clearing – falls behind when clearing large areas.
Gear Dependency – relies on rare items for optimal performance.

Mercenary

The Mercenary excels in versatility, offering exceptional damage output in both melee and ranged combat. With access to powerful AoE and single-target abilities, this class is ideal for SSF and Hardcore players who value adaptability.

Pros:

High Damage Output – effective against both groups and single targets.
Flexibility – viable in melee and ranged builds.
Endurance – performs well in self-reliant gameplay modes like SSF.

Cons:

Limited Playstyle Options – versatile but lacks the flexibility to adapt beyond predefined setups.

Key Abilities – skills like Flurry Barrage and Shadow Volley enhance its crowd control and damage potential, making it a top-tier pick.

Templar

The Templar is a hybrid caster-melee class that balances tankiness with spell damage. In PoE 2, the Templar’s focus on holy magic and summoning totems remains its defining trait.

Pros:

Resilience – built to withstand heavy hits while dishing out elemental damage.
Utility – great for Hardcore players due to its reliability and defensive toolkit.

Cons:

Low Speed – lags in mobility and map-clearing efficiency.
Team-Dependent – best suited for group play to maximize effectiveness.
Key Abilities – Holy Smite, Totem Surge, and Sacred Flail are core to its gameplay.

A-Tier Classes

Sorceress

Channeling elemental power, the Sorceress brings explosive AoE damage to the battlefield. Her ability to control fire, ice, and lightning makes her a dynamic choice for players seeking flashy combat.

Pros:

Powerful AoE – skills like Firestorm and Chain Lightning are highly effective for clearing mobs.
Hardcore Viability – good defensive options ensure survival in tougher scenarios.

Cons:

Scaling Issues – struggles to maintain high DPS in the late game without optimized builds.
Fragile – requires careful positioning to avoid damage.

Ranger

The Ranger is a nimble archer specializing in fast movement and elemental attacks. She is an ideal choice for players looking to dominate the battlefield from a distance.

Pros:

High DPS – skills like Ice Shot and Poison Barrage deliver devastating ranged attacks.
Mobility – exceptional at dodging enemy attacks and repositioning quickly.

Cons:

Fragile – low defenses make surviving in Hardcore modes challenging.
Gear Dependency – requires specific equipment to excel in tougher encounters.

Witch

The Witch dominates with her necromantic abilities and dark spellcasting. A favorite for summoner builds, she shines in both offensive and supportive roles.

Pros:

Minion Strength – summon powerful allies with spells like Raise Zombie and Summon Skeletons.
Beginner-Friendly – straightforward mechanics and safe gameplay.

Cons:

Slow Map Clearing – reliance on minions can hinder clearing speed.
Difficult Gear Scaling – high-end gear can be hard to acquire in SSF modes.

Druid

The Druid transforms into powerful creatures like the Werebear and Werewolf, combining melee attacks with spellcasting. This hybrid class offers versatility but comes with a steep learning curve.

Pros:

Tanky and Debuff-Oriented – excels in crowd control and survivability.
Strong AoE Damage -effective against groups of enemies.

Cons:

Slow Gameplay – early and mid-game progression can feel sluggish.
Complex Mechanics – may overwhelm new players.

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B-Tier Classes

Monk

The Monk delivers fast-paced, combo-driven gameplay with a mix of melee and ranged attacks. Ideal for players who enjoy dynamic and intensive combat.

Pros:

Versatility – combines unarmed strikes and elemental abilities.
Fast Combat Style – thrives in high-mobility encounters.

Cons:

Beginner Difficulty – advanced mechanics make it less accessible to new players.
Scaling Limitations – struggles to maintain effectiveness in the late game.

Shadow

A trap and mine specialist, the Shadow excels at strategic combat. High mobility and burst damage make it a great choice for players who enjoy outmaneuvering enemies.

Pros:

High Mobility – skills like Blade Dash allow quick repositioning.
Strong Burst Damage – traps and mines deal significant DoT (Damage over Time).

Cons:

Setup Reliance – requires precise positioning to maximize effectiveness.
Scaling Challenges – falls behind in endgame scenarios without optimal gear.

Huntress

The Huntress is a hybrid dexterity-based class focusing on elemental and physical attacks. While her adaptability is impressive, she requires meticulous gear optimization to succeed.

Pros:

Versatile – can adapt to a variety of combat scenarios.
Agile – excels in evasion-based gameplay.

Cons:

Highly Dependent on Gear – ineffective without specific items.
Limited Situational Strength – underwhelming in most setups.

Duelist

Blending strength and dexterity, the Duelist excels in melee combat. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various builds, but endgame scaling remains a challenge.

Pros:

Balanced Damage Output – effective against both mobs and bosses.
Hybrid Playstyle – can use swords and axes for varied combat.

Cons:

Endgame Weakness – lacks strong scaling options for late-game content.
Gear Reliance – performance hinges on high-quality equipment.

C-Tier Classes

Warrior

The Warrior is a classic melee powerhouse armed with two-handed weapons. While tanky and straightforward, this class suffers from poor scaling and limited build variety.

Pros:

Durable – great survivability in close-range combat.
Simple Playstyle – accessible for new players.

Cons:

Low Damage Scaling – struggles to remain effective in the late game.
Restricted Builds – few options for experimentation.

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Conclusion

Selecting the best class in Path of Exile 2 ultimately depends on your playstyle and experience level. If you’re new to the game, Marauder, Templar, or Ranger are great beginner-friendly options due to their straightforward mechanics and balanced strengths. For seasoned players looking for versatility and challenge, the Mercenary or Shadow classes provide exciting opportunities for strategic gameplay.

Whether you’re diving into League mechanics, leveling efficiently, or pushing Hardcore challenges, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Remember, gear, skills, and builds play a significant role in your success, so keep experimenting to find what works best for you. Enjoy your journey through Wraeclast, and may your Exiles find glory!

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F.A.Q.

What is the best class for beginners in Path of Exile 2?

The best beginner-friendly classes are the Marauder, Templar, and Ranger. They offer straightforward mechanics, solid survivability, and effective damage options, making them ideal for new players to learn the game.

Which class is the strongest for Hardcore (HC) or Solo Self-Found (SSF)?

The Mercenary and Templar excel in Hardcore and SSF due to their versatility and durability. These classes are reliable and can perform well even without highly specialized gear.

What is the best class for leveling in Path of Exile 2?

The top classes for leveling are Witch, Templar, and Marauder. They combine efficient mob clearing, survivability, and straightforward skill setups that make early progression smoother.

Are C-Tier classes like Huntress and Warrior worth playing?

The Warrior are less versatile and depend heavily on specific gear or builds, they can still be fun for players who enjoy their unique playstyles. However, they may struggle in late-game content.

Which class is the most versatile in Path of Exile 2?

The Mercenary is the most versatile class, performing well in both melee and ranged combat. It offers strong AoE and single-target damage and is a great choice for players who value adaptability.