What Classes Are Playable in PoE 2? A Complete Guide to Path of Exile 2 Classes
Path of Exile 2 has been eagerly anticipated by action RPG fans around the world. The game promises a rich, immersive experience with its deep skill systems, unique mechanics, and, of course, its array of playable classes. With the early access period already underway, many players are wondering, "What classes are playable in PoE 2?"
In this guide, we'll break down the six available classes during early access, give you insights on each of their strengths and weaknesses, and provide a glimpse of the full roster of 12 confirmed classes. Whether you're new to the series or a returning veteran, this guide will help you choose the best class for your playstyle.
What Classes Are Playable in PoE 2 Early Access?
In the early access version of Path of Exile 2, players can select from six exciting classes, each offering a unique gameplay experience. These classes range from powerful melee fighters to mystical spellcasters, with plenty of options for building a character that suits your preferences. Below are the playable classes in PoE 2 early access:
Warrior
Sorceress
Mercenary
Monk
Ranger
Witch
Each of these classes provides a distinct playstyle, from summoning minions to unleashing powerful elemental attacks or wielding massive melee weapons. Let’s dive deeper into each class to understand their unique traits, abilities, and ideal playstyles.
1. Warrior – Unleash Destruction
The Warrior is an ideal class for players who love up-close, heavy-hitting combat. This melee class excels at dealing massive Area-of-Effect (AoE) damage through a combination of slams, shouts, and powerful heavy weapons. Warrior skills such as Rolling Slam and Earthquake are great for clearing hordes of enemies, though their slow attack speed requires precise timing and animation cancels to maximize effectiveness.
Pros:
Strong AoE damage
Precise skill execution
Cons:
Slow-moving attacks
Requires careful skill timing
Best For: Players who enjoy heavy, destructive combat with a focus on strategic positioning.
2. Sorceress – Master of Elements
The Sorceress is the go-to class for players who love spellcasting and manipulating the forces of nature. Specializing in elemental damage and defensive spells, the Sorceress can wield massive spells to wipe out enemies from a distance. One of her unique abilities, Chronomancer, allows her to manipulate time, creating opportunities for devastating follow-up attacks. The Sorceress is perfect for players who enjoy strategic battles that involve managing resources like mana and cooldowns.
Pros:
Strong offensive and defensive spells
Unique time-manipulation abilities
Cons:
Not very tanky
Best For: Players who enjoy casting powerful elemental spells and controlling the flow of battle.
3. Mercenary – The Shooter Specialist
A new class introduced in Path of Exile 2, the Mercenary offers a fresh take on ranged combat. With a crossbow at their disposal, the Mercenary can mimic the effects of weapons like shotguns, assault rifles, and grenade launchers. This class excels at dealing high damage from a distance, making it great for players who enjoy a ranged, tactical approach to combat. However, the Mercenary’s attacks are not as fast as the Ranger, so timing is essential.
Pros:
High damage output
Ranged combat with a unique "shooter" style
Cons:
Slower attacks compared to other ranged classes
Best For: Newcomers to ARPGs or fans of top-down shooters looking for a new twist.
4. Monk – Agile and Powerful
If you love high-risk/high-reward gameplay, the Monk is the class for you. A hybrid of martial arts and magic, the Monk uses a combination of physical attacks, mobility, and powerful magic to dominate enemies. With abilities like Killing Palm and Vaulting Impact, the Monk excels at positioning and quick strikes. However, due to their "glass cannon" nature, Monks can be fragile, requiring you to stay mobile and avoid taking hits.
Pros:
High damage output
Active, fast-paced playstyle
Cons:
Squishy and fragile
Requires high mobility to survive
Best For: Players who enjoy a high-energy playstyle with lots of movement and strategic positioning.
5. Ranger – Master of Ranged Combat
The Ranger is a dexterity-based class that excels at ranged combat with a bow and elemental arrows. If you enjoy controlling the battlefield from a distance with abilities like Poisonous Arrows and Lightning Arrows, the Ranger will be an excellent choice. The class also specializes in traps and crowd control (CC). However, the Ranger is quite fragile and relies heavily on keeping enemies at bay using mobility and traps.
Pros:
High mobility and ranged damage
Elemental arrows and traps for crowd control
Cons:
Squishy and vulnerable in close combat
Best For: Players who prefer tactical ranged combat and crowd control over brute force.
6. Witch – The Summoner
The Witch is a classic summoner class, ideal for players who love minions and damage-over-time (DoT) strategies. The Witch can summon skeletons or zombies to fight on her behalf, while also using corpses as explosive weapons. While the Witch lacks mobility and is vulnerable in combat, her ability to summon a powerful army of minions makes her a formidable force when played strategically.
Pros:
Strong summoning abilities
Great damage output with DoTs and minions
Cons:
Poor mobility
Relies heavily on minions for damage
Best For: Players who enjoy controlling minions and setting up strategic battlefield conditions.
FAQs:
What classes are playable in PoE 2 during early access?
During the early access period of Path of Exile 2, players can choose from six classes: Warrior, Sorceress, Mercenary, Monk, Ranger, and Witch.
How do I choose the best class in PoE 2?
To pick the best class for your playstyle, consider your preferred combat style:
For melee combat and AoE damage: Warrior
For spellcasting and elemental attacks: Sorceress
For ranged combat with shooter-style abilities: Mercenary
For fast, mobile combat with martial arts: Monk
For ranged damage and traps: Ranger
For summoning minions and using DoTs: Witch
What are the confirmed classes in the full release of PoE 2?
In the full release, there will be a total of 12 classes:
Warrior, Marauder, Duelist, Mercenary, Huntress, Ranger, Monk, Shadow, Witch, Sorceress, Druid, and Templar.
Which class is best for beginners?
The Mercenary is a great choice for newcomers, thanks to its ranged combat style and simple mechanics that are easy to pick up. Additionally, the Monk is a fun, active class but may be harder to master due to its fragility.
Is there a tier list for PoE 2 classes?
Yes, based on early access feedback, the classes are ranked as follows:
S Tier: Monk, Mercenary, Sorceress
A Tier: Witch
B Tier: Ranger
C Tier: Warrior
Conclusion:
Now that you know what classes are playable in Path of Exile 2 and what each class offers, you're ready to dive into the action-packed world of PoE 2. Whether you enjoy the explosive power of the Warrior, the magic of the Sorceress, or the summoning abilities of the Witch, there’s a class that fits every playstyle. As the full release nears, expect even more exciting options to choose from. So, choose your class, sharpen your skills, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Path of Exile 2!
Comments