Path of Exile 2: Ascendencies Detailed

Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive into Ascendancy Classes

Path of Exile 2 offers unparalleled character customization with hundreds of skills and items. But the true depth lies in choosing an Ascendancy Class, which significantly shapes your character's playstyle. Currently in early access, each class boasts two progression paths (with a third planned for full release). Let's explore the available Ascendancies!

(See our companion article on optimal starting builds.)

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Witch Ascendancy Classes

• Infernalist: A top-tier Witch specializing in fire spells and minion summoning (including the Infernal Hound). Transforming into a demonic form boosts damage and mobility at the cost of increased health consumption. Key nodes like Beidat's Will enhance survivability by linking Spirit to maximum HP.

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• Blood Mage: A high-risk, high-reward class utilizing Sanguimancy, which replaces mana with health. Skills like Vitality Siphon and Life Remnants mitigate the risk, but reckless play can be fatal.

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Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes

• Stormweaver: This Sorcerer unleashes devastating elemental damage with high critical hit potential, leveraging Elemental Storm and status ailments. Spirit Gems amplify damage against afflicted enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will improve spell casting and mana regeneration.

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• Chronomancer: A unique class manipulating time. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze offer innovative combat strategies. While not currently the strongest, it holds significant potential.

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Warrior Ascendancy Classes

• Warbringer: A melee-focused class combining war cries and totems for maximum damage output, even against bosses. Nodes like Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration.

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• Titan: A defensive powerhouse utilizing slow, powerful attacks to paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly boost survivability. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment enhance Slam abilities.

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Monk Ascendancy Classes

• Invoker: A melee Monk harnessing elemental power and status effects. Power Charges enhance skills, adding strategic depth.

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• Acolyte of Chayula: This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, boosting survivability. However, its current reliance on mana leech needs improvement.

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Mercenary Ascendancy Classes

• Witchhunter: A powerful class excelling at eliminating demons and the undead. It utilizes increased damage on first and last hits, and passive skills like Pitiless Killer are crucial for boss fights.

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• Gemling Legionnaire: Gameplay revolves around gems, impacting resistances and skill levels. Nodes like Integrated Efficiency add extra skill slots.

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Ranger Ascendancy Classes

• Deadeye: A ranged combat class enhancing attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds extra projectiles. Ideal for bow users focusing on elemental damage.

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• Pathfinder: A poison-focused class dealing massive poison damage. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application but shortens duration.

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Note: This guide covers the twelve currently available Ascendancy Classes in PoE2's early access. More will be added, and balance changes may affect skill details.