Path of Exile 2

PoE 2 stands out is its wide range of playable classes, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. In the early access version, six of the twelve total classes will be available for players to test their skills: the Witch, Ranger, Monk, Warrior, Mercenary, and Sorceress.

Whether you're new to PoE 2 or an old-timer, this beginner’s guide will help you understand what each class brings to the table and might assist in your character selection.

Command the Undead Army: The Witch
If summoning an army of minions to fight for you sounds appealing, the Witch is the perfect choice. Specializing in chaos magic and undead summoning, this class outstanding at keeping enemies distracted while dealing devastating damage from a safe distance.

Core Abilities:
Summon permanent minions, such as Skeletal Warriors and Skeletal Arsonists, that automatically revive after death.
Use command skills to detonate minions for massive area-of-effect damage.
Cast chaos and bone spells to weaken enemies and amplify your horde’s effectiveness.
Equip special Scepters to increase Spirit capacity, enabling a larger army of minions.
By the endgame, the Witch becomes an unstoppable leader of a massive undead army, overwhelming any enemy in her path.

The Agile and Deadly Ranger
The Ranger is all about speed, precision, and adaptability. As a bow specialist, she combines mobility with powerful ranged attacks that use a mix of elemental and physical damage.

Core Abilities:
Shoot while moving, maintaining agility during combat.
Utilize elemental arrows with effects like slowing enemies with Ice, chaining damage with Lightning, or dealing damage over time  with Poison.
Create devastating combos, such as shooting lightning arrows into the ground and causing explosive chain reactions.
With 21 bow-related skills and unmatched mobility, the Ranger becomes a whirlwind of arrows and elemental devastation in the later stages of the game.

Warrior: A Tank with Unstoppable Power
The Warrior is the embodiment of brute strength, excelling at crushing enemies with slow but powerful melee attacks. This class is perfect for players who enjoy heavy armor and high-impact combat.

Core Abilities:
Use mace skills to unleash fiery eruptions and seismic shockwaves.
Equip a shield to block damage and access defensive skills like Shield Charge.
Command Ancestral Totems to automate your slam abilities and overwhelm enemies.
In the endgame, the Warrior becomes a fearsome juggernaut, shattering enemies with earth-shaking attacks and shrugging off damage with ease.

Master the Elements: The Sorceress
The Sorceress is a classic spellcaster who uses fire, ice, and lightning to obliterate foes from a distance. Her ability to combine different elements makes her an incredibly versatile choice.

Core Abilities:
Cast a variety of elemental spells like Fireball, Flame Wall, and Lightning Storm.
Use trigger gems to automate powerful combos, such as casting Firestorm upon igniting enemies.
Swap weapons to enhance specific spells and optimize your elemental damage.
By endgame, the Sorceress can unleash devastating elemental storms, ensuring her foes are reduced to ash.

Monk: A Master of Martial Arts
The Monk is a fast-paced melee fighter who excels at chaining combos and harnessing momentum to dominate the battlefield. This class is ideal for players who love fluid and dynamic combat.

Core Abilities:
Utilize Quarterstaff skills with three martial arts styles: Lightning, Ice, and Wind.
Chain skills like Killing Palm, which executes low-health enemies and grants power charges for devastating follow-up attacks.
Activate abilities like Tempest Bell, which damages enemies in an area and amplifies attacks with elemental effects.
With 21 active skills for Quarterstaves, the Monk becomes a dashing whirlwind of destruction by the endgame.

Mercenary: The Tactical Crossbow Expert
For players who prefer a mix of ranged combat and strategic play, the Mercenary is the go-to class. Armed with a versatile crossbow, she can adapt to any situation with various ammo types.

Key Features:
Load ammo types like Glacial Bolts, Explosive Shots, or Armor Piercing Rounds to tailor your attacks.
Combine effects by using ice walls to separate enemies and then detonating them with fragmentation rounds.
Summon Artillery Ballistas for suppressing fire and area-of-effect damage.
By the endgame, the Mercenary evolves into a one-person army, bombarding enemies with grenades and precision crossbow shots.

Choosing Your Path
Each of the six classes in Path of Exile 2 early access offers a distinct experience, allowing players to explore unique playstyles. Whether you prefer summoning undead hordes, executing high-speed melee combos, or mastering devastating spells, there’s a class for you.

While every class has its strengths, the true beauty of Path of Exile 2 lies in its flexibility. Skills are not locked to specific classes, meaning you can experiment and mix abilities to create a playstyle that’s truly your own.

As you prepare for the December 6th launch, take time to consider which class resonates with your playstyle. And remember, the possibilities for customization and combos in Path of Exile 2 are endless, so don’t be afraid to try new approaches as you venture into this epic ARPG!