Path of Exile 2: A Deep Dive into Ascendancy Classes
Path of Exile 2 offers unparalleled character customization, allowing players to tailor their builds extensively. However, choosing the right Ascendancy Class is crucial for maximizing your character's potential. Currently in early access, each class boasts two progression paths, with a third planned for the full release. Let's explore the available Ascendancies!
(See accompanying article on optimal starting builds.)
Image: ensigame.com
Table of Contents:
- Witch Ascendancy Classes
- Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
- Warrior Ascendancy Classes
- Monk Ascendancy Classes
- Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
- Ranger Ascendancy Classes
Witch Ascendancy Classes
Infernalist
A top-tier choice! The Infernalist Witch commands devastating fire spells and summons the Infernal Hound from the underworld. Transforming into a demonic form boosts damage and mobility, albeit at the cost of increased health vulnerability. The Loyal Hellhound skill and Beidat's Will node (linking Spirit to maximum HP) are vital for survivability and maximizing undead minion effectiveness.
Image: ensigame.com
Blood Mage
While not as universally strong as the Infernalist, the Blood Mage offers a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Sanguimancy replaces mana with health, demanding careful resource management. Vitality Siphon, Life Remnants, Sunder the Flesh, and Gore Spike are key skills for mitigating the inherent risk.
Image: ensigame.com
Sorcerer Ascendancy Classes
Stormweaver
The Stormweaver Sorcerer unleashes immense elemental damage, often with high critical strike chance, leveraging Tempest Caller to trigger Elemental Storm. Inflicting status ailments is key, enhanced by Strike Twice. Spirit Gems amplify elemental damage against afflicted enemies. Constant Gale and Force of Will improve spell casting speed and mana regeneration, while Heart of the Storm converts elemental damage to energy shield for increased survivability.
Image: ensigame.com
Chronomancer
A unique addition to PoE2, the Chronomancer manipulates time, offering innovative combat strategies. Spells like Temporal Rift and Time Freeze enable creative combos. While not currently the strongest Sorcerer Ascendancy, its potential is significant. Key skills include Now and Again (chance to avoid cooldowns), Apex of the Moment (slows nearby monsters), and Quicksand Hourglass (increases spell casting speed).
Image: ensigame.com
Warrior Ascendancy Classes
Warbringer
The Warbringer utilizes war cries and totem summons for devastating melee combat, effective even against bosses. Imploding Impacts and Anvil’s Weight enhance armor penetration. Warcaller’s Bellow and Greatwolf’s Howl manage war cry cooldowns. Renly’s Training and Turtle Charm bolster defensive capabilities.
Image: ensigame.com
Titan
For a more controlled, defensive approach, the Titan excels. Powerful, albeit slow, attacks paralyze enemies. Stone Skin and Mysterious Lineage significantly boost defenses and maximum health. Earthbreaker and Ancestral Empowerment enhance Slam abilities, while Surprising Strength increases damage against stunned foes.
Image: ensigame.com
Monk Ascendancy Classes
Invoker
The Invoker Monk harnesses elemental power, utilizing melee combat, elemental damage, and status effects. Power Charges further enhance skills.
Image: ensigame.com
Acolyte of Chayula
This Monk embraces darkness, forgoing Spirit for Darkness, significantly increasing survivability. Consuming Questions combined with Mana Leech requires careful management due to its impact on Energy Shield cooldown. Currently, it's less effective than the Invoker.
Image: ensigame.com
Mercenary Ascendancy Classes
Witchhunter
A formidable class, the Witchhunter excels at eliminating demons and undead. Increased damage on first and last hits, combined with Pitiless Killer, Damage vs Low Life Enemies, and Judge, Jury, and Executioner, makes it effective against both weaker enemies and bosses. Witchbane and No Mercy focus on reducing enemy concentration and increasing damage. Zealous Inquisition adds an explosive effect upon killing enemies.
Image: ensigame.com
Gemling Legionnaire
Gameplay revolves around gems, their stats, quality, and color. Thaumaturgical Infusion increases resistances based on gem colors, while Crystalline Potential and Implanted Gems enhance skill levels. Advanced Thaumaturgy reduces skill costs and attribute requirements, alongside Adaptive Capability. Integrated Efficiency adds three additional active skill slots, and Gem Studded allows two identical Support gems.
Image: ensigame.com
Ranger Ascendancy Classes
Deadeye
A classic ranged combat class, enhancing attack range and damage. Endless Munitions adds an extra projectile per skill use. Ideal for bow users focusing on elemental damage, offering increased movement speed, extra projectiles, and an additional Mark.
Image: ensigame.com
Pathfinder
A poison-focused class, dealing double poison damage. Overwhelming Toxicity doubles poison application but shortens duration. Utilizes gas grenades for area-of-effect poison damage.
Image: ensigame.com
Note: This covers twelve of the planned thirty-six Ascendancy Classes. Further classes and potential skill adjustments will be added in future updates.
