Character class

Path of Exile 2 uses three main attributes - strength, dexterity, and intelligence - and its twelve playable character classes (or simply classes) are each associated with one or more attributes in pairs. The character creation screen allows the player to choose between six characters, each with a choice of two classes.

Each pair of character classes has a different starting location on the passive skill tree and starting attributes, and each character gets different quest rewards. Additionally, the starting areas of the passive tree can differ between three variants depending on which class was (or was not) chosen. Later, upon completing a trial for the first time, players can specialize their character by choosing an Ascendancy subclass. The subclasses available depend on the character class chosen.

Players can use any items or skills, providing they meet the relevant attribute and level requirements. This allows players to customize their characters and design creative builds with unusual play styles. For new players, however, it is generally easiest to invest in the attributes appropriate to their character class.

Strength

Marauder

The Marauder specializes in axe skills.

Warrior

The Warrior specializes in mace, warcry, and shield skills. His ascendancy classes are the Titan, Warbringer, and Smith of Kitava.

Dexterity

Ranger

The Ranger specializes in bow skills. Her ascendancy classes are the Deadeye and Pathfinder.

Huntress

The Huntress specializes in spear skills. Her ascendancy classes are the Ritualist, Amazon, and Spirit Walker.

Intelligence

Witch

The Witch specializes in occult spells, which includes undead minions and chaos spells. Her Ascendancy classes are the Infernalist, Blood Mage, and Lich.

Sorceress

The Sorceress specializes in elemental spells. Her ascendancy classes are the Stormweaver, Chronomancer, and Disciple of Varashta.

Strength/Dexterity

Duelist

The Duelist specializes in sword skills.

Mercenary

The Mercenary specializes in crossbow and grenade skills. His ascendancy classes are the Witchhunter, Gemling Legionnaire, and Tactician.

Dexterity/Intelligence

Shadow

The Shadow specializes in dagger and trap skills.

Monk

The Monk specializes in unarmed and quarterstaff skills. His ascendancy classes are the Invoker, Acolyte of Chayula, and Martial Artist.

Strength/Intelligence

Templar

The Templar specializes in flail skills and holy spells.

Druid

The Druid specializes in primal skills, which include shapeshifting, animal minions, and nature spells. His ascendancy classes are the Shaman and Oracle.

Trivia

• The Duelist and Shadow were intended to be renamed to the Gladiator and Assassin, respectively, instead of keeping their Path of Exile counterparts' class names, but this decision was reversed before the game's Early Access release. The artbook uses these original names.
• Technically speaking, none of the player characters are exiles, as that refers to criminals exiled from Oriath.
• According to game director Jonathan Rogers, each pair of classes is the same person, but with a different upbringing. It is not known how much of this still applies to the current designs.

Version history

References