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Digital Aura Portal - FZCO
Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Premises Number 72647 - 001
Business registration number: 70647
May 28, 202517 min ReadElsaWelcome, travelers of Wraeclast, to our complete Path of Exile 2 best classes tier list, crafted to guide you through the current in-game meta. Whether you’re seeking the Path of Exile best builds for solo adventures, endgame content, or high DPS, this overview is here to help you select the optimal class. No matter what you choose from our rankings, remember that leveling is your first major hurdle. Luckily, our experts at Gamer Choice are ready to help you breeze through PoE 2 leveling swiftly. Skip the grind and dive into the endgame – all at the best prices and with unmatched speed.
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This comprehensive Path of Exile 2 class tier list follows the traditional format. We take all seven classes currently available in the game and compare them across multiple metrics like damage output, versatility, and current meta relevance. Each class is categorized into four tiers:
Keep in mind, if your favorite class is not ranked as high as expected, it doesn’t mean it’s weak. A class’s effectiveness greatly depends on your build, your gear, and your gameplay proficiency. If you’re achieving good results, there’s no reason to switch.
The Mercenary stands as the Path of Exile 2 best class overall. Ideal for players who enjoy tactical gameplay, this class shines with its diverse range of crossbow abilities. Whether you want to freeze mobs or electrocute bosses, the Mercenary provides the tools you need. Its elemental bolts, status-inflicting attacks, and explosives offer strategic depth unmatched by other classes.
While its reload times and agility don’t match up to the Ranger’s, the Mercenary balances that with solid health and exceptional versatility. Though you won’t be clearing entire screens in a single shot, its precision and intelligent skill usage make it the perfect pick for thoughtful players.
Ranking just behind the Mercenary is the Sorceress, another versatile and high-damage class. She’s potent, but you’ll need to manage her mana and avoid letting enemies get too close due to her low durability. In PoE 2, ranged classes generally outperform melee ones, and Sorceress takes full advantage of this with devastating ranged spells. She’s especially ideal for players who prefer a more straightforward but powerful playstyle.
Witch and Sorceress are both excellent choices for newcomers to Path of Exile 2. They offer simple learning curves, powerful damage output, and useful crowd control skills. These classes give new players a broad range of tools to work with, making early progress smoother and more enjoyable. Choose based on your favorite playstyle and enjoy learning the ropes with strong, forgiving options.
Here is a complete Path of Exile 2 classes tier list 2025 for new players:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Witch, Sorceress |
| A-Tier | Warrior, Mercenary |
| B-Tier | Ranger, Huntress |
| C-Tier | Monk |
This tier list is subject to change as the game evolves. With future updates, classes currently in lower tiers like Ranger, Huntress, or Monk could rise. If you enjoy a class, don’t let its current ranking deter you – the meta is always shifting.
Reaching level 100 in Path of Exile 2 is no small task. Thankfully, certain classes make this journey much faster. The Sorceress excels in leveling thanks to her powerful AoE attacks and strong mobility skills, making her the Path of Exile best class for leveling.
Other standout choices include the Mercenary and Huntress. Each has unique strengths, but all share one key trait: high mobility. They also offer a variety of build options, allowing for flexible and engaging gameplay throughout the leveling process. Switching builds as you go can help keep things fresh and fun.
Check out our full PoE 2 best leveling classes tier list:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Sorceress |
| A-Tier | Mercenary, Huntress, Ranger, Monk |
| B-Tier | Witch |
| C-Tier | Warrior |
This ranking shows how dramatically a class’s usefulness can change depending on context. While Witch ranked highly for beginners, she sits much lower in terms of leveling speed. There's no single perfect class – every option comes with trade-offs.
When it comes to raw damage, both Ranger and Mercenary stand out as the Path of Exile best DPS classes. These two excel at AoE damage and shine in late-game scenarios. Their only downside is limited early-game power, with the Ranger being particularly challenging for newcomers. That’s why we recommend Mercenary as a more beginner-friendly alternative.
This table outlines the strongest classes based on DPS potential and overall firepower:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Ranger, Mercenary |
| A-Tier | Witch, Huntress |
| B-Tier | Sorceress |
| C-Tier | Monk, Warrior |
Ranger is the top-tier ranged damage dealer, closely followed by Mercenary. Both offer diverse builds that make them fun and adaptable. Sorceress also deserves mention here – her ability to dish out damage from a distance makes her lethal, whether you're dealing with mobs or bosses.
Ranger and Witch are the top picks for solo players in Path of Exile 2. Their unique passive abilities and ascendency perks make them highly self-sufficient. These advantages allow them to perform exceptionally well without the need for a group.
Although we can’t rank all the classes in a traditional tier list for solo play, all seven are viable for going it alone. As with most ARPGs, Path of Exile 2 supports and encourages solo progression, especially in dungeons and other solo-friendly content.
Ranger and Mercenary dominate the endgame thanks to their strong scaling from level 90 to 100. With the right gear, they become extremely powerful and effective for all high-end content.
That said, every class on the tier list is capable of handling endgame challenges. The beauty of Path of Exile lies in the journey – starting from scratch and building your way to power. Some classes may have advantages, but all can reach the top with the right strategy and equipment.
Surviving in Hardcore mode means playing smart and safe. Mercenary and Warrior stand out as the Path of Exile best classes for Hardcore thanks to their superior defense and survivability. While they may not deal the most damage, that’s not the priority in this mode – survival is.
Here is a tier list showing the most and least viable classes for Hardcore in Path of Exile 2:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Mercenary, Warrior |
| A-Tier | Sorceress, Witch, Monk |
| B-Tier | Huntress |
| C-Tier | Ranger |
Ranger is the weakest HC choice due to its fragility. One wrong move can mean instant death, especially when facing tough bosses. While gear can improve this, reaching that point is risky without solid defenses.
Ranger and Mercenary lead the pack in Softcore mode, thanks to their superior mob-clearing speed and movement skills. These are key attributes for progressing quickly and efficiently.
We’ve compared all classes to determine the best Softcore picks in this table:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Ranger, Mercenary |
| A-Tier | Sorceress, Monk, Huntress |
| B-Tier | Warrior |
| C-Tier | Witch |
Even though some classes fall into lower tiers, Softcore mode is forgiving enough that any class can thrive. Progress speed and gear dependency vary, but every option is viable. Just focus on maximizing your skills and adapting your build for success.
The Mercenary takes the lead again as the best Path of Exile 2 Solo Self-Found class. Its flexibility, damage, and survivability make it a well-rounded choice for players who prefer relying solely on themselves. In SSF mode, you need a class that doesn’t depend heavily on trading or assistance.
Check this tier list to find the most reliable SSF picks in PoE 2:
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Mercenary |
| A-Tier | Warrior, Witch |
| B-Tier | Huntress, Monk, Sorceress |
| C-Tier | Ranger |
Combining high DPS, strong defenses, and the ability to self-sustain is critical in SSF. That’s why classes like Ranger, which require specific gear to be effective, aren’t ideal for this mode.
After analyzing all seven classes, we’ve compiled this tier list ranking them from best to worst:
This ranking reflects the current state of the game under patch 0.2.0 and the Dawn of the Hunt update. As new patches roll out, expect these rankings to evolve. Stay updated and be ready to try new classes as the meta shifts – your next favorite might be waiting just around the corner.
Mercenary shines as a dominant force in Path of Exile 2, particularly in patch 0.1.1, offering a balance of flexibility and power that is hard to rival. As a ranged class utilizing a crossbow, Mercenary delivers accurate damage while maintaining a safe distance. A major highlight of the class lies in its elemental prowess—firing ice bolts that freeze enemies and lightning bolts that stun, adding a powerful layer of crowd control to your toolkit.
While Mercenary doesn’t rely heavily on broad AoE skills, its exceptional precision and effectiveness against key threats more than compensate. A respectable health pool offers some resilience, though reload delays and modest agility can leave you temporarily exposed if not played carefully.
Mercenary is perfect for strategic players who want to dominate from a distance. It’s deadly, consistent, and incredibly satisfying to play.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Mercenary Guide for Path of Exile 2.
Sorceress follows closely behind in our tier list and remains one of the most explosive options in the game, also ranking high among the Path of Exile best builds. As the definitive glass cannon, she channels elemental power to unleash fireballs, lightning arcs, and chilling storms that devastate enemies from afar. Her damage is unparalleled when used correctly, covering both AoE destruction and targeted strikes.
Sorceress makes clearing maps a breeze, thanks to her powerful spells with splash damage that require little precision. However, her dependency on mana is critical—without it, her offensive potential drops significantly. Combined with low health and weak defenses up close, careful positioning becomes crucial to surviving difficult encounters.
If you prefer overwhelming enemies with elemental force while keeping a safe distance, Sorceress is your ideal class. Master her mana usage and she becomes one of the most powerful characters in the game.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Sorceress Guide for Path of Exile 2.
Monk ranks as one of the Path of Exile best builds for players who thrive on close-quarters combat and high-speed execution. Fusing dexterity and intelligence, Monk brings a unique twist to melee gameplay. Equipped with a quarterstaff, this class weaves through enemies with dashes, delivering precise blows that often come with stuns or debilitating status effects.
The class excels in fast-paced scenarios, relying on agile movement and reaction-based abilities. It’s built for veterans who enjoy a high skill ceiling, as timing and precision are key to surviving more dangerous boss encounters. Although Monk has less health compared to traditional melee classes, its agility and utility make it extremely rewarding when mastered.
Monk is ideal for players who enjoy a challenging yet fluid melee experience. With practice, it becomes one of the most fearsome classes in the game.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Monk Guide for Path of Exile 2.
Ranger deserves recognition for its methodical, high-damage playstyle. Placed in A-Tier, it stands as a precision-based class focused on ranged damage and clever movement. Armed with a bow and supported by elemental effects, Ranger keeps enemies at bay and strikes them down before they can close in.
Where Ranger truly shines is in boss encounters and one-on-one fights. The ability to control positioning, combined with status effects that slow or immobilize, makes her ideal for calculated gameplay. However, her minimal AoE and low base health make her less forgiving for newcomers.
Ranger is a great choice for players who value precision and strategy over brute force. When played right, it’s one of the sharpest tools in your arsenal.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Ranger Guide for Path of Exile 2.
Huntress is a go-to class for players who love momentum-driven combat. Built around Dexterity and spears, Huntress flows smoothly between mid-range and close-quarters encounters. She delivers attacks in rhythmic bursts, stringing combos into finishers that devastate enemies with elemental effects and physical damage alike.
This class thrives on creativity. Every ability blends into another, allowing players to blind, bleed, and burn targets in rapid succession. She’s fragile in the early game, but her constant movement and varied attacks keep her safe and lethal.
Huntress is made for players who enjoy fast-paced, flashy combat. She rewards agility and timing more than brute strength.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Huntress Guide for Path of Exile 2.
Witch brings a strategic edge to combat, perfect for those who prefer managing minions and battlefield conditions. As an Intelligence-based summoner, she commands an army of skeletons and undead creatures, creating distractions while casting powerful spells from afar. For players who prefer control over chaos, Witch is a strong contender.
Her playstyle depends on timing and resource availability—especially fresh corpses, which are essential for summoning. While her direct firepower is limited, her ability to weaken enemies and delegate fighting to her minions adds a unique layer of gameplay.
Witch is not for players who want immediate damage output, but for those who enjoy controlling and supporting from the backline, she’s a rewarding and tactical pick.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Witch Guide for Path of Exile 2.
Warrior fits the classic tank archetype but struggles to keep up in Path of Exile 2’s meta due to the game’s fast pace and high mobility expectations. Built for strength and durability, Warrior relies on stun-heavy melee strikes to hold the frontline. However, limited mobility and weaker AoE capabilities often leave it behind more agile classes.
While strong against single foes, Warrior lacks tools to handle large groups efficiently. In a game that emphasizes movement and range, the Warrior’s slow pace and lack of repositioning options hold it back.
Warrior appeals to players who prefer straightforward, methodical combat. But for those seeking top-tier efficiency and speed, other classes offer more.
To learn more about the class, read our complete Warrior Guide for Path of Exile 2.
In Path of Exile 2, the best classes are determined by their adaptability, power level, and how well they align with the most popular skill setups in the current meta. A top-performing class typically balances high damage output with strong survivability, enabling it to excel in both mapping and difficult boss fights.
One of the core traits of the Path of Exile best builds is flexibility. The top classes can accommodate multiple playstyles and still remain effective, making them suitable for a wide variety of players. This versatility is a key reason why these classes are so often praised by the community, including frequent discussion among Reddit users.
Another critical factor is defensive strength. Whether it’s high evasion, built-in resistances, or access to mechanics like block and life regeneration, strong defenses often separate a good class from a great one. In a game like PoE 2, where mistakes can be punishing, these defensive layers are vital for sustained progression.
Finally, compatibility with the meta is what often elevates a class to the top. Classes that naturally enhance high-damage skill gems or synergize with the latest league mechanics are more likely to dominate. The best classes don’t just survive—they thrive as the game evolves through frequent patches and updates.
Some classes rise to the top of the Path of Exile 2 meta because they offer a perfect blend of power, survivability, and adaptability. When a league introduces new skill gems, gear, or balance changes, the best classes are those that can quickly adjust and take full advantage of these shifts.
Classes with impactful ascendancies—particularly those that boost projectile effectiveness or strengthen minion builds—often perform better simply because they pair well with the most in-demand skill combinations and gear. These natural synergies give them an edge in clearing maps and handling high-end content.
Defensive strength is also a major contributor. Classes that come with built-in evasion, reliable energy shield recovery, or block mechanics tend to survive longer, giving players more room for error in intense encounters. The classes that dominate are those best suited for surviving and excelling in the game’s most demanding scenarios.
Ranger offers the highest DPS and overall efficiency, especially in late-game content. It also performs well while leveling, making it a consistent powerhouse throughout the game.
Witch is considered the top beginner-friendly class due to its minion-focused gameplay. Summoned allies help absorb damage and boost your offense, giving you a smoother start.
Druid and Sorceress are ideal for newcomers. Druid has strong defenses, making it durable, while Sorceress offers fast map clearing through powerful AoE spells.
Ranger delivers the best multi-target DPS across all stages of the game, making it the go-to choice for raw offensive potential.
Sorceress excels at leveling quickly due to her wide range of AoE spells, which allow for efficient mob clearing and faster progression.
The best solo classes in PoE 2 include Ranger, Witch, and Mercenary, each offering a balance of damage and self-sufficiency needed to complete content alone.
Ranger can be challenging to play early due to its low health. Mastering its positioning and mechanics takes time, and its true strength is unlocked later in the game.
Path of Exile 2 features 12 playable classes at launch, including Warrior, Marauder, Duelist, Mercenary, Huntress, Ranger, Monk, Shadow, Witch, Sorceress, Druid, and Templar.
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This concludes our comprehensive look at the Path of Exile best builds and top classes across all game modes—whether you're a beginner, playing solo, grinding for endgame, or tackling Hardcore, Softcore, or Solo Self-Found. We've highlighted what makes each class effective and how the meta continues to evolve with each new patch.
As the game develops, we’ll continue updating this guide to reflect buffs, nerfs, and shifting trends in PoE 2. Until then, best of luck, Exiles. May your build be strong, your gear be plentiful, and your journey through Wraeclast be legendary.
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