Path of Exile 2: The Best Classes for Beginners in Early Access

Even in Early Access, Path of Exile 2—the highly anticipated sequel to the iconic ARPG—offers players six distinct classes to choose from. Each class boasts a unique skill tree and allows for deep customization, making it a challenge for beginners to pick the right one.

For those feeling overwhelmed by the variety of options, this guide provides a detailed breakdown of each class. Ranked by ease of use, we highlight which classes are best suited for players just getting started in Path of Exile 2.

1. Witch

The Witch is a fantastic starting point for new players. This class specializes in summoning and spellcasting, allowing players to conjure undead minions to fight alongside them. These minions not only deal with enemies efficiently but also serve as a protective barrier by drawing enemy attacks, significantly reducing the pressure on the player.

Playing as a Witch ensures you’ll never feel alone, even in single-player mode. This is particularly valuable in the early game when characters are at their most vulnerable.

In addition to her summoning abilities, the Witch excels as a spellcaster. Spells like Contagion deal continuous damage and spread to nearby enemies, making her an excellent choice for clearing mobs or wearing down tough foes in longer battles.

The Witch’s flexible skill combinations make her versatile. Imagine leading an army of skeletal warriors into battle while casting devastating spells to destroy enemies. Her adaptability and strong support options make her an easy and rewarding choice for beginners.

 

2. Warrior

The Warrior is a reliable choice for players who prioritize strength and survivability. Known for durability, the Warrior excels in absorbing damage and maintaining control in chaotic combat situations. Skills like Shield Charge allow quick engagement with enemies, inflicting damage and knocking back foes to create much-needed breathing room.

While the Warrior might seem like a typical tank class, it offers significant customization options. For example, a dual-wielding build can trade some defensive capabilities for increased attack power. Equipping two maces allows for devastating attacks that can stun enemies, giving the Warrior control over the battlefield.

 

3. Mercenary

If you prefer ranged combat, the Mercenary is a great option. Specializing in crossbow attacks, the Mercenary is a fast shooter capable of firing multiple arrows in quick succession. The class offers unique ammunition types—such as freezing, explosive, and armor-piercing bolts—allowing players to adapt to different combat scenarios.

The crossbow also features various firing modes, including Rapid, Power, and Burst, which mimic assault rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns, respectively. This versatility makes the Mercenary an exciting choice for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and fast-paced action. However, keep in mind that reloading the crossbow can leave you vulnerable, especially during boss fights.

 

4. Ranger

Known for precise and powerful arrow attacks, the Ranger excels at high burst damage. Abilities like Lightning Arrows, Rain of Arrows, and Tornado Shot make her a formidable ranged combatant. By equipping Gems, players can further enhance her capabilities, allowing for devastating multi-projectile attacks.

The Ranger is particularly effective against single, powerful enemies due to her high burst damage potential. Additionally, the new WASD control scheme improves her maneuverability, making her feel responsive and engaging to play.

 

5. Monk

For players seeking a balance between offense and defense, the Monk offers an exciting alternative to traditional melee classes. Wielding a staff, the Monk combines physical attacks with elemental magic, allowing for a dynamic and flexible playstyle.

The Monk’s Power Charges mechanic boosts both damage and range, adding a layer of strategy. The Killing Palm skill is especially notable, enabling players to instantly kill enemies when their health falls below a certain threshold. Combining this with Wave of Frost creates a potent combo with crowd-control and damage capabilities.

However, the Monk’s lower durability makes it a challenging choice for beginners. Missteps in the early game can result in significant damage or death, so mastering dodging and combo execution is crucial.

 

6. Sorceress

The Sorceress wields unmatched power through spells. From basic attacks like Spark to game-changing abilities like summoning an ice meteor, her arsenal is diverse and devastating. She is capable of immense damage output, especially when paired with Support Gems and skills like Unleash, which allows spells to be cast multiple times in rapid succession.

However, the Sorceress has a steep learning curve. She is fragile in the early game and lacks the support of summoned minions, making her less forgiving for inexperienced players. For beginners, it’s better to start with another class before exploring the Sorceress’s potential.

Final Thoughts

Each class in Path of Exile 2 offers unique strengths and challenges, making it possible to find one that fits your preferred playstyle. Whether you’re summoning minions as a Witch or unleashing elemental magic as a Monk, there’s something for everyone. Take your time exploring these options and choose the one that feels right for you as you embark on this exciting ARPG adventure.