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Intro
Choosing the best class in Path of Exile 2 can feel overwhelming, especially with all the changes this sequel brings. Whether you’re looking for the overall best classes, the easiest options for beginners, or the most efficient for leveling, this guide covers it all. Dive in and explore tier lists, strengths, weaknesses, and tips to dominate the world of Wraeclast.
Path of Exile 2 Class Tier List
With 12 total classes, Path of Exile 2 introduces a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers. Not all classes are equally versatile, durable, or effective, which is why we’ve ranked them in tiers based on performance across key game modes like Solo Self-Found (SSF), Hardcore, and endgame DPS potential.
Overall Class Tier List
- S-Tier
Mercenary, Marauder, Templar - A-Tier
Ranger, Witch, Sorceress, Druid - B-Tier
Shadow, Monk, Duelist - C-Tier
Huntress, Warrior
These rankings are based on expected damage output, survivability, and versatility in both solo and group settings.
S-Tier: Dominating Classes
Mercenary
- Strengths:
Versatile, excelling in both melee and ranged combat. Its high AoE and single-target damage make it a powerful class for almost any playstyle. - Weaknesses:
Limited playstyle flexibility.
Marauder
- Strengths:
A melee powerhouse with incredible survivability. Ideal for Hardcore and SSF modes thanks to its durability and warcry support. - Weaknesses:
Slow map clearing and heavily reliant on gear to reach full potential.
Templar
- Strengths:
A hybrid class with tanky defenses and potent elemental damage. Great for both solo and group play. - Weaknesses:
Slower movement speed and weaker in the late-game without party support.
A-Tier: Excellent but Slightly Flawed
Ranger
- Strengths:
Exceptional mobility, high DPS, and effective at clearing maps quickly. - Weaknesses:
Squishy and struggles with Hardcore or SSF modes without significant gear investment.
Witch
- Strengths:
Minion-heavy builds offer safety and reliable damage. Excellent for new players. - Weaknesses:
Slow clear speed and heavily gear-dependent for endgame optimization.
Sorceress
- Strengths:
A master of elemental magic, capable of devastating AoE and strong crowd control. - Weaknesses:
Fragile and reliant on specific skill synergies for peak efficiency.
Druid
- Strengths:
Versatile with hybrid melee and spellcasting abilities. Tanky and durable in battle. - Weaknesses:
Complex to master and slower in early-game progression.
B-Tier: Average but Playable
Shadow
- Strengths:
High burst damage with traps and mines, great for players who enjoy strategy. - Weaknesses:
Requires precise positioning and struggles with scaling in Hardcore or SSF.
Monk
- Strengths:
Agile and fast-paced with unique combo attacks. - Weaknesses:
Difficult for beginners and requires advanced mastery of combat mechanics.
Duelist
- Strengths:
Excels in melee combat with good versatility in builds. - Weaknesses:
Endgame scaling is lackluster, and the class relies on strong gear to shine.
C-Tier: Challenging to Play
Huntress
- Strengths:
Flexible and capable of adapting to various situations. - Weaknesses:
Heavily reliant on specific builds and gear setups, making it suboptimal for general gameplay.
Warrior
- Strengths:
Classic melee tank with high durability. - Weaknesses:
Limited build options and poor damage scaling in later stages.
Best Classes for Beginners
If you’re new to Path of Exile 2, starting with an accessible class is key to enjoying your first experience. Below are the top beginner-friendly classes:
- S-Tier: Marauder, Templar, Ranger
- A-Tier: Witch, Sorceress
- B-Tier: Duelist, Shadow
- C-Tier: Warrior, Druid
Marauder is a standout for its tankiness, allowing you to survive mistakes while dishing out damage. Templar offers a great balance of offense and defense, while the Ranger provides mobility and ranged safety.
Best Classes for Leveling
Leveling quickly in Path of Exile 2 depends on clearing speed, survivability, and build versatility. Here’s our tier list for the best leveling classes:
- S-Tier: Witch, Templar, Marauder
- A-Tier: Sorceress, Ranger
- B-Tier: Duelist, Shadow
- C-Tier: Monk, Druid, Warrior
Witch excels due to powerful minion-based builds that make early-game farming a breeze. Templar and Marauder are ideal for tanky, melee builds that withstand enemy swarms.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Wraeclast, Path of Exile 2’s diverse classes offer something for every playstyle. From the versatile Mercenary to the tanky Marauder and the explosive Sorceress, you have plenty of options to conquer both the campaign and endgame.
No matter which class you choose, gear and build optimization are key. If you’re ever unsure about your choices, our team of experts is here to guide you with build improvements, power leveling, and more to make your journey through PoE 2 unforgettable. Let us help you unleash your character’s full potential!