Everything About 12 Classes in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to Grinding Gear Games' wildly popular Path of Exile, is set to bring an extensive new lineup of character classes that offer players a range of playstyles, unique abilities, and strategic depth. The game, slated for early access soon, will launch with 12 different classes, each with its own combat style and specializations. Here's everything you need to know about these classes, including gameplay style, anticipated skills, and how they might fit into your preferred playstyle.

The Ranger is Path of Exile 2's quintessential bow-wielding class, built for players who love ranged combat with a touch of elemental and poison mechanics. Although any class in Path of Exile can technically wield any weapon, the Ranger starts close to bow-related nodes on the passive skill tree, giving her a natural advantage with these weapons. Skills like Lightning Rod create electrically charged rods to zap enemies, while Vine Arrow roots and poisons foes for controlled, devastating ranged attacks.

The Ranger also features impressive mobility, with abilities that allow her to dodge enemies and vault across the battlefield to maintain an ideal distance. A unique addition to the Ranger's toolkit may be the ability to ride a large bird-like creature, similar to a Final Fantasy Chocobo. Whether this mount will be specific to the Ranger or a feature across other classes is still unclear.

For players who prefer a more fast-paced, direct-ranged approach, the Mercenary is a fresh addition that specializes in crossbows. Equipped with everything from rapid-fire machine-gun-style crossbows to sniper-like variants, the Mercenary provides a distinct ranged experience. Unlike the Ranger's bow, which has a slight draw time, the Mercenary's crossbow fires instantly, offering a more immediate feel to ranged combat.

This class also introduces a unique ammo system, allowing players to switch between different rounds based on the situation. Grenade launcher attachments provide further versatility, making the Mercenary ideal for players who enjoy tactical gameplay and quick, precise attacks.

The Druid merges elemental spells with the power of shapeshifting. This strength-and-intelligence class can summon lightning and volcanic eruptions to devastate enemies from a distance and can also transform into powerful beasts like a bear for close combat. In bear form, the Druid gains abilities that build rage, enhancing his damage output. Transformations are dynamic, occurring automatically when the player uses relevant abilities, which smooths the transition between human and beast forms.

The Druid can summon wolves in battle, providing a strong blend of spellcasting and physical prowess for those who enjoy versatile, hybrid playstyles. In addition, the interplay between his forms offers a strategic edge; for example, the human form can cast spells to summon volcanic eruptions, which the bear form can activate for additional effects.

Dark magic and minion-focused gameplay fans will find their home with the Witch. This class serves as Path of Exile 2's primary summoner, with access to an extensive roster of minions that are far more diverse than in the original game. Minions are tied to new mechanics, including the Spirit resource, which replaces mana and life reservation and dictates the number of minions the Witch can summon.

The Witch can even capture enemy spirits using special skill gems, bringing them back as controllable minions. Skills like corpse explosion allow the Witch to interact with defeated enemies for additional effects; some summons even have their own activatable abilities. This class provides a distinct power fantasy for players who prefer to let minions do their dirty work while spreading curses, plagues, and contagions to weaken enemies.

The Monk combines dexterity and intelligence, seamlessly transitioning between magical and melee combat. This class wields a quarterstaff and is known for fluid, martial arts-inspired movements. It darts across the battlefield to strike enemies before quickly retreating.

With a focus on mid-range attacks and mystical spells, the Monk brings a unique style to Path of Exile 2. His animations reflect a smooth, disciplined fighting style that conveys years of silent training and spiritual mastery, ideal for players who appreciate precise, elegant combat.

The Sorceress is the go-to for those looking for a traditional, high-powered spellcasting experience. She harnesses the elements, casting spells that freeze, burn, and shock enemies, and specializes in crowd control with abilities like Comet and Ice Nova.

Unique to Path of Exile 2, the Sorceress can perform free-cast basic abilities, like Fireball, even if she runs out of mana, so long as she has the right weapon equipped. As a glass cannon with a wide range of elemental abilities, the Sorceress is best suited for players who like to keep their distance while delivering high amounts of damage.

The Warrior epitomizes raw strength, wielding heavy weapons like maces and two-handed swords. This class is all about physical prowess, with skills such as Volcanic Fissure, which erupts fire from the ground to damage foes. Warriors can also activate the fissure with their heavy strikes, layering physical and elemental damage.

Active blocking makes the Warrior durable in battle, allowing him to withstand damage while delivering brutal melee strikes. This class appeals to players who enjoy tanky, close-range combat and want to dominate the battlefield with powerful, weighty blows.

The Huntress specializes in spears and embodies the agility and swiftness of a true dexterity-based fighter. She combines melee and ranged attacks, throwing spears from a distance or getting up close for powerful strikes. Skills like Wind Slash create damaging zones that can be detonated for extra damage, making the Huntress a master of positioning and tactical setups.

For players who prefer quick, high-impact strikes and evasive maneuvers, the Huntress offers a unique playstyle that blends precision with agility. The huntress often strikes from unexpected angles to control the battlefield.

Drawing on both strength and dexterity, the Duelist is a finesse-based melee class who specializes in swords and quick slashes rather than brute force. His potential ascendancies likely include options to focus on bleed damage, dual-wielding, and life leech, providing a unique mix of offense and self-sustain.

Ideal for players who want to feel like skilled swordsmen, the Duelist emphasizes agility and the ability to dodge attacks. He likely combines offensive and defensive tactics, balancing the ability to withstand damage with rapid, precise strikes.

For those who favor stealth and high burst damage, the Shadow is the assassin-style class, equipped with daggers and traps. Likely retaining his focus on traps, mines, and poison from the original Path of Exile, the Shadow controls the battlefield through ambush and evasion.

The Shadow's skillset leans toward dexterity and intelligence, allowing for high critical damage, poison, and damage-over-time effects. This class is perfect for players who like to control encounters and exploit weaknesses with calculated attacks.

The Templar is the holy warrior of Path of Exile 2, a mix of strength and intelligence who uses melee combat infused with elemental magic. Likely to wield flails and wear heavy armor, the Templar can function as a powerful frontline fighter who can also support allies with protective abilities.

His probable ascendancies may include brands, totems, and auras, making him an excellent choice for players who enjoy a Paladin-like role in RPGs. Whether alone or in a group, the Templar can adapt to defensive and offensive roles, serving as both a tank and a holy magic wielder.

Lastly, the Marauder is another strength-based class that embodies raw power and savagery. Unlike the Warrior, who may lean toward shield usage, the Marauder is expected to focus on axes and totems, with a more primal, tribal-inspired aesthetic.

In the original Path of Exile, Marauder ascendancies like Juggernaut, Berserker, and Chieftain emphasized tankiness, rage mechanics, and fire-based totems, respectively. In Path of Exile 2, the Marauder's specialization in raw, primal force will likely remain central, appealing to players who want a resilient, berserker-style character who can deliver crushing damage.

Path of Exile 2's diverse classes promise something for every playstyle, from swift assassins and powerful spellcasters to versatile summoners and brute warriors. With so many choices and customization options, each class is designed to provide unique gameplay experiences catering to all players.

If you found this article helpful and believe it enhances your gaming experience, consider placing an order with MMOJUGG. With competitive prices and top-notch service, we're here to support your journey. Your support means a lot to us!