Path Of Exile Classes

2 min read 03-12-2024

Path of Exile's diverse class system is a key element of its engaging gameplay. Choosing the right class is crucial for a successful playthrough, as each offers a unique playstyle and skill progression. This guide provides an overview of the core classes, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Ascendancy Classes

Before diving into the base classes, it's important to understand the Ascendancy system. Once you reach level 35, you choose an Ascendancy class, which further specializes your character build. This adds another layer of customization and strategic depth to the game. Each base class has multiple Ascendancy choices, each with its own unique passive skill tree and playstyle.

The Six Base Classes: A Detailed Look

Path of Exile features six distinct base classes, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses:

1. Duelist

Overview: The Duelist is a melee-focused class known for its high damage output and survivability. They excel in close-quarters combat, often employing powerful attacks and defensive abilities.
Strengths: High damage, good survivability, excellent for close-range combat.
Weaknesses: Can struggle against ranged enemies, requires skillful positioning.
Popular Ascendancy Choices: Gladiator (increased damage and damage over time), Champion (increased defenses and damage reduction), Slayer (increased damage and leech).

2. Ranger

Overview: The Ranger is a versatile class adept at both ranged and melee combat, specializing in bows, and other ranged weapons. They're often utilized for their high mobility and damage output.
Strengths: High damage, high mobility, effective at both ranged and melee combat (depending on build).
Weaknesses: Can be fragile if not built correctly.
Popular Ascendancy Choices: Deadeye (increased critical strike chance and damage), Pathfinder (increased defenses and survivability), Raider (increased speed and evasion).

3. Marauder

Overview: The Marauder is a powerhouse of a class, specializing in heavy melee combat. They boast exceptional survivability and high damage output, making them ideal for tanking through tough encounters.
Strengths: High damage, exceptional survivability, powerful melee abilities.
Weaknesses: Can lack mobility compared to other classes.
Popular Ascendancy Choices: Juggernaut (increased defenses and damage mitigation), Chieftain (increased fire damage and totem skills), Berserker (increased damage and frenzy effects).

4. Witch

Overview: The Witch is a magic-focused class known for its potent spells and abilities. They are often associated with powerful damage over time effects and curses.
Strengths: High damage over time (DoT), powerful curses, versatile spellcasting.
Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable in close combat, reliant on mana management.
Popular Ascendancy Choices: Occultist (increased curse effectiveness and damage), Elementalist (increased elemental damage and control), Necromancer (summoning and minion control).

5. Shadow

Overview: The Shadow class is highly versatile, excelling in both evasion and critical strike builds. They can deal high damage quickly and can evade many attacks.
Strengths: High critical strike chance, high evasion, versatile playstyles.
Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable if evasion is not built effectively.
Popular Ascendancy Choices: Assassin (increased critical strike damage and chance), Trickster (increased evasion and survivability), Saboteur (increased trap and mine damage).

6. Templar

Overview: The Templar class is known for its balance between offense and defense. They can use both melee and ranged attacks and boast a diverse range of skills.
Strengths: Versatile, balanced playstyle, access to both melee and ranged options.
Weaknesses: May lack the specialized power of other classes in specific areas.
Popular Ascendancy Choices: Incinerator (increased fire damage and burning effects), Hierophant (increased totems and minion damage), Guardian (increased defenses and auras).

Choosing Your Class

The best class for you depends on your preferred playstyle and desired challenge. Consider your strengths and weaknesses as a player, and choose the class that best aligns with your goals. Experimentation is key to discovering what works best for you!