Path of Exile 2: The Best Classes

Path of Exile 2 introduces six classes in its Early Access phase, with a total of 12 planned for the full release in 2025. Each class—Mercenary, Monk, Ranger, Sorceress, Warrior, and Witch—offers a unique playstyle, with distinct strengths and weaknesses. While all classes are capable of tackling the game’s content, some stand out for their versatility, leveling efficiency, and overall combat effectiveness.

For new players, the Mercenary and Monk stand out as the top choices due to their smooth leveling experience, well-rounded builds, and satisfying combat mechanics. However, even the lowest-ranked class, the Warrior, shines in specific scenarios, such as endgame boss fights. No class is without flaws, but understanding their strengths can help you choose the one that suits your playstyle.

In this article, we’ll break down each class, ranking them from worst to best, to help you decide which one is the strongest right now. Let’s dive in!

#6: Witch

The Witch in Path of Exile 2 is a powerful spellcaster, reminiscent of the Necromancer from Diablo 2. With access to a variety of chaos and curse-based spells, as well as a strong affinity for Minion builds, the Witch thrives on summoning an army of creatures using the game’s new Spirit system.

The Witch’s theme is one of the most captivating in the game, offering the unique experience of venturing through Wraeclast with a legion of summoned allies. However, in Early Access, the Witch can feel underwhelming in the early game. She takes time to unlock key Minions and spells, which makes her initial progression slower compared to other classes.

In the endgame, however, the Witch shines with a well-built Minion army, capable of clearing maps efficiently and taking on tougher enemies. That said, she can struggle with bosses, particularly if her Minions are not properly supported. For players who prefer to rely less on summons, it’s possible to build a direct-damage-focused Witch, prioritizing powerful spells and curses over Minion support. This flexibility adds depth to the class, making it a rewarding choice for those willing to invest the time to master her playstyle.

#5: Warrior

The Warrior in Path of Exile 2 is the quintessential melee class, built around brute Strength and devastating Two-Handed Mace attacks. With high durability and powerful close-range abilities, the Warrior is designed to bulldoze through enemies, making it an appealing choice for players who love melee combat in ARPGs.

While the Warrior excels at dealing massive single-target damage, especially against bosses in the late game, it comes with the typical challenges of a melee class. Being up close and personal with enemies means you have less room for error compared to ranged classes. Warriors must consistently dodge attacks and stack heavy defenses to survive, as they can’t safely eliminate threats from off-screen like ranged characters.

Leveling as a Warrior can feel slower compared to other classes, as melee combat often requires engaging with enemies face-to-face, increasing the danger and complexity. However, if you can master boss mechanics, effectively build your defenses, and embrace the challenge of melee combat, the Warrior rewards your efforts with some of the best single-target damage in the game.

For experienced players who enjoy methodical, high-risk gameplay and dominating bosses, the Warrior offers an incredibly satisfying experience. It’s a class that takes dedication to master but pays off in spades when fully optimized.

#4: Ranger

The Ranger in Path of Exile 2 is the embodiment of agility and precision, relying on Dexterity to wield bows and execute swift, ranged attacks. With exceptional mobility and evasive abilities, the Ranger excels at darting around enemies while delivering a relentless barrage of damage from a safe distance.

The Ranger’s primary defense is Evasion, which allows you to avoid most incoming attacks. Combined with agile movement skills, this creates a playstyle focused on avoiding damage altogether, keeping you constantly on the move. However, if your Evasion rating falls behind, the Ranger can feel fragile, as it lacks the raw durability of other classes.

The Ranger offers a variety of strong builds for both leveling and the endgame, with its Deadeye Ascendancy being a standout choice for maximizing damage and utility. The Pathfinder Ascendancy, while not as universally strong, still offers niche advantages for certain builds. By the mid to late game, you’ll have access to numerous tools to escape dangerous situations, making it easier to survive even when your Evasion isn’t enough.

Choose the Ranger if you’re looking for a fast, ranged class that prioritizes mobility and precision. It’s an excellent choice for players who enjoy nimble, reactive gameplay without the slower pace of the Mercenary or the spellcasting focus of other ranged options.

#3: Sorceress

The Sorceress in Path of Exile 2 is a master of elemental magic, wielding devastating spells that unleash fire, ice, and lightning to obliterate enemies from a distance. With her high burst damage potential and ability to control large groups of foes, the Sorceress is one of the most satisfying classes to play for fans of spellcasting.

Her playstyle revolves around casting powerful AoE and single-target spells while maintaining a safe distance from enemies. The Sorceress also benefits from some of the best utility skills in the game, offering ways to freeze, burn, or shock enemies while enhancing her own survivability. However, her reliance on mana can be a challenge early on, requiring careful resource management until stronger gear and passives are obtained.

In the endgame, the Sorceress shines with her ability to clear maps quickly and deal significant damage to bosses, making her a versatile and reliable choice for most content. Her builds often rely on gear to scale damage and survivability, so players may feel a bit fragile in the early game until they acquire the right upgrades.

If you enjoy high-damage, high-risk gameplay and the thrill of dominating enemies with powerful spells, the Sorceress is an excellent choice. With the right setup and playstyle, she becomes one of the most formidable classes in Path of Exile 2.

#2: Monk

The Monk in Path of Exile 2 blends agility, precision, and spiritual power to create a class that excels in both melee and ranged combat. With a unique focus on combining rapid strikes and defensive mobility, the Monk delivers a fluid and dynamic playstyle perfect for players who enjoy a mix of offense and evasion.

Monks rely on Dexterity and Intelligence, making them versatile and adaptive. Their ability to chain together powerful melee attacks or ranged skills allows them to handle a wide variety of combat scenarios. Additionally, their defensive toolkit, which includes evasion and self-healing, gives them excellent survivability. The Monk’s movement skills make it easy to dart in and out of danger, ensuring they can reposition and avoid damage during tough fights.

The Monk shines in the leveling process, with many viable builds that perform well early and scale smoothly into the late game. They can handle most content without much gear dependency, and their flexibility allows players to experiment with various skill combinations. While not as tanky as a Warrior or as ranged-focused as a Ranger, the Monk strikes a perfect balance, making them a top-tier choice for players who value adaptability.

Pick the Monk if you’re looking for a class that’s fast, flexible, and capable of excelling in both melee and ranged combat. Their unique playstyle and ability to adapt to different situations make them one of the best choices in Path of Exile 2.

#1: Mercenary

The Mercenary in Path of Exile 2 stands out as the most versatile and well-rounded class, making it the top choice for players who want a balanced mix of offense, defense, and utility. Combining Strength and Dexterity, the Mercenary excels at both melee and ranged combat, with an arsenal of weapons and skills that allow them to adapt to nearly any situation.

What sets the Mercenary apart is their ability to deal consistent damage while maintaining high mobility and survivability. Their straightforward playstyle makes them beginner-friendly, yet there’s enough depth in their builds to keep experienced players engaged. Whether you prefer wielding dual weapons for fast-paced melee combat or utilizing bows for precise ranged attacks, the Mercenary can handle it all.

The Mercenary’s strong performance begins early in the game, with solid leveling options and a steady power curve. They don’t rely heavily on gear to succeed, making them less dependent on rare drops compared to other classes. In the endgame, the Mercenary truly shines with a variety of powerful builds, excelling at both clearing maps and tackling bosses.

Choose the Mercenary if you want a class that’s reliable, adaptable, and effective in almost every aspect of Path of Exile 2. Their flexibility and strength make them the best all-around class for players who want to conquer Wraeclast with confidence.

Conclusion

Choosing the best class in Path of Exile 2 ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle and how you want to experience the game. Whether you’re drawn to the adaptability of the Mercenary, the fluidity of the Monk, or the raw power of the Sorceress, every class offers unique strengths and weaknesses that can shine in the right hands. While some classes, like the Warrior and Witch, may have a steeper learning curve or slower starts, they can become incredibly rewarding with the right builds and strategies.

No matter which class you choose, Path of Exile 2’s depth and flexibility ensure there’s always a way to tailor your character to suit your playstyle. Experiment, have fun, and embrace the journey through Wraeclast—every class has the potential to excel in its own way!