Discover the best classes in Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2, ranked for beginners and veterans. From Mercenary to Witch, explore top picks, playstyles, and tips to dominate Wraeclast.
Choosing the right class in Path of Exile or Path of Exile 2 shapes the entire gameplay experience, from combat style to survivability. Each class offers unique strengths, catering to diverse playstyles, whether favoring brutal melee, precise ranged attacks, or devastating spellcasting. This guide ranks and explores the best classes for both games, focusing on their attributes, weapons, and playstyles to help players decide what is the best class in Path of Exile or which class is best in Path of Exile 2. For those looking to enhance their builds, consider exploring options to buy PoE currency for gear upgrades or buy PoE accounts to jumpstart progress.
Path of Exile features seven classes, each tied to specific attributes—Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence—and offering distinct playstyles. Below is a ranking of the best classes in Path of Exile, based on versatility, damage output, and ease of use for both new and seasoned players.
The Witch excels as a spellcasting powerhouse, specializing in Intelligence-based skills like chaos damage, damage-over-time (DoT) effects, and minion summons. Her ability to unleash devastating curses or command an army of undead makes her a top pick for players who prefer strategic, ranged combat. Managing resources like mana is key, but her versatility makes her a strong contender for the best class in Path of Exile. For tips on optimizing builds, check out how to refund skill points in PoE.
A Dexterity/Intelligence hybrid, the Shadow thrives as a cunning assassin. Using traps, poisons, and swift dagger attacks, this class delivers high burst damage while dodging enemy retaliation. Its complexity suits experienced players who enjoy a fast-paced, tactical playstyle.
The Ranger, a Dexterity-focused class, wields bows to deliver precise, elemental-infused attacks. Her mobility, including abilities like backflips and vine-based crowd control, makes her ideal for kiting enemies. She’s a great choice for players seeking a balance of offense and evasion.
Combining Strength and Intelligence, the Templar is a versatile hybrid, blending melee prowess with elemental spells. This class suits players who want a straightforward yet flexible playstyle, capable of soaking damage while dishing out magic or physical attacks.
A Strength-based brawler, the Marauder is a classic tank, using war cries and heavy melee weapons to dominate close-quarters combat. His durability makes him forgiving for beginners, though his slower pace may not suit everyone.
The Duelist, a Strength/Dexterity hybrid, excels in agile melee combat with swords or axes. His ability to dodge and counterattack quickly makes him a dynamic choice for players who enjoy a fast, reactive playstyle.
The Scion, a jack-of-all-trades, blends all three attributes, offering unmatched flexibility. However, her balanced nature requires deep game knowledge to optimize, making her less beginner-friendly but rewarding for veterans.
For players looking to maximize their wealth in Wraeclast, explore currency farming strategies to fuel powerful builds.
Path of Exile 2 introduces a refined class system, with seven classes currently available in early access and five more planned for the full release. The ranking below highlights the best Path of Exile 2 class options, tailored to different playstyles and combat preferences.
The Mercenary stands out as the best class in Path of Exile 2 for its adaptability and ranged dominance. Wielding a crossbow with shooter-style mechanics, this class can switch between assault rifle-like bursts, sniper precision, or shotgun spreads. Elemental effects like fire and ice, paired with grenades, provide excellent crowd control. Choosing the Witchhunter ascension enhances execution abilities and defensive wards, making it ideal for beginners and veterans alike. To understand currency values for gear upgrades, visit Path of Exile currency values.
The Witch remains a top-tier choice, leveraging chaos spells, DoTs, and summoned minions. Her wand-based attacks spread debilitating diseases or summon undead to overwhelm foes. While resource management is critical, her high damage output makes her a favorite for players comfortable with complex builds.
The Huntress blends melee and ranged combat with her spear, using hit-and-run tactics to apply elemental effects like shock or bleed. Her area-of-effect (AoE) skills and knockback abilities make her excellent for crowd control, appealing to players who enjoy dynamic positioning.
The Ranger’s bow-based combat emphasizes versatility, with elemental arrows and earth-based skills like vines for rooting enemies. Her mobility, including mounted attacks, ensures she can evade danger while dealing consistent damage.
A Dexterity/Intelligence hybrid, the Monk combines melee strikes with elemental spells, using lightning, ice, or wind effects. This class moves swiftly across the battlefield, balancing ranged and close combat for a unique, fast-paced playstyle.
The Sorceress, an Intelligence-based spellcaster, wields a staff to unleash fire, ice, and lightning damage. While less durable, her ability to freeze, stun, or burn enemies makes her a high-damage option for players who prioritize offense over defense.
The Warrior, a Strength-based tank, uses war cries and melee weapons like maces to deliver devastating blows. His ability to absorb damage with shields or armor makes him a solid choice for players who prefer a frontline role.
Curious about cross-platform play? Learn more at Is Path of Exile cross-platform?.
Five additional classes are slated for Path of Exile 2’s full release, expanding the roster to 12. Here’s a preview of what to expect:
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Selecting the best class in Path of Exile or Path of Exile 2 depends on preferred playstyle, whether it’s the Mercenary’s ranged versatility, the Witch’s minion mastery, or the Warrior’s tanky resilience. Each class offers unique strengths, and experimenting with different builds can enhance the experience. For players seeking to optimize their journey, PlaySwap provides a reliable platform to acquire resources or accounts, ensuring a seamless and secure gaming experience.
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