Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Grinding Gear Games’ iconic action RPG, is shaping up to be a bold evolution of the franchise. One of the most critical decisions players will make at the outset of their journey through Wraeclast is selecting a class. This choice isn’t merely cosmetic or story-driven—it directly determines your playstyle, strengths, weaknesses, and how you’ll interact with the brutal world around you.

In true ARPG fashion, Path of Exile 2 offers a diverse range of classes, each with its own identity, mechanics, and unique approach to combat. Whether you prefer hurling spells from a distance, darting through enemies as a nimble assassin, or weathering blows on the frontline as a hardened warrior, POE2 gives you the tools to shape your character and, ultimately, your own destiny.

Let’s dive into everything we know about the classes of POE2 Currency, how they differ, and what they offer to players both new and experienced.

A New Era of Classes

While Path of Exile 2 retains the dark, gritty tone and deep systems of the original game, it introduces a fresh cast of characters. Rather than simply reusing the classes from the first game, POE2 features new class archetypes that still draw upon the original Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence attributes, but with revamped aesthetics and narrative context.

There are seven new base classes planned at launch—mirroring the original game’s number—but each represents a unique version of the classic archetypes. Here’s how the new system works:

Each base class starts with a specific attribute alignment: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or a hybrid of two.

Your starting location on the vast passive skill tree is determined by your class.

While gear, gems, and skills ultimately define your character's build, your class gives you a thematic foundation.

The Confirmed Classes in Path of Exile 2

As of now, several classes have been confirmed and showcased in gameplay demos. Here's a breakdown of the most prominent ones:

1. The Warrior (Strength)

The Warrior is your archetypal tank class—built for close-range melee combat and sheer brute force. Whether wielding a heavy two-handed weapon or using a sword and shield combo, the Warrior thrives on the frontlines. This class is ideal for players who enjoy face-to-face combat, high health pools, and explosive area-of-effect skills.

Gameplay Style:

High durability and life regeneration

Strong crowd control abilities

Heavy reliance on physical damage

Skills like ground slams, cleaves, and warcries

If you’re looking for a class that can withstand punishment and dish it out just as hard, the Warrior is your best bet.

2. The Huntress (Dexterity)

The Huntress is a nimble, agile class that embodies the Dexterity archetype. She excels at ranged combat, using bows or thrown weapons to strike from afar with precision. With high evasion and speed, she can weave through enemies and unleash devastating crit-based attacks.

Gameplay Style:

High mobility and evasion

Specializes in bows, traps, and throwing weapons

Skillshots and positional gameplay are key

Benefits from bleed, poison, and critical strike mechanics

Players who love fast-paced, reactive combat and ranged gameplay will find a home in the Huntress.

3. The Sorceress (Intelligence)

The Sorceress channels arcane powers to decimate enemies with spells. She’s fragile in close quarters but compensates with powerful elemental or chaos magic. Masters of this class can manipulate the battlefield with area control and devastating long-range spells.

Gameplay Style:

High mana and energy shield

Focus on elemental, cold, fire, lightning, and chaos damage

Glass cannon playstyle—deal massive damage, avoid being hit

Skills like fireballs, ice novas, lightning storms

The Sorceress is for players who enjoy weaving destructive magic from a distance and managing risk with great reward.

4. The Mercenary (Strength/Dexterity Hybrid)

Combining the tenacity of a warrior with the agility of a rogue, the Mercenary is a flexible hybrid class. They excel in dual-wielding weapons and rapid melee attacks, making them ideal for players who want versatility without sacrificing power.

Gameplay Style:

Fast, close-range attackers

Can dodge and block while sustaining DPS

Good mix of melee and throwing skills

Excellent at status effects like bleeding

For players who like toe-to-toe combat with a dash of finesse, the Mercenary provides a thrilling middle ground.

5. The Druid (Strength/Intelligence Hybrid)

A more nature-bound and spiritual class, the Druid combines raw strength with spellcasting. Known for shape-shifting abilities and elemental enhancements, this class represents a fresh approach not found in POE1.

Gameplay Style:

Can transform into beasts (like a werebear or werewolf)

Mix of melee attacks and nature-based spells

Tanky spellcaster with crowd control options

Useful in solo or party settings

The Druid appeals to players who want versatility, thematic immersion, and a mix of magic and might.

6. The Monk (Dexterity/Intelligence Hybrid)

The Monk introduces a different tempo—focused on timing, counters, and martial precision. With a focus on unarmed combat and ki-like energy manipulation, this class rewards mastery and mobility.

Gameplay Style:

Unarmed or claw weapons for swift attacks

Aura and buff-based abilities

Reactive skill set with interrupt mechanics

Excellent for fast-paced, high-skill gameplay

For players seeking challenge and finesse, the Monk is a fresh and intriguing class.

7. The Witch (Unknown Alignment)

While not fully detailed, teasers and lore have pointed to a Witch-type class returning with a new visual and gameplay twist. This class may delve deeper into necromancy, curses, and forbidden arts than the traditional Sorceress.

Gameplay Possibilities:

Summoning skeletons, zombies, and golems

Extensive use of curses and hexes

Dark magic and chaos damage

A more thematic and horror-driven experience

Fans of darker magic and summoning archetypes will likely gravitate toward the Witch when she is fully revealed.

Passive Skill Tree & Customization

One of Path of Exile’s most iconic systems—the passive skill tree—returns in POE2 with improvements. Your class determines your starting point on this sprawling web of nodes, but from there, you can go in any direction.

Whether you’re a Warrior dabbling in fire magic or a Sorceress that boosts minions, the tree allows for almost infinite experimentation. This design philosophy reinforces the idea that while your class is your origin, your build is your identity.

Ascendancy Classes in POE2

While Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that POE2 will feature its own version of Ascendancy Classes, it remains unclear how these will function compared to the first game. In the original Path of Exile, each class had three Ascendancy options—specialized subclasses that added powerful passives and skill synergies.

It’s expected that POE2 will introduce new Ascendancies tailored to the new class identities, potentially unlocking during the campaign or via the endgame systems. These will further define your character and push your chosen playstyle to its limits.

Which Class Should You Choose?

The best class in Path of Exile 2 ultimately comes down to how you like to play:

Do you want to deal massive melee damage and absorb punishment? Try the Warrior or Druid.

Do you love high-speed, high-risk gameplay? Go for the Huntress or Monk.

Do you prefer blowing up enemies from a distance with elemental spells? The Sorceress is calling.

Want a jack-of-all-trades with fast melee skills? Check out the Mercenary.

Each class is designed with depth and flexibility in mind, so you’re not locked into one playstyle. Thanks to skill gems, passive tree options, and gear crafting, you can fine-tune your character endlessly.

Final Thoughts: A Bold New Journey

Path of Exile 2 doesn’t just add new content—it redefines how players interact with the world of Wraeclast. By introducing new classes with unique gameplay identities, Grinding Gear Games is offering players more creative freedom and strategic depth than ever before.

Choosing a class in Path of Exile 2 is the first major decision you’ll make, but it’s far from the last. From that starting point, you’ll carve your own path through one of the deepest, most rewarding ARPGs ever created poe2 trade site.

Whether you’re a seasoned exile or a new traveler in a dark, dangerous land, your class is your compass—and in Wraeclast, the journey is only just beginning.