Path of Exile 2 (POE2) offers an impressive roster of six initial classes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While all the classes are viable for completing the game, some excel more than others in terms of power, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. In this guide, we’ll rank all the current classes and provide a detailed breakdown of their playstyles, strengths, and drawbacks to help you choose the best one for your adventure.
Best Classes in Path of Exile 2 Ranked POE 2
Here is the ranked tier list of the six current classes, based on their overall utility and effectiveness:
- S-tier: Mercenary, Sorcerer, Monk
- A-tier: Ranger
- B-tier: Witch
- C-tier: Warrior
While all these classes can succeed in the game, there are clear differences in their playstyles and capabilities. Let’s explore each class in detail to understand what makes them stand out—or fall behind.
1. Mercenary (S-tier)
The Mercenary is widely regarded as the best class in Path of Exile 2. Relying on a crossbow for ranged attacks and elemental effects, this class is lethal in mid-range combat. The Mercenary excels at crowd control with clever use of elemental bolts (ice, electricity, etc.) and has enough health to endure occasional hits. However, it lacks mobility, which can make evasion a challenge. Despite this, its versatility ensures it dominates in most scenarios.
2. Sorcerer (S-tier)
The Sorcerer is the quintessential glass cannon. With devastating elemental spells like fireballs and lightning bolts, this class obliterates enemies from afar. However, it suffers from low health and struggles in close combat. Players must carefully manage mana and positioning, but the sheer damage output of the Sorcerer makes it one of the most effective classes for dealing with large groups of enemies.
3. Monk (S-tier)
The Monk is a unique and challenging class, excelling at hit-and-run tactics and melee combat. With fast dashes and attacks that apply status effects or stuns, this class thrives on evasion and agility. However, its reliance on precision and situational abilities makes it harder to master, especially during boss fights. When played skillfully, the Monk becomes nearly unstoppable, rewarding high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
4. Ranger (A-tier)
The Ranger is similar to the Mercenary in its ranged focus but is more dependent on maintaining distance from enemies. Using elemental arrows and precision shots, the Ranger is ideal for boss fights and single-target damage. However, its fragility and limited AOE capabilities can make large groups of enemies a challenge. Keeping enemies at bay is crucial for success as a Ranger.
5. Witch (B-tier)
The Witch is perfect for players who enjoy controlling minions and playing a supportive role in combat. Summoning skeletons and reanimating corpses, the Witch relies on her undead allies to deal damage while she focuses on debuffs and curses. However, the minions are not as powerful as they could be, and the lack of direct control over them can be frustrating. This class requires careful positioning and planning to maximize effectiveness.
6. Warrior (C-tier)
The Warrior is the most straightforward melee class in the game, designed to soak up damage and stun enemies. Unfortunately, it struggles to keep up with the more mobile and ranged-focused gameplay of POE2. While it can endure a lot of punishment, its lack of significant firepower and AOE options often leaves it overwhelmed in larger battles. This makes the Warrior less effective in the fast-paced combat of POE2.
Path of Exile 2 offers an exciting array of classes, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. While all six classes are viable, some clearly shine brighter than others.
The Mercenary leads the pack with its versatile and powerful ranged combat, while the Warrior lags behind due to its limitations in the game’s meta. Whether you prefer spell-slinging, agile melee strikes, or commanding a horde of undead, there’s a class for every playstyle in POE2.
With more classes promised upon release, the roster is set to expand, offering even more ways to approach the game. Until then, this guide should help you make an informed decision about which class to choose as you embark on your journey.