Path of Exile 2 Classes Unveiled: Guide to Ascendancies

Mastering Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Path of Exile 2's Early Access has players eager to optimize their chosen classes. While not officially subclasses, Ascendancies provide specialized abilities and unique playstyles. This guide details how to unlock and utilize these powerful enhancements.

Unlocking Ascendancies

To unlock Ascendancy Classes, players must first complete a Trial of Ascendancy. Currently, the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas and the Act 3 Trial of Chaos are available. Completing either trial for the first time grants access to Ascendancy choices and rewards you with two passive Ascendancy Points. The earlier Act 2 trial is recommended for quicker access to enhanced abilities.

Available Ascendancies

Currently, six base classes offer two Ascendancy options each. More classes and Ascendancies are planned for future updates.

Mercenary Ascendancies

• Witch Hunter: This Ascendancy focuses on offensive and defensive buffs, enhancing damage output with abilities like Culling Strike and No Mercy. Ideal for players who enjoy debuffing enemies and maximizing damage.

  

• Gemling Legionnaire: This option centers around Skill Gems, allowing for extra skill slots and additional buffs. Offers flexibility for customizing builds and experimenting with various skill combinations.

  

Monk Ascendancies

• Invoker: Embrace elemental powers and inflict status ailments. A melee-focused elemental build, perfect for those who prefer close-quarters combat.

  

• Acolyte of Chayula: Harness shadow powers, offering defensive, healing, and damage-boosting abilities. A unique, shadow-based option for diverse Monk builds.

  

Ranger Ascendancies

• Deadeye: Enhance ranged combat with increased attack speed, movement, and damage. Skills like Eagle Eyes and Called Shots further amplify ranged capabilities. Ideal for archers seeking maximum effectiveness.

  

• Pathfinder: Master poison and elemental damage with abilities like Poisonous Concoction and Contagious Contamination. A compelling alternative for players seeking a non-traditional ranged approach.

  

Sorceress Ascendancies

• Stormweaver: Elevate elemental abilities with an Elemental Storm and increased elemental damage. A solid choice for players enjoying elemental casting and seeking enhanced power.

  

• Chronomancer: Manipulate time, altering cooldown times and adding strategic depth to combat. A dynamic option for players who value tactical flexibility.

  

Warrior Ascendancies

• Titan: Maximize damage and tankiness with defensive skills like Stone Skin and offensive abilities like Crushing Impacts. Perfect for players who enjoy a heavily armored, high-damage playstyle.

  

• Warbringer: Summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems for support and additional damage. A good option for melee warriors who want summoned allies to enhance their combat capabilities.

  

Witch Ascendancies

• Blood Mage: Drain enemy life to restore your own, increasing damage from wounds and extending curse duration. A unique playstyle focused on life manipulation.

  

• Infernalist: Summon a Hellhound and shapeshift into a powerful demon form, unleashing devastating fire damage. A strong choice for elemental damage and minion-based combat.

  

Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.