Path of Exile 2 introduces 12 new ascendancy classes, expanding build diversity beyond the original game’s 19 ascendancies. Each of the six base classes now has two unique ascendancy options, offering over 36 distinct playstyles when combined with the new skill gem system. Ascendancy points remain critical, with players earning up to 8 through the Labyrinth, each providing powerful passive bonuses.
The Warrior class gains the Warlord and the Tactician ascendancies, each tailored to specific combat styles. The Warlord specializes in high-impact melee attacks, featuring a 30% increase in physical damage and life leech efficiency. The Tactician, however, focuses on utility, increasing Warcry effectiveness by 50% and reducing cooldowns by 20%, making it essential for support-based melee builds.
The Ranger now evolves into either the Huntress or the Trapper, each excelling in different mobility-focused combat strategies. The Huntress benefits from a 40% increased attack speed bonus, with a unique mechanic allowing her to stack critical strikes after dodging enemy attacks. The Trapper enhances trap efficiency, with an additional 3 charges per trap skill and a 25% reduction in cooldown time, making her a top choice for area control builds.
The Sorceress transitions into the Arcanist and the Warlock, each catering to a distinct spellcasting archetype. The Arcanist capitalizes on elemental damage, increasing spell effectiveness by 35% while reducing mana costs by 20%. The Warlock manipulates chaos energy, gaining a 5% life regeneration bonus per curse applied, leading to sustain-heavy hex builds. Since crafting optimal gear for spell builds requires high investment, many players buy poe 2 currency to acquire rare wands and rings early.
The Mercenary class, a new addition to POE 2, brings the Duelist’s spirit into a hybrid agility and strength role. Its two ascendancies, the Bladedancer and the Sharpshooter, emphasize weapon mastery. The Bladedancer thrives in dual-wield setups, granting 25% additional dodge chance and a unique parry mechanic that reduces incoming damage by 30% on successful counterattacks. The Sharpshooter, meanwhile, specializes in projectile-based critical strikes, increasing accuracy by 50% and headshot damage by an extra 20%, making it a top choice for ranged combat enthusiasts.
The Cleric class redefines support gameplay with the Crusader and the Oracle ascendancies. The Crusader amplifies auras and defensive capabilities, increasing shield block chance by 40% while reducing incoming elemental damage by 30%. The Oracle introduces an energy-based healing mechanic, allowing players to regenerate 10% of total life and mana per second while channeling divine spells. These additions significantly impact group-based endgame strategies, offering alternatives to traditional tank or sustain builds.
Grinding Gear Games has reworked ascendancies to balance progression and player agency. Respeccing an ascendancy now costs 5 Orbs of Regret per point, reinforcing commitment to chosen paths. League mechanics and patch updates continue shaping the meta, ensuring class viability remains dynamic as players experiment with the expanded build potential.
