Introduction
If you are searching for Path of Exile 2 classes before starting a new character, the key point is that your choice is permanent in one sense and flexible in another. You cannot change your base class later, but you can change your Ascendancy, and every class can use a wide range of skills and items. Your class sets your starting position, weapon style and early feel, not a locked build.
Path of Exile 2 is still in Early Access, so the roster is still growing. Right now there are eight playable classes, with the Duelist confirmed for 1.0 and three more planned after that. This guide explains every class available now, its Ascendancies, and the friendliest starts for a new player.
How Many Path of Exile 2 Classes Are There?
Path of Exile 2 will eventually have twelve base classes, each with three Ascendancies, for thirty-six options in total. Early Access launched on 6 December 2024 with six classes, then added the Huntress in April 2025 and the Druid in December 2025, bringing the total to eight classes and twenty-two Ascendancies.
| Detail | What is confirmed |
|---|---|
| Developer | Grinding Gear Games |
| Early Access launch | 6 December 2024 |
| Playable classes now | 8 |
| Ascendancies now | 22 |
| Planned total | 12 classes, 36 Ascendancies |
| Next class | Duelist, confirmed for 1.0 |
| Full 1.0 launch | 11 December 2026 |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
The remaining classes after the Duelist are the Shadow, Marauder and Templar. No firm timing for those three has been confirmed yet, so treat any guide listing all twelve as playable today as out of date.
All Path of Exile 2 Classes at a Glance
Each class is built around an attribute combination, hinting at its weapon and playstyle. Strength classes hit hard and survive hits, Dexterity classes move fast, and Intelligence classes control the battlefield with spells, minions or curses. Hybrids mix two attributes.
| Class | Attributes | Main weapon | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | Strength | Mace | Heavy melee, slams and stuns |
| Ranger | Dexterity | Bow | Fast ranged attacks and mobility |
| Witch | Intelligence | Wand or sceptre | Minions, curses and occult spells |
| Sorceress | Intelligence | Staff or wand | Elemental spells: fire, cold and lightning |
| Mercenary | Strength and Dexterity | Crossbow | Ranged bolts, grenades and traps |
| Monk | Dexterity and Intelligence | Quarterstaff | Agile melee mixed with elemental power |
| Huntress | Dexterity | Spear | Spear combat at close and mid range |
| Druid | Strength and Intelligence | Talisman | Shapeshifting and nature spells |
Path of Exile 2 Classes in Detail
Warrior
The Warrior is the classic Strength class, built around maces, heavy slams and armour. It suits players who like standing in a fight and staggering enemies. Its Ascendancies are the Titan, the Warbringer and the Smith of Kitava.
Ranger
The Ranger is the Dexterity bow class, built for speed, positioning and rapid ranged damage. It suits players who like kiting enemies from a distance. Its Ascendancies are the Deadeye and the Pathfinder.
Witch
The Witch is the Intelligence summoner and occult caster. She raises undead minions, spreads curses and uses bone and chaos spells, making her one of the most forgiving first-playthrough classes. Her Ascendancies are the Infernalist, the Blood Mage and the Lich.
Sorceress
The Sorceress is the pure elemental caster, channelling fire, cold and lightning. She deals huge area damage from range, but she is fragile up close, so positioning matters. Her Ascendancies are the Stormweaver, the Chronomancer and the Disciple of Varashta.
Mercenary
The Mercenary is a Strength and Dexterity hybrid built around the crossbow, with grenades, traps and utility shots on top of ranged damage. It is less about bow speed and more about controlling space. Its Ascendancies are the Witchhunter, the Gemling Legionnaire and the Tactician.
Monk
The Monk is a Dexterity and Intelligence hybrid that fights with a quarterstaff, mixing fast melee combos with elemental power. It is stylish, but it asks more of the player, because you need to stay close and keep combos flowing. Its Ascendancies are the Invoker, the Acolyte of Chayula and the Martial Artist.
Huntress
The Huntress, added in Dawn of the Hunt, is a Dexterity spear class that works at both close and mid range. Spears give her a flexible toolkit, with thrusts, throws and mobility skills. Her Ascendancies are the Ritualist, the Amazon and the Spirit Walker, the last of which draws on animal spirits for extra power.
Druid
The Druid, added in The Last of the Druids, is a Strength and Intelligence shapeshifter. In human form the Druid casts nature spells from range, and in animal form it can charge through packs as a wolf or bear or strike from above as a wyvern. Its Ascendancies are the Shaman and the Oracle.
What Are Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2?
An Ascendancy is a subclass you choose partway through the campaign, after progressing through Acts 2, 3 and 4. Each Ascendancy has its own small passive tree and mechanics, so it specialises your character without locking you into a single skill. If you later decide you chose the wrong Ascendancy, you can change it, which is a useful safety net for new players.
That distinction matters when you are picking a class. Your base class cannot be changed, so choose it for its weapon, attributes and overall feel. Your Ascendancy can be changed, so do not stress over picking the perfect one on your first run.
Best Path of Exile 2 Classes for Beginners
There is no single best class for every player, but some are clearly easier to learn with. The Witch is the usual first recommendation, because minions absorb damage while you learn. The Ranger is another strong starter, because bow damage is intuitive and mobility keeps you safe. The Warrior suits simple, durable melee.
| Beginner pick | Why it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Witch | Minions tank and deal damage while you learn | Managing minions and curses takes practice |
| Ranger | Fast, ranged and easy to understand | Squishy if enemies close the gap |
| Warrior | Durable, simple melee, strong stuns | Slower clear speed than ranged classes |
| Sorceress | Huge area damage from range | Fragile and punishing if you misposition |
The Monk, Mercenary and Druid are rewarding, but they ask for more timing or form management, so they are better as a second character.
Classes Still to Come
After the eight playable classes, the confirmed roadmap is the Duelist for the 1.0 launch on 11 December 2026, followed by the Shadow, Marauder and Templar at a later date. The Duelist is described as a fast, aggressive sword fighter, and it will be the first Path of Exile 2 class built around swords. Its Ascendancy names and full mechanics had not been fully revealed at the time of writing.
External coverage, including Mobalytics’ class breakdown and Game8’s class and Ascendancy list, cross-checks the eight classes and twenty-two Ascendancies used here. See also the Game Horizon homepage.
Conclusion
Path of Exile 2 classes give you eight strong starting points today, with the Duelist on the way for 1.0. Pick your base class for its weapon and feel, treat your Ascendancy as something you can change, and start with the Witch, Ranger or Warrior if you are new.
FAQs
How many classes are in Path of Exile 2 right now?
Eight: Warrior, Ranger, Witch, Sorceress, Mercenary, Monk, Huntress and Druid. The full roster is planned to reach twelve, with the Duelist confirmed next for 1.0.
What is the best Path of Exile 2 class for beginners?
Usually the Witch, because her minions take damage while you learn boss mechanics. The Ranger and Warrior are also strong picks, for ranged mobility or durable melee.
Can you change your class in Path of Exile 2?
No. You can change your Ascendancy later, but the base class and weapon style are fixed.
What are Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2?
Subclasses chosen during Acts 2, 3 and 4. Each base class will eventually have three, and twenty-two are available in Early Access today.
Is the Druid in Path of Exile 2 yet?
Yes. Added in December 2025, it is a Strength and Intelligence shapeshifter that fights in human form or as a wolf, bear or wyvern, with Shaman and Oracle Ascendancies.
When is Path of Exile 2 coming out fully?
11 December 2026, ending Early Access that began on 6 December 2024. It adds the Duelist, with the Shadow, Marauder and Templar planned later.