One of the initial decisions in Path of Exile is selecting a class to play. There are six starting classes available, with a seventh unlockable during the campaign.
When choosing your class, consider the fantasy role you wish to embody. Although you can cast spells, fire arrows, or smash enemies with a hammer as any class, certain classes are better suited for specific playstyles. Deciding on your preferred playstyle can simplify the class selection process and help you choose the path of exile best class for your needs.
THE ADVANTAGES OF EACH CLASS
Each class in Path of Exile is associated with a primary stat. For example, the Marauder begins with higher Strength, which boosts physical damage and durability. Dexterity enhances speed, accuracy, and evasion, while Intelligence improves critical attacks and energy shields, benefiting more fragile caster classes.
Here's a breakdown of each class and their associated stats:
Duelist (Dexterity and Strength)
The Duelist excels with swords or axes, blending Dexterity and Strength for powerful and evasive attacks. Early on, you can choose between increasing attack speed or raw damage.
Marauder (Strength)
The Marauder is a tanky class that deals significant damage using heavy weapons. He specializes in two-handed melee and defensive skills, easily accessible from his starting point on the Passive Skill Tree.
Ranger (Dexterity)
The Ranger relies on bows to deal damage from a distance, focusing on attack speed and evasion. Her early skills enhance these attributes.
Shadow (Dexterity and Intelligence)
The Shadow uses daggers or claws and combines physical and magical attacks. Early skill options include Chaos magic and increased attack speed.
Templar (Intelligence and Strength)
The Templar wields staves to bludgeon enemies or cast spells. His skills early in the game bolster both magical and physical defenses.
Witch (Intelligence)
The Witch uses wands or scepters to deal high spell damage with critical strikes. She can invest in minion and spell skills from the start.
Upon rescuing the Scion during the campaign, you unlock the seventh class:
Scion (Dexterity, Intelligence, and Strength)
The Scion has balanced stats and starts in the middle of the Passive Skill Tree, allowing for versatile builds. This class is more challenging due to its flexibility and balanced starting point.
Your class choice also determines your starting location on the extensive Passive Skill Tree, which provides various bonuses as you level up. While you cannot change your starting node, you can branch out to other class areas, though this may require more points for some classes compared to others. The Scion, however, can quickly reach any class's skill area due to her central starting point.
ASCENDANCY CLASSES
After Act 3, you can access The Labyrinth, a randomized dungeon that unlocks advanced class specializations. Each class has three Ascendancy classes, except for the Scion, who has one:
- Marauder: Juggernaut, Berserker, Chieftain
- Duelist: Slayer, Gladiator, Champion
- Ranger: Deadeye, Raider, Pathfinder
- Shadow: Assassin, Saboteur, Trickster
- Witch: Necromancer, Occultist, Elementalist
- Templar: Inquisitor, Hierophant, Guardian
- Scion: Ascendant
These Ascendancy classes offer significant playstyle enhancements, such as increased elemental damage, minion strength, or totem bonuses. If you have a specific late-game build in mind, consider the Ascendancy options when choosing your class to find the best class for your desired playstyle.
WHICH CLASS IS EASIEST TO PLAY?
A class’s base stats influence its ease of use. The Ranger and Witch, for example, are safer due to their high damage output from a distance but are vulnerable to close-range attacks. These poe class tier list are great for players who can effectively kite enemies.
Strength-based classes like the Marauder, Templar, and Duelist engage in close combat but are more resilient. For beginners, the Marauder is recommended for melee damage, and the Templar for a mix of melee and magic, due to their durability.
Ultimately, choose the class that appeals to you the most. Even if the early game is challenging, you will eventually thrive regardless of your initial choice. Finding the best class for you in Path of Exile is about aligning your playstyle with the class's strengths and your personal preferences.
