Path of Exile 2 introduces a host of exciting changes, including revamped gameplay mechanics, new ascendancies, and a fresh approach to classes. With so many options, how do you choose the best class for your adventure? Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, making the right choice is crucial to enjoying your journey through Wraeclast. Let’s break it down.
How Fast Do You Want To Level Up?
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The most essential part of leveling in Path of Exile 2 is blazing through the campaign. After all, the real progression begins in the endgame. To level efficiently, you’ll want a class that boasts high base damage and builds easily around accessible skills.
Speed leveling is all about simplicity—no reliance on rare or unique gear. Classes with strong area-of-effect (AoE) skills or innate damage multipliers are ideal. By minimizing downtime during encounters, these classes help you progress faster toward higher-level maps and activities.
Look for classes with straightforward early-game skill setups, so you can focus on clearing content rather than hunting for specific items. Path of Exile’s steep learning curve means that ease of use is key during your first run-through.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the top classes for fast leveling in PoE 2, breaking it down into two key phases: Levels 1–65 and Levels 65–100. Let’s get you to the endgame faster than ever before!
Fastest Leveling Classes for Levels 1–65
The early stages of Path of Exile 2 require you to traverse the campaign, fight your way through diverse zones, and level up efficiently. Here are the top-tier classes that shine during this crucial phase:
S-Tier: Best of the Best
- Sorceress
- Why It Excels: With outstanding AoE skills and mobility, the Sorceress is a dream for speedrunning through the campaign. Its builds are cost-effective and incredibly versatile.
- Best For: Players looking for a simple yet powerful leveling experience.
- Shadow
- Why It Excels: Traps are perfect for dealing with large groups of enemies, and the Shadow’s mobility skills ensure smooth progression through zones.
- Best For: Fans of strategic gameplay and ranged tactics.
- Marauder
- Why It Excels: Offering exceptional early-game damage, the Marauder combines brute force with mobility through Leap Slam for seamless map traversal.
- Best For: Melee enthusiasts who want speed and power.
A-Tier: Strong Performers
- Mercenary
- Why It Shines: Impressive AoE capabilities and versatility across builds make the Mercenary a reliable pick for early leveling.
- Best For: Players who like flexible playstyles with ranged attacks.
- Duelist
- Why It Shines: With the Rage mechanic and devastating melee AoE skills, the Duelist dominates the mid-game.
- Best For: Fans of aggressive, close-combat gameplay.
- Huntress
- Why It Shines: Outperforms other ranged classes early on with its melee/ranged hybrid capabilities, offering build variety and flexibility.
- Best For: Players who enjoy hybrid playstyles.
B-Tier: Slower but Viable
- Warrior
- Challenges: Slow movement and early damage scaling can make progression feel sluggish.
- Best For: Dedicated players willing to invest time into mastering the Warrior’s potential.
- Druid
- Challenges: Requires frequent weapon or form changes and multiple skill setups, making it less efficient for fast leveling.
- Best For: Players who value versatility over speed.
- Templar
- Challenges: Defense-focused mechanics and low movement speed make the Templar less suited for quick leveling.
- Best For: Beginners seeking a tanky, forgiving class.
Once you’ve cleared the campaign, leveling becomes a different game. The focus shifts to endgame maps and efficient farming. Here’s how the classes stack up in this phase:
S-Tier: Dominating the Endgame
- Ranger
- Why It Excels: The Ranger’s mobility, screen-wide AoE, and impressive endgame scaling make it the fastest choice for leveling from 65–100.
- Best For: Experienced players with access to good gear.
- Marauder
- Why It Excels: Ignite builds and great AoE clear potential allow the Marauder to shine in map farming.
- Best For: Players who enjoy tanky melee builds with a focus on consistent damage.
- Sorceress
- Why It Excels: Long-range AoE, decent mobility, and effectiveness with budget-friendly gear make the Sorceress a reliable pick.
- Best For: Those seeking a straightforward leveling experience.
A-Tier: Reliable Options
- Mercenary
- Why It Shines: Similar to the Ranger, though its reliance on crossbows can slow progression.
- Best For: Players looking for a ranged class with versatility.
- Shadow
- Why It Shines: Mobility and decent AoE make the Shadow effective, though its trap/DoT gameplay slows down at higher levels.
- Best For: Fans of tactical, methodical gameplay.
- Duelist
- Why It Shines: Balanced between strong AoE and single-target damage, though melee builds often lag behind in clear speed.
- Best For: Players who prioritize resilience and damage output.
B-Tier: Decent but Not Ideal
- Monk
- Challenges: Solid mobility but lacks the clear speeds of higher-tier classes.
- Best For: Players who enjoy mastering hybrid melee/ranged combat.
- Huntress
- Challenges: Mobility and clear speed are decent, but hybrid mechanics require extra effort.
- Best For: Players who value flexibility over raw speed.
- Druid
- Challenges: Slower leveling due to the need for multiple skill setups and weapon swaps.
- Best For: Dedicated players seeking a jack-of-all-trades.
- Witch
- Challenges: Minion reliance makes map clearing sluggish, and gear scaling can be expensive.
- Best For: Fans of summoner builds who don’t mind slower progression.
The Fastest Overall Class for Leveling in PoE 2
When it comes to leveling speed, two classes stand out:
- Ranger: The go-to choice for players with access to powerful leveling gear.
- Sorceress: The perfect pick for fresh characters without gear, offering reliable performance from start to finish.
Both classes excel at different stages of the game, making them ideal for players who prioritize efficiency and progression.
Some Classes Shine for Beginners
Path of Exile’s complexity can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with its intricate systems. Choosing a beginner-friendly class that balances power with simplicity can save you a lot of frustration.
Some classes are easier to pick up due to their defensive options or intuitive mechanics. For example, tanky classes with built-in sustain or damage mitigation allow you to experiment with combat without the constant fear of dying.
On the flip side, more fragile or technical classes may demand precise positioning or in-depth knowledge of the passive skill tree. While these might be appealing to experienced players, newcomers are better off with straightforward, durable options that provide room to learn.
If you’re struggling during the campaign or early mapping, consider switching to a class that emphasizes defense. Sacrificing some clear speed for survivability can make a significant difference, particularly in Hardcore mode or Solo Self-Found leagues.
These top-tier classes are ideal for beginners, offering a smooth learning curve, minimal gear dependence, and rewarding gameplay:
- Witch
- Why It’s Great: With minions handling most of the action, the Witch offers a straightforward and effective playstyle. It’s a fantastic choice for players who want power without stress.
- Best For: Players looking for a hands-off, easy-to-learn class.
- Druid
- Why It’s Great: Durable, versatile, and capable of debuffing enemies while dishing out powerful AoE damage. The Druid is a tanky powerhouse perfect for surviving tough encounters.
- Best For: Players who value survivability and straightforward mechanics.
- Sorceress
- Why It’s Great: Long-range magic attacks, excellent crowd control through freezing and igniting enemies, and strong AoE damage make the Sorceress a flexible choice.
- Best For: Players who enjoy high-damage, ranged gameplay.
- Templar
- Why It’s Great: Known for its tankiness and easy-to-understand mechanics, the Templar thrives even without expensive gear. Its durability and versatile build options make it a favorite among new players.
- Best For: Those who prefer a tanky, no-nonsense class.
A-Tier classes are still excellent choices for beginners, though they may require slightly more effort to master:
- Shadow
- Why It’s Great: Specializing in traps and damage-over-time builds, the Shadow offers a simple, ranged playstyle that is both effective and fun.
- Best For: Players who enjoy methodical, strategic gameplay.
- Marauder
- Why It’s Great: A classic melee bruiser, the Marauder boasts durability and damage. Multiple builds allow flexibility, making it an excellent choice for experimenting.
- Best For: Fans of melee combat with a tanky edge.
- Warrior
- Why It’s Great: High survivability through block mechanics combined with powerful AoE skills make the Warrior a solid all-around choice.
- Best For: Players who prefer simple, melee-focused gameplay.
While these classes shine in the right hands, they come with obstacles that may frustrate beginners:
- Ranger
- Why It’s Great: The Ranger boasts exceptional endgame potential and high damage output.
- Why It’s Tricky: Early-game squishiness and reliance on positioning can be challenging.
- Best For: Advanced players seeking high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
- Monk
- Why It’s Great: A hybrid melee and caster class that offers unique mechanics.
- Why It’s Tricky: Mastery of combos and positioning is critical for optimal performance.
- Best For: Experienced players who enjoy intricate playstyles.
Easiest Classes for Stress-Free Gameplay
For players who prioritize fun and ease of play, these classes deliver a relaxed yet rewarding experience:
- Witch: Minion-based, effortless mechanics.
- Druid: Durable and straightforward.
- Templar: Unkillable and versatile.
- Sorceress: High damage and crowd control.
Each of these options allows you to enjoy Path of Exile 2 without feeling overwhelmed by mechanics or complex setups.
Best Solo Classes in PoE 2
The beauty of Path of Exile 2 lies in its flexible systems, where every class has the potential to excel in solo play. Your choice depends on how you tailor your character with skill gems, gear, and passives. That said, certain classes stand out for their accessibility, resilience, and scaling potential in solo gameplay.
Top Picks for Solo Players
- Ranger: Combines incredible damage output with unmatched mobility, making it an exceptional choice for tackling content alone.
- Marauder: A powerhouse that excels in survivability and brute force, offering reliable damage and tankiness for solo adventurers.
- Shadow: Perfect for players who favor traps and mobility to control the battlefield and outmaneuver enemies.
- Templar: Offers a mix of strong defenses and versatile builds, making it an excellent choice for beginners and veterans alike.
Why These Classes Shine in Solo Play
These standout classes excel in solo play because they offer great damage and durability early on, allowing players to tackle the campaign with ease. Additionally, their ability to scale effectively into the endgame through specific builds makes them reliable choices for solo progression.
Best Classes for Group Play in PoE 2
When it comes to group play, Path of Exile 2 inherits a core strategy from its predecessor: Magic Find farming. This approach revolves around maximizing loot drops by equipping gear with increased Item Rarity (IIR) modifiers, creating a specialized group dynamic.
A typical group setup includes:
- Main DPS (or Carry): Focuses on dealing massive damage and stacking IIR to boost loot drops.
- Support Roles: Enhance the main DPS through buffs, debuffs, or utility.
Here’s a closer look at how each class performs in group play and their roles in these setups.
Group Play Highlights: Roles and Strategies
In a Magic Find farming group, the Ranger or Mercenary often takes on the DPS role, stacking IIR modifiers and dealing devastating damage. Meanwhile, support classes like the Witch or Templar enhance the group’s overall effectiveness with buffs, debuffs, or defensive utility.
This synergy allows the group to efficiently clear content while maximizing loot drops, creating a satisfying and rewarding gameplay experience.
Top DPS Classes Tier List
We’ve ranked PoE 2’s classes based on their raw damage potential, both for clearing hordes of enemies and for devastating single-target bosses.
However, if you’re looking for the absolute best, the Ranger is the clear winner. With unmatched damage ascendancies, superior mobility, and flexible defensive options, it dominates in both AoE and single-target scenarios.
The Mercenary is a close second, excelling as a ranged powerhouse that scales well into the endgame with its devastating crossbow builds.
- Ranger: With incredible scaling, unparalleled AoE, and insane boss-melting power, the Ranger stands tall as the best DPS class. Its mobility and versatility only add to its dominance.
- Mercenary: Similar to the Ranger, this class combines powerful AoE and single-target damage with excellent endgame scaling, making it a standout choice for DPS-focused players.
- Shadow: Excels in trap and damage-over-time (DoT) builds. Its spark builds make it a reliable choice for high DPS in both early and late stages.
- Marauder: Offers robust mid-budget builds with great AoE and single-target (ST) damage. A solid option for consistent performance.
- Duelist: A high-DPS attribute stacker with the ability to shred mobs and bosses alike. While effective, it can be squishy at higher levels.
- Sorceress: A strong map clearer with solid AoE capabilities, though it struggles to balance both AoE and ST damage in one build.
- Witch: Offers incredible single-target damage but lacks speed when clearing maps.
- Huntress: Potentially powerful but heavily reliant on gear, making it harder to optimize than other classes.
- Monk: Melee elemental builds show promise, but physical-based classes can outscale it.
- Druid: Lacks speed and mobility, making it feel clunky compared to its peers.
Best Ranged DPS Classes
Do you prefer to rain death from afar? These are the best classes for ranged combat in PoE 2.
- Ranger: Exceptional at all stages of the game, dealing screen-wide damage with pinpoint accuracy.
- Mercenary: Versatile and powerful, with great AoE and single-target scaling.
- Sorceress: A long-range caster with incredible stagger mechanics and reliable defenses.
- Shadow: Early-game dominance with traps and excellent DoT mechanics.
- Witch: A minion-based class that’s easy to play and highly effective for ranged gameplay.
- Hybrid or melee-focused classes like the Marauder and Duelist don’t perform as well in ranged setups, making them less ideal for this playstyle.
Best Melee DPS Classes
For those who prefer up-close combat, these classes lead the charge in melee DPS.
- Marauder: A melee juggernaut capable of excelling in AoE and single-target builds.
- Duelist: Versatile and deadly, able to stack attributes for massive damage.
- Monk: Offers a mix of melee and ranged capabilities with strong mobility.
- Huntress: A hybrid melee and ranged class that scales well with the right build.
- Templar: The tankiest melee class, ideal for soaking up damage while dishing out decent AoE.
- Druid: Focuses on tanky forms and debuffing enemies, making it a strong choice for survivability.
Support Classes in PoE 2
Path of Exile 2 introduces unique tools and ascendancies that steer certain classes toward support-focused builds. These support archetypes empower group play, offering buffs, auras, and debuffs to maximize the team’s effectiveness.
- Witch: The ultimate support class, ideal for Aurabot and Cursebot builds, enhancing allies with powerful auras and curses.
- Templar: The perfect Managuard, providing exceptional defensive buffs to shield the team from harm.
- Marauder: Excels in team empowerment with warcries, adding damage or resilience to allies.
- Druid: Can debuff enemies to weaken them, functioning similarly to a Cursebot for strategic support.
- Monk: Possesses potential aura-related ascendancies, making it a viable option for Aurabot setups.
- Sorceress: Could provide stagger-based crowd control or support auras for group utility.
Warrior: Offers group-wide defensive buffs or warcry abilities, adding durability to the team.
Huntress, Shadow, Duelist, Mercenary, Ranger: These classes are primarily DPS-oriented and lack dedicated support abilities, making them better suited for offensive roles.
Top Boss-Killing Classes in Path of Exile 2
When it comes to taking down the toughest Uber bosses, single-target damage is key. These classes excel at delivering pinpoint destruction and staying alive through even the deadliest encounters.
Shadow: Unmatched budget-friendly damage scaling. Its trapper builds deal millions of damage, making it the ultimate boss-killing machine.
Witch: Minion builds provide consistent damage while allowing you to focus on dodging deadly mechanics.
Templar: Built like a tank, this class can facetank most Uber boss attacks while dishing out reliable DPS.
Duelist: Combines durability through leech mechanics with high attack speed for devastating single-target damage.
Marauder: A flexible tanky powerhouse with a variety of high-DPS builds to choose from.
Monk: Highly mobile with great single-target DPS, especially with freeze-based builds.
Huntress: A hybrid melee and ranged class with excellent uptime on boss damage.
Ranger: Requires significant investment but delivers devastating results against Uber bosses.
Best AoE Classes in Path of Exile 2
Clearing maps and dealing with large packs of enemies requires classes that excel at AoE damage. These are the best multi-target classes in the game.
Ranger: Bow skills provide screen-wide coverage and scale well with target density, making the Ranger the undisputed AoE king.
Mercenary: Similar to the Ranger but with a slightly lower budget entry point and more defensive options.
Sorceress: Long-range spells with immense AoE make this class perfect for wiping out packs from a safe distance.
Huntress: A hybrid class capable of switching between melee and ranged for flexible AoE coverage.
Shadow: Excels at DoT-spreading builds, effectively clearing large packs with traps or poisons.
Druid: Powerful AoE capabilities, though it may feel slow in bear form.
Master Speed Farming
Grinding is an integral part of Path of Exile 2, and farming efficiently is the secret to success. The ability to clear maps quickly—whether you’re hunting for gear, currency, or crafting materials—depends heavily on your class’s performance in terms of AoE and mobility.
When selecting a class for farming, prioritize those that offer versatile builds capable of maintaining high damage output over long periods. Classes with natural synergy between movement speed and skill usage are particularly effective for farming, allowing you to cover large areas and tackle hordes of enemies without interruption.
This efficiency ensures you’re always a step ahead in gearing up for harder challenges. Farming classes often feature builds that scale well into the late game, giving you even more incentive to stick with your choice.
Speed-Farming Classes in Path of Exile 2
When it’s time to rake in the currency, speed is everything. These classes are the best for clearing maps and content quickly.
Ranger: Unrivaled mobility and AoE clear make the Ranger the top choice for speed farming.
Marauder: Ignite-based builds offer exceptional clear speeds with access to mobility skills.
Sorceress: Long-range AoE spells ensure fast clears, even on low-budget gear.
Mercenary: Effective in all stages of the game, though crossbow mechanics can slow down some builds.
Shadow: Decent mobility and AoE make it a solid choice for speed farming, though DoT builds can fall off.
Duelist: High DPS in both AoE and single-target scenarios, but melee slows its clearing potential.
What’s the Best Class for You?
- For Bossing: The Shadow takes the top spot with its trapper archetype and incredible budget-friendly damage output.
- For AoE Clearing: The Ranger is the ultimate choice, combining range, damage, and mobility.
- For Speed-Farming: Again, the Ranger shines as the most efficient and versatile option.
Starting Strong: League Launch Classes
Choosing the right class for a League launch can set the pace for your entire journey. League starters should excel with minimal gear and maximize the potential of early skill gems. Classes like the Witch or Druid stand out for their simplicity and efficiency, while options like the Shadow or Warrior offer a balance of power and accessibility.
For those planning to switch builds later in the League, consider starting with a class that transitions well into your endgame goals.
Endgame Excellence
While any class can theoretically succeed in the endgame with enough investment, some are better equipped to tackle top-tier content on a budget. The endgame is where Path of Exile 2 truly shines, featuring challenging encounters, rare loot, and the opportunity to showcase your perfected build.
When assessing endgame viability, consider a class’s ability to handle complex mechanics and scale effectively with gear. Versatile classes that can adapt to multiple roles or damage types tend to thrive, as they offer flexibility when facing diverse challenges.
Keep in mind that Path of Exile 2 rewards creativity and perseverance. Even if your chosen class isn’t the “best” on paper, mastering its nuances can yield impressive results. For players who enjoy a challenge, experimenting with off-meta builds can be a satisfying way to tackle endgame content.
Best Endgame Class in Path of Exile 2
Endgame in PoE 2 isn’t about choosing the “perfect” class—every class can scale well with the right gear and investment. That said, some classes offer better tools for survivability and damage scaling, especially on a lower budget or with easier-to-find gear.
Top Picks for Endgame
- Ranger: Exceptional scaling and access to powerful passives for both offense and defense.
- Mercenary: Similar to the Ranger but with more defensive options, making it highly versatile.
- Duelist: Combines powerful offensive tools with survivability through leech mechanics.
Best Classes for Hardcore Mode
In Hardcore, survival trumps all. Damage output and map-clearing speed take a backseat to resilience and defensive tools.
- Templar: Extremely tanky, with no reliance on rare or unique items. Effective throughout all stages of the game.
- Mercenary: A resilient, ranged class with strong AoE and defensive passives.
- Druid: Combines tankiness with solid AoE and enemy debuffing abilities.
- Warrior: Exceptional defense through block mechanics and high survivability in heavy-hitting scenarios.
- Marauder: Balances tankiness and DPS, though it’s riskier as a melee-focused class.
- Witch: Minion builds provide safe, hands-off damage, keeping you out of harm’s way.
- Sorceress: Long-range caster with excellent crowd control through freezing and slowing enemies.
Best HC Class:
The Templar leads the pack for Hardcore due to its unmatched resilience, straightforward builds, and steady damage output.
Best Classes for Softcore Mode
Softcore is all about speed—clearing maps as fast as possible while maintaining strong single-target damage for bosses. Mobility, AoE, and ease of play are key factors here.
- Ranger: The undisputed leader in map-clearing speed with its high AoE and mobility.
- Mercenary: Similar to the Ranger but slightly less effective in terms of raw damage output.
- Shadow: Excellent for early leagues with high damage traps and DoT builds.
- Sorceress: Offers massive AoE and long-range capabilities but may lack single-target damage early on.
- Marauder: Versatile with strong melee and AoE builds that also deliver great single-target potential.
Best SC Class:
The Ranger remains the top choice for Softcore, offering unparalleled speed and damage versatility.
Best Classes for Solo Self-Found (SSF)
SSF presents a unique challenge where gear acquisition is limited to what you can find or craft yourself. In this mode, the best classes excel with average gear and don’t rely heavily on rare uniques or trading.
- Templar: Incredibly tanky with solid damage output, relying on common items or no uniques at all.
- Mercenary: Combines survivability and great AoE damage, making it effective even on a budget.
- Marauder: A tanky, versatile melee class with powerful AoE and single-target potential using only rare gear.
- Witch: Offers safe gameplay with tanky minion builds that scale without expensive items.
- Druid: Excels with great resilience and AoE, offering consistent performance throughout the game.
Best SSF Class:
The Templar is the most reliable option in SSF, thanks to its straightforward gear requirements and survivability.
Best Classes for Boss Farming
Boss farming demands classes that excel at single-target damage while remaining resilient enough to survive Uber boss mechanics.
Top Boss Farming Classes
- Shadow: Exceptional single-target damage through traps and DoT builds.
- Witch: Minion-based builds allow you to focus on dodging while your army delivers consistent damage.
- Duelist: Strong leech mechanics and high attack speed make it both powerful and durable.
Best Boss Farming Class:
The Shadow stands out for its budget-friendly scaling and ability to melt bosses with minimal investment.
Best Classes for Mapping
For players looking to optimize their map-farming efficiency, AoE and mobility are the most important factors.
Top Mapping Classes
- Ranger: High damage, mobility, and screen-wide AoE make the Ranger a top-tier mapping class.
- Mercenary: Offers similar benefits to the Ranger but with added survivability.
- Sorceress: Long-range AoE spells and decent mobility for clearing large packs quickly.
Best Mapping Class:
The Ranger is the undisputed leader in map farming, clearing screens of enemies with unmatched speed and precision.
Picking a Class You’ll Love
Don’t underestimate the importance of fun! At its core, Path of Exile is a game about creativity, experimentation, and building your dream character. While meta and efficiency matter, choosing a class that you genuinely enjoy will keep the grind from feeling monotonous.
Visual appeal, gameplay style, and thematic elements are all valid reasons to favor one class over another. Whether you’re drawn to the bone-chilling spells of the Necromancer or the raw physical power of the Marauder, the right class should align with your personal preferences.
Moreover, because Path of Exile 2 uses a skill gem system, your class doesn’t lock you into a specific playstyle. Instead, it sets a framework for your character’s ascendancy path and passive skill tree, leaving plenty of room for creativity.
When selecting a class, think about how you want to experience the game. Are you in it for the thrill of fast-paced combat, or do you prefer a methodical approach with strategic skill usage? Matching your playstyle to your class ensures that every moment feels rewarding.
Why Choosing the Right Class Matters
Every class in Path of Exile 2 offers unique strengths, and understanding your goals is key to making the best choice. Are you looking to breeze through early levels, dominate the endgame, or simply enjoy the thrill of combat? By aligning your priorities with the right class, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable adventure in Wraeclast.
But let’s be honest—mastering a class, building optimal gear, and staying competitive in the meta is no small feat.
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