Path of Exile 2: Ascendancy Class Guide

Path of Exile 2 is still in Early Access, but players are already diving deep into character customization. While not technically subclasses, Ascendancies add a powerful specialization to your chosen class, granting unique abilities and playstyles. This guide will walk you through unlocking and choosing your Ascendancy.

Unlocking Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Before you can embrace the power of an Ascendancy, you must complete a special Trial. In Early Access, you can choose between the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas or the Act 3 Trial of Chaos. Completing either for the first time unlocks Ascendancy selection and rewards you with 2 passive Ascendancy Points. Since the Trial of the Sekhemas is earlier in the game, tackling it first allows you to unlock powerful abilities sooner.

All Path of Exile 2 Ascendancies (Early Access)

Currently, Path of Exile 2's Early Access features six playable classes, each with two Ascendancies. More classes and Ascendancies are planned for the full release.

Mercenary Ascendancies

The Mercenary class offers two distinct paths: the buff-focused Witch Hunter and the skill-oriented Gemling Legionnaire.

Witch Hunter

The Witch Hunter excels at bolstering your offense and defense through powerful passive buffs. Skills like Culling Strike and No Mercy significantly enhance your damage output. This Ascendancy is perfect for players who enjoy debuffing enemies and maximizing damage potential.

Gemling Legionnaire

The Gemling Legionnaire focuses on Skill Gems, allowing you to equip more skills and enhance them with additional buffs. This provides exceptional flexibility for customizing your build, making it ideal for experimental players.

Monk Ascendancies

The Monk class allows you to choose between the elemental Invoker and the shadow-manipulating Acolyte of Chayula.

Invoker

The Invoker harnesses the power of the elements, inflicting status ailments and unleashing devastating elemental attacks. A great choice for melee-focused elemental builds.

Acolyte of Chayula

Embrace the shadows with the Acolyte of Chayula, wielding darkness-based powers and enhancing your defensive and healing capabilities. This unique Ascendancy offers a compelling blend of damage and survivability.

Ranger Ascendancies

Rangers can specialize as a Deadeye for enhanced ranged combat or a Pathfinder for devastating poison attacks.

Deadeye

The Deadeye Ascendancy enhances ranged combat prowess, boosting attack speed, damage, and accuracy. Skills like Eagle Eyes and Called Shots further amplify your effectiveness. Ideal for players who want to master the art of archery.

Pathfinder

The Pathfinder utilizes potent poison and elemental damage, with skills like Poisonous Concoction and Contagious Contamination. A unique alternative for players seeking a different approach to ranged combat.

Sorceress Ascendancies

Sorceresses can choose between the elemental Stormweaver or the time-bending Chronomancer.

Stormweaver

The Stormweaver enhances elemental damage and adds a powerful Elemental Storm ability. A solid choice for players who enjoy classic elemental spellcasting.

Chronomancer

The Chronomancer manipulates time, affecting cooldown times and adding strategic depth to combat. This Ascendancy is ideal for players who enjoy tactical gameplay.

Warrior Ascendancies

Warriors can become a damage-dealing Titan or a summoning Warbringer.

Titan

The Titan Ascendancy focuses on maximizing damage and survivability, making you an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Perfect for players who enjoy tank-like characters.

Warbringer

The Warbringer summons Ancestral Spirits and Totems, providing additional damage and support. A good choice for players who prefer a summoned-minion playstyle.

Witch Ascendancies

Witches can drain life as a Blood Mage or unleash hellfire as an Infernalist.

Blood Mage

The Blood Mage drains life from enemies to sustain themselves, enhancing their damage and curse capabilities. A unique and powerful playstyle.

Infernalist

The Infernalist summons a Hellhound and can transform into a powerful demon, unleashing devastating fire damage. A great option for players who enjoy minion-based combat and fire magic.

This concludes our Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy guide. Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.