How to survive in the harsh world of PoE2: choosing your first character

Path of Exile 2: Mastering the Best Builds in Early Access

Choosing your first character in Path of Exile 2's early access can be daunting. With six classes and two Ascendancy classes each, the possibilities are vast. This guide highlights top-tier builds for each class, perfect for both beginners and experienced players. Note that future updates may shift the meta.

Image: screenplaysmag.com

Witch: Minion Summoner Infernalist

This build maximizes the Witch's summoning potential, offering a balanced and less demanding experience for new players. The Infernalist's demonic transformation adds a unique gameplay element.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Skeletal Brute, Skeletal Cleric, Pain Offering, Skeletal Arsonist, Detonate Dead, Flame Wall, Raging Spirits, Vulnerability, Summon Infernal Hound.

Gameplay: Command a horde of undead and demons, supporting them with fire damage and strategic positioning. Utilize Vulnerability for crucial debuffs. Master the interplay between Flame Wall, Raging Spirits, and Detonate Dead for maximum AoE damage. Strategic minion management is key.

Image: sportskeeda.com

Mercenary: FrostFerno Witch Hunter

This hybrid build combines fire and ice, utilizing dual crossbows for a unique and powerful playstyle.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Permafrost Bolts, Explosive Grenade, Gas Grenade, Explosive Shot, Herald of Ash, Galvanic Shards, Herald of Thunder.

Gameplay: Freeze enemies with Permafrost Bolts and Galvanic Shards, then unleash devastating fire damage with grenades and Explosive Shot. Master the timing of freezes and explosions for optimal damage output.

Image: sportskeeda.com

Monk: Herald of Thunder Invoker

This build prioritizes defense while delivering substantial damage, making it ideal for newcomers. The Herald of Thunder skill is central to its effectiveness.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Tempest Flurry, Tempest Bell, Staggering Palm, Vaulting Impact, Orb of Storms, Storm Wave.

Gameplay: Utilize Tempest Flurry and Orb of Storms for crowd control and high damage. Vaulting Impact and Staggering Palm enhance mobility and control. Master the rhythm of your attacks to maximize the Herald of Thunder's effect.

Image: gamerant.com

Warrior: Armour Breaker Warbinger

This balanced build uses a two-handed mace for impressive damage while maintaining survivability in melee combat.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Mace Strike, Stampede, Leap Slam, Ancestral Warrior Totem, Scavenged Plating, Hammer of the Gods, Seismic Cry, Attrition.

Gameplay: Utilize Mace Strike for single-target damage and Stampede/Leap Slam for mobility. Ancestral Warrior Totem provides additional damage and crowd control. Master armor-breaking mechanics for increased damage output.

Image: eurogamer.net

Sorceress: Ember Fusillade Stormweaver

This build offers a good balance of damage and survivability, enabling efficient progression through the campaign.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Spark, Flame Wall, Ember Fusillade, Solar Orb, Firestorm, Flammability, Blasphemy (Enfeeble).

Gameplay: Utilize Flame Wall and Spark for early game, transitioning to Ember Fusillade, Solar Orb, and Firestorm for late-game damage. Master skill rotations and utilize Flammability and Blasphemy for maximum effectiveness.

Image: bo3.gg

Ranger: Deadeye Grenadier

This build excels at area damage and mobility but demands more skill and less survivability than other options.

Image: skycoach.gg

Key Skills: Permafrost Bolts, Fragmentation Rounds, Flash Grenade, Gas Grenade, Explosive Shot, Explosive Grenade, Rapid Shot.

Gameplay: Utilize a combination of freezing, poisoning, and explosive damage for both single-target and AoE combat. Master the timing and synergy between skills for optimal results. Prioritize evasion and resistances.

Image: reddit.com

These builds represent strong starting points, but experimentation and adaptation are crucial for success in Path of Exile 2. Remember that the meta is subject to change with future updates and patches.