Jumping intoPath of Exile 2for the first time is a bit like jumping into the deep end of a pool. With six distinct classes to choose from, an intimidatingly large passive tree and hundreds of possible skill combinations, choice paralysis can become your worst enemy. If you’re new to the ARPG genre, picking the right class is especially important for a smoothintroduction to Wraeclast’s dangerous world.
You’ll want something that’s easy to learn, flexible and offers a straightforwardpotentialgameplay loop. Fortunately, a majority of Path of Exile 2’s initial six classes fit this category. Whether you want to wield devastating spells, command an army of undead, or rain arrows from afar, here’s a list of the best beginner-friendly classes and why they stand out.
4Sorceress
For a beginner, the Sorceress feels like a no-brainer. With her arsenal of elemental spells, she has a complete toolbox of toys todevastateenemies from a safe distance while staying out of harm’s way. Early game skill combos likeFlame Walland Spark are easy to use and provide excellent mob clearing, letting you breeze through groups of enemies. Combine these with some of the many Energy Shield passives, which absorb damage and recharge quickly, and you have one of the most forgiving classes to play.
The Sorceress also offers plenty of room for growth. As you progress,you’ll unlock spellsthat let you mix and match elemental effects for more destructive combos, like chaining lightning bolts or freezing mobs in place. While she does have a noticeably fragile health pool later in the game, her reliance on ranged combat minimizes the risk. Managing mana and positioning are key, but once you get a handle on those, the Sorceress is a perfect class to experiment with and learn how to navigate Wraeclast.
3Witch
The Witch brings a unique, hands-off playstyle to the table, making her an intriguing pick for beginners who prefer to command others over direct combat. Armed with necromantic abilities, she can summon a variety of skeletons and other minions to tank damage and deal it back. Early skills likeUnearthlet you build an undead army, while curses and chaos spells give you some more direct options for damage and control. If you’re a fan of sitting back and letting your minions do the heavy lifting, the Witch is a great class.
However, the Witch isn’t without her challenges. Early-game minions can be fragile, requiring frequent resummoning until you invest in skills and gear that buff their survivability. Additionally, her low health pool makes positioning crucial, especially when enemies break through your minion line. That said, her unique playstyle and long-termpotentialmake her a fun and strategic choice. You’ll find her especially rewarding once you collect enough support gems to build up your horde and watch it overwhelm everything in a wave of walking dead.
2Ranger
Similar to the Monk, the Ranger is an excellent choice if you prefer to outmaneuver your enemies. Unlike the Monk, the range-focused Ranger is easier to play simply because it is able to avoid melee combat. This bow-wielding class focuses on highmobility, fast attacks, and evasion-based defenses. Early skills likeEscape Shot,Lightning Arrow, andLightning Rodlet you zap through hordes of enemies and escape when they get too close. This reliance on evasion means that you can focus less on dodging boss strikes and dish out more damage.
Speaking of which, the Ranger deals excellent single-target damage, making hergreat for boss fights, although she struggles a bit with large mobs early on. Her variety of elemental arrow types also provides enough variety to create multiple different builds. For newcomers, mastering the Ranger’s quick positioning and understanding when to commit to an attack is key. Once you get the rhythm of dodging and shooting, the Ranger becomes a reliable and exciting option for any beginner.
1Mercenary
While a bit harder than the other beginner-centric classes, the Mercenary is ideal for players who enjoy methodical, ranged combat. While it’s true that his reload mechanic can feel a bit sluggish early on, his playstyle will feel very familiar if you’ve ever played a top-down shooter. Armed with a crossbow that feels more like a gun, this class excels at dealing precise damage through specialized ammo types. For example, combiningGlacial BoltwithFragmentation Roundscreates a shotgun combo that can shred through most enemies, not to mention your arsenal of grenades that can blow through packs of monsters.
The class’s early-gamepotentialis slightly limited compared to the Sorceress or Witch, as the Mercenary relies more on positioning and clever ammo management than power. However, his ability to mix and match ammo types always makes combat fun and eventually becomes incredibly powerful. The Mercenary is a beginner to intermediate difficulty pick that eventually evolves into a deadly gunslinger as you collect more gear and skills.
