Path of Exile 2 Best Classes Tier List

Welcome, travelers of Wraeclast, to our complete Path of Exile 2 best classes tier list created to explain to you the current in-game meta. We will help you define the strongest class for playing solo or finishing endgame activities. The same goes for the best classes for DPS and beginners.

No matter what option you choose to play from our Path of Exile 2 class ranking, leveling is the first thing to deal with. Our team of professionals at SkyCoach is ready to help you with PoE 2 Leveling in a jiffy. Skip the grind and get to the endgame content straight away. The best price and fastest results are guaranteed.

Read our other PoE 2 guides:

• Leveling Guide
• Bosses Guide
• Best Builds
• Trading Guide
• Divine Orb Farming Guide
• Trial of Sekhemas Guide
• Trial of Chaos Guide

 

 

How Our Tier List Works

Our comprehensive Path of Exile 2 class tier list follows the standard structure. This means we take all 12 classes and compare them by a range of factors. They include things like DPS dealt, overall versatility and their place in the meta. We have prepared four categories for each class. The strongest ones are put into the S-Tier, while the weakest ones are sitting in the C-Tier:

• S-Tier: These are the top-tier classes, excelling in most game scenarios with the highest damage, survivability, or utility, making them optimal for nearly all content.
• A-Tier: Strong and versatile, these classes can handle most game challenges well, but they may lack the peak performance or synergy of S-Tier.
• B-Tier: Solid choices with good potential. These classes are reliable but may struggle with some high-end content or specific encounters.
• C-Tier: These classes often have niche strengths but generally fall short in efficiency or versatility, making them less popular for challenging or endgame content.

Note: If you have not found your favorite class in the tier you expected, this does not mean it is bad. Your overall performance depends not only on the class chosen but also on your build, gear, and how well you play the class in general. If you show good results, keep playing it without any second thoughts.

Path of Exile 2 Best Class Overall

Mercenary is Path of Exile 2 best class overall by all parameters. This is the perfect choice for players who love a mix of strategy, versatility, and high-powered ranged attacks. Armed with a crossbow, this class is all about keeping enemies at bay while dishing out deadly damage. What makes the Mercenary stand out is the sheer number of options at your fingertips – elemental bolts, explosives, and status-inflicting shots all make for a tactical dream. Need to freeze a pack of enemies? No problem. Want to electrify a tough boss? The Merc’s got you covered.

Sure, the reload time on the crossbow can be a pain, and the Mercenary is not as agile as Ranger, but these drawbacks are easily balanced by the decent health pool and the sheer versatility of attacks. You might not be wiping the entire screen with one move, but the Mercenary’s pinpoint precision and smart elemental choices more than make up for it. If you enjoy a class that rewards clever play and tactical thinking, the Mercenary is your go-to.

Sorceress takes second place on this list, as she is also versatile and can deal a ton of damage, but you need to be more careful when playing this class. She is mana-hungry and has low health. If enemies manage to get up close, things can get dicey fast. But here is the thing – in Path of Exile 2, ranged classes generally have an easier time than melee classes. As long as you keep your distance and manage your mana well, Sorceress can obliterate almost anything before it even gets near you. This class is easy to pick up and play, making it perfect for those who want maximum damage without overthinking their strategy.

Best Classes for Beginners

Witch, Druid, Sorceress, and Templar are the best classes for beginners in Path of Exile 2. They are easy to master, deal a ton of damage, and feature many CC abilities. You will have a whole specter of capabilities in a single character. Choose the one you like more, depending on the preferred playstyle.

Here is a complete Path of Exile 2 classes tier list 2024 for new players:

This tier list, just like all others, might change radically with the upcoming patches. You will see them coming often shortly after the game’s release. Therefore, the classes sitting in the B-Tier or C-Tier can go a few tiers higher. It would not be a mistake to play a Ranger, Huntress, or Monk if you enjoy their playstyle.

Best Classes for Leveling

Making your way to level 100 can be a tedious journey. This level cap has not changed since the first game of the series. Specific classes can make it much faster to this threshold, while others lag behind in terms of speed. Sorceress Path of Exile 2 best class for leveling due to a great variety of AoE skills and mobility.

Other notable options include Shadow and Marauder classes. Each of them suits a different playstyle but has one feature in common – great mobility. You also have a large choice of builds available for these three classes, meaning you will never get bored while playing them. Swapping to a different setup can be a great decision to diversify your gameplay.

Check out our full PoE 2 best leveling classes tier list:

This is how the tables have turned when we are talking about the leveling speed. The Templar class, who was sitting in the S-Tier in the previous table, is now placed at the very bottom. That is why you can never find a perfect class dominating every game aspect. You will have to sacrifice something to prevail in other things. BLOG20

Best DPS Classes

Both Ranger and Mercenary can be called Path of Exile 2 best DPS class, each offering a similar type of gameplay. They are excellent in dealing AoE damage and can destroy everything on their way in the endgame. The only problem is their limited potential in the early game. Newer players can also struggle to master Ranger. This is why we recommend opting for Mercenary instead if you are only starting out.

This table defines PoE 2 best class in terms of DPS and raw power they feature:

Marauder is by far the most OP class in Path of Exile 2 in a melee category. The second-best contender is Duelist, as its playstyle is very similar to that of the first one. They are almost equally strong in terms of AoE and single-target damage. You can also swap between different builds to make your gameplay more diversified.

If you are a fan of playing ranged damage dealers, consider playing Ranger, Mercenary, or Sorceress. These three classes are absolute beasts, and they can annihilate the most challenging enemies without letting them close. This goes for either regular mobs or harder bosses you will encounter in the late game.

Best Solo Classes

Ranger, Marauder, Shadow, and Templar are the best solo classes in Path of Exile 2 to finish most of the content without a group. This is possible thanks to the unique passive skills and strengths they get from their Ascendancies. All this allows them to dominate in the early game and become stronger towards the endgame.

Unlike before, we cannot provide you with a complete tier list when it comes to solo classes. All 12 classes available can be without any reliance on the group. This is the main idea of most ARPGs, and PoE 2 is no exception. You will go through dungeons and other instances alone in most cases.

Best Endgame Classes

Ranger, Mercenary, and Duelist are the best endgame classes in Path of Exile 2 due to how well they scale with the levels passed. They reach their peak performance upon reaching levels 90-100 with the correct gear equipped.

Other classes mentioned on our tier lists are also worth your attention. Each class can handle all the endgame challenges. This is the main idea of the game. You start from scratch and progress all the way to the top. Some classes are just a bit stronger due to specific abilities they have, but this does not change anything in general.

 

Best Classes for Hardcore

Surviving in the HC mode is a great challenge, as you will not have a second try in case of dying. Templar, Mercenary, Druid, and Warrior are the best classes for Hardcore in Path of Exile 2 due to the high survivability and defense skills they have.

They might not have the greatest DPS, but you do not need that when playing this mode. Your only goal is to survive while gearing up along the way for extra survivability.

Here is a tier list of the strongest and weakest classes for HC in PoE 2:

Ranger proves to be the weakest choice for HC due to how squishy it is. Most bosses will one-shot you at any stage of the game. This can be fixed by wearing specific items, but you are not likely to make it to that moment in this particular mode.

Best Classes for Softcore

Ranger and Mercenary are the best Softcore classes in Path of Exile 2 regarding mob clearing speed and overall mobility. These are the two main factors you value when playing this mode. They can get from one spot to another in a jiffy while having a ton of AoE damage to take down mobs fast.

We have compared all the classes to define the best ones for Softcore in PoE 2 in this tier list:

While some classes belong to lower tiers, this does not mean they are unplayable. The SC mode welcomes everyone. The only difference is how fast you will progress through it up to level 100. This also applies to the equipment you use since specific classes need particular gear parts to truly shine. Others will dominate the battlefield just because of their active and passive skills. BLOG20

Best Classes for Solo Self-Found

Templar, Mercenary, and Marauder are the best Solo Self-Found classes in Path of Exile 2 due to how well-balanced and many-sided they are. Do you enjoy playing alone all the time? Opt for the SSF mode to rely on yourself and nobody else. This is when you want to pick the most versatile and balanced class to complete all the challenges on your own.

Check this table to find the most comprehensive SSF class tier list in PoE 2:

Ideally, you want to combine enough DPS, survivability, and self-sustain to feel comfortable in the SSF mode. Otherwise, you will have to spend a lot of extra gold to purchase consumables all the time. This is the reason why pure carry characters like Ranger are not the best option for this mode.

Best Path of Exile 2 Classes Ranked Patch 0.1.1

We have compared all six available classes in the game and compared their strong and weak sides. Here, you can find the best Path of Exile 2 classes ranked from top to worst in descending order:

• Mercenary (S-Tier)
• Sorceress (S-Tier)
• Monk (S-Tier)
• Ranger (A-Tier)
• Witch (B-Tier)
• Warrior (C-Tier)

This tier list can radically change after another patch is released. The same happened when the 0.1.1 patch came out. Always check this part of the guide if you are following the meta closely and do not mind trying a new class.

Mercenary

Mercenary shines as the top class in Path of Exile 2 in patch 0.1.1, offering a mix of versatility and power that is hard to beat. With a crossbow as its primary weapon, this class excels at ranged combat, delivering precise damage while keeping enemies at bay. Its real strength lies in elemental attacks – ice bolts freeze foes in place while lightning strikes stun them, adding layers of crowd control to its arsenal.

Although the Mercenary does not rely heavily on large AoE attacks, it makes up for it with pinpoint accuracy and the ability to handle high-priority targets effectively. Its decent health pool allows it to weather some damage, but reloading the crossbow and a lack of agility can leave you momentarily exposed.

Main Facts:

• Deadly Range: Precise crossbow shots combined with clever use of elemental effects.
• Elemental Utility: Ice freezes enemies, and lightning stuns them, giving you excellent control in fights.
• Tactical Playstyle: Thrives in surgical, calculated combat rather than spamming AOE abilities.

Mercenary is a perfect fit for players who enjoy staying strategic and dominating from a distance. It is lethal, reliable, and undeniably fun to play.

To learn more about the class, read our complete Mercenary Guide for Path of Exile 2.

Sorceress

Sorceress takes second place in our tier list and is considered the best PoE 2 class as well, embodying the ultimate glass cannon archetype. With her command over the elements, she transforms the battlefield into a storm of fireballs, lightning strikes, and ice storms, obliterating enemies from a safe distance. Her abilities excel in both single-target damage and large AoE destruction, making her an unstoppable force when positioned correctly.

What sets Sorceress apart is her ability to effortlessly clear entire sections of the map. Her ranged elemental attacks require little precision, as their sheer power and splash damage take care of most threats. However, her reliance on mana is significant, so careful resource management is essential during prolonged fights. Additionally, her low health and poor close-range defenses make staying at a safe distance a critical part of her playstyle.

Main Facts:

• Massive AoE Power: Swirl the battlefield with fire, lightning, and ice to annihilate groups of enemies.
• Ranged Superiority: Devastate foes from afar without needing pinpoint accuracy.
• Mana Dependency: Heavy reliance on mana pools requires careful planning to maintain offensive output.

Sorceress is ideal for players who prefer raining destruction from a distance as long as they can avoid taking direct hits. With strategic positioning and resource management, she becomes one of the most powerful classes in the game.

To learn more about the class, read our complete Sorceress Guide for Path of Exile 2.

Monk

Monk stands out as one of the Path of Exile 2 best classes, excelling in close-range combat with unparalleled speed and precision. Unlike traditional melee classes, the Monk relies on a unique blend of dexterity and intelligence, allowing for a playstyle focused on evasion, quick strikes, and status effects. Armed with a quarterstaff, this class dashes through enemies, landing precise hits that stun or inflict debilitating conditions, while benefiting from abilities that trigger unique effects during combat.

Monk’s greatest strength lies in its ability to adapt to fast-paced encounters. By using movement-based abilities, it is possible to dance around the battlefield, avoiding damage while targeting key enemies. However, Monk demands mastery to perform at its peak. Precision and timing are crucial, especially in boss fights where missteps can punish its relatively lower health pool.

Main Facts:

• High Mobility: Dash and weave through enemies, avoiding damage while delivering rapid strikes.
• Complex Combos: Special attacks inflict stuns, conditions, or trigger powerful effects upon landing a kill.
• Skill-Intensive Gameplay: Requires precise execution to maximize effectiveness, especially during challenging encounters.

With the right strategy, this class can become a relentless force on the battlefield, dashing in and out of combat while dealing devastating melee damage.

To learn more about the class, read our complete Monk Guide for Path of Exile 2.

Ranger

Ranger is also worth your attention, as it takes its place in A-Tier among PoE 2 classes ranked. It excels at keeping enemies at a distance while delivering devastatingly accurate attacks. Built around dexterity, this class shines in encounters where positioning and precision are key. Equipped with a bow, Ranger uses a mix of elemental abilities and tactical retreat mechanics to manage foes and maintain control over the battlefield.

Ranger’s strength lies in its pinpoint accuracy and ability to single out high-priority targets. Unlike the Mercenary, who thrives in mid-range skirmishes with a touch of tankiness, Ranger operates best when maintaining distance from enemies. Skills that slow or freeze enemies help create crucial breathing room, making Ranger a reliable option for boss fights where movement and evasion are vital.

Main Facts:

• Targeted Precision: Deals focused damage with incredible accuracy, making it a strong choice for single-target encounters.
• Mobility-Focused Gameplay: Abilities emphasize creating distance, retreating quickly, and controlling enemies with elemental slows.
• Less AoE Impact: While Ranger excels in precision, it lacks the widespread area-of-effect damage seen in other ranged classes.

Ranger’s reliance on keeping distance and its low health pool make it less forgiving than some other classes, but for players who enjoy methodical, strategic combat, it is a fantastic choice. With its mix of tactical movement and sharp shooting, Ranger stands out as a solid contender for players seeking finesse in their gameplay.

To learn more about the class, read our complete Ranger Guide for Path of Exile 2.

Witch

Witch is a top Path of Exile 2 class for those looking for extra minion support on the battlefield. She excels at controlling the battlefield through curses, minions, and debilitating conditions. This intelligence-based class thrives on summoning skeletons and undead minions to engage enemies, while Witch casts spells to weaken foes and pick them apart from a safe distance. If you prefer letting others do the fighting while you manage the chaos, Witch is your go-to choice.

Minions are Witch’s primary strength, acting as both damage dealers and distractions. They can draw enemy attention, giving you room to cast devastating spells and inflict negative conditions. However, their effectiveness depends on the timing and availability of fresh corpses, which are required for summoning. Without proper preparation, Witch’s minions can feel underwhelming and lack the firepower needed for swift victories.

Main Facts:

• Minion Army: Summons skeletons and undead to act as frontline fighters, keeping enemies away from you.
• Curses and Conditions: Weakens foes with debuffs and ailments to complement your minion attacks.
• Limited Control: Minions operate independently, making them less reliable in precise scenarios.
• Corpse Dependence: Many abilities require fresh corpses, which might not always be readily available.

While Witch is not the most straightforward or powerful class, it rewards strategic play and planning. For players who enjoy managing resources, creating distractions, and slowly whittling down their enemies, Witch offers a unique, methodical approach. However, the lack of direct firepower and reliance on conditions can make it challenging compared to higher-tier classes.

To learn more about the class, read our complete Witch Guide for Path of Exile 2.

Warrior

Warrior in Path of Exile 2 is the game’s classic tank archetype, designed to endure heavy hits and control enemies with stun-based melee strikes. Built around strength, Warrior is a durable choice that focuses on holding the front line in battles. However, their lack of mobility and limited damage output make them struggle to stand out in a game that prioritizes speed and adaptability.

Melee attacks can deal significant blows to single targets, but the lack of efficient AoE options means clearing groups of enemies takes much longer. Additionally, in a game that heavily rewards movement and ranged tactics, Warrior’s inability to quickly reposition becomes a glaring disadvantage.

Main Facts:

• Tanky Durability: Warriors excel at taking hits, but that durability often isn’t enough to offset their slow pace in both movement and combat.
• Limited Damage Output: While their melee strikes are solid against single targets, they lack the power to handle large groups effectively.
• Mobility Issues: Without strong movement abilities, Warriors often find themselves struggling to keep up with faster enemies or dodging dangerous mechanics.
• Outshined by Other Classes: Compared to dynamic options like Monk or Ranger, Warrior’s straightforward playstyle feels less versatile and impactful.

Warrior works best for players who prefer a straightforward, defensive playstyle and are not concerned with clearing content at lightning speed. However, for those seeking a class that can dominate Path of Exile 2’s fast-paced and tactical gameplay, Warrior’s limitations become too apparent to ignore.

To learn more about the class, read our complete Warrior Guide for Path of Exile 2.

What Defines the Best Classes in PoE 2

In PoE 2, the best classes are defined by their adaptability, power, and synergy with popular skill setups. A top-tier class offers high survivability, exceptional damage output, or a balance of both, allowing players to handle all types of content, from mapping to intense boss fights.

Flexibility in build options is key; a great class can support multiple playstyles without sacrificing effectiveness, which makes them appealing to players with different goals. This is what Reddit users appreciate in the best class Path of Exile 2.

Additionally, strong defensive capabilities – like high evasion, resistances, or access to powerful defenses like block or regeneration – make a class stand out in Path of Exile's unforgiving environment.

Meta compatibility is another essential factor, as the most effective classes often synergize with high-damage skill gems or support popular league mechanics. Ultimately, the best classes enable players to take on challenging content while adapting to the game’s frequent updates and evolving meta.

Why Certain Classes Dominate the Current Meta

Certain classes dominate the current meta in Path of Exile because they provide a combination of high damage, survival tools, and versatility that aligns with popular builds and league mechanics. Each league introduces new skill gems, items, and balance changes that affect class viability; meta-dominant classes can quickly adapt to these shifts.

For instance, classes with powerful ascendancies, which enhance projectile damage or boost minion builds, often perform better because they synergize well with skills and gear that are in high demand.

Meta classes also tend to have strong defensive layers, such as block, evasion, or energy shield sustain, allowing players to survive the toughest content. Classes that dominate the meta are the ones best equipped to handle the game’s hardest encounters, from mapping to endgame bosses, with greater efficiency and ease.

Conclusion

This wraps up our tier on Path of Exile 2 best classes for beginners, solo, endgame, maximum DPS, and other categories. We have also outlined the strongest class picks for any difficulty mode you can tackle: HC, SC, and SSF. This guide for PoE 2 best classes will be updated with every patch released when the developers bring buffs and nerfs. Good luck, and we will see you Wraeclast, travelers!

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