Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy Classes Guide: All Ascendancies & How to Unlock

Path of Exile 2 is still in Early Access, but players are already diving deep into character customization. While not officially called subclasses, Ascendancies in PoE2 offer specialized builds with unique abilities. This guide details how to unlock and utilize these powerful enhancements.

How to Unlock Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Before unlocking Ascendancy classes, you must complete a special trial. In Early Access, 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. The earlier Act 2 Trial is recommended for quicker access to these powerful abilities.

All Path of Exile 2 Class Ascendancies

Currently, Early Access features six playable classes, each with two Ascendancies. The full game will eventually include twelve base classes, likely adding more Ascendancy options.

Mercenary Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

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

Witch Hunter

This Ascendancy boosts offense, defense, and battlefield control through passive buffs. Skills like Culling Strike and No Mercy significantly increase damage output. Ideal for players who enjoy debuffing enemies and maximizing damage.

Gemling Legionnaire

This Ascendancy focuses on Skill Gems, allowing for extra skills and additional buffs. Its flexibility lets you customize your build without restricting skill choices.

Monk Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Monks can ascend as either an Invoker, mastering elemental powers, or an Acolyte of Chayula, embracing shadow magic.

Invoker

The Invoker grants elemental powers and status effect infliction. A great choice for melee-focused elemental builds.

Acolyte of Chayula

This Ascendancy uses shadow powers instead of Spirit, offering defensive, healing, and reality-warping abilities for increased damage. A unique, shadow-based playstyle for Monks.

Ranger Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Rangers can enhance ranged combat as a Deadeye or utilize poison flasks as a Pathfinder.

Deadeye

The Deadeye boosts ranged combat stats, increasing attack speed, movement speed, and damage. Skills like Eagle Eyes remove distance penalties, while Called Shots adds a marking ability. Perfect for archer builds.

Pathfinder

The Pathfinder focuses on explosive poison and elemental damage with abilities like Poisonous Concoction. Passives like Contagious Contamination spread poison damage among enemies. An alternative to traditional bow-and-arrow builds.

Sorceress Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Sorceresses can enhance elemental abilities as a Stormweaver or manipulate time as a Chronomancer.

Stormweaver

The Stormweaver significantly increases elemental damage and adds an Elemental Storm ability. A solid choice for players enjoying elemental caster gameplay.

Chronomancer

The Chronomancer manipulates cooldown times, offering strategic combat options through time manipulation. Ideal for players who enjoy dynamic, strategic gameplay.

Warrior Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Warriors can become damage-dealing Titans or summon Ancestral allies as Warbringers.

Titan

The Titan Ascendancy focuses on massive damage and tankiness. Skills like Stone Skin boost defense, while Crushing Impacts and Surprising Strength enhance attacks. A great choice for players who enjoy tank builds.

Warbringer

The Warbringer summons Ancestral Spirits and Totems, providing additional damage and taking hits for you. A good option for melee characters wanting minion support.

Witch Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Witches can drain life as Blood Mages or channel hellfire as Infernalists.

Blood Mage

The Blood Mage drains enemy life to restore their own, increasing damage from lingering wounds and extending curse durations.

Infernalist

The Infernalist summons a Hellhound and can shapeshift into a powerful demon form, unleashing fire damage. A great choice for Witches wanting minion allies and increased elemental damage.

This concludes our guide to Path of Exile 2 Ascendancies.

Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.