All Path of Exile 2 Classes Explained

Your beginner's guide to understanding what Class you should choose in Path of Exile 2.
Image via Grinding Gear Games

Path of Exile 2 is just a little over one month away from its Early Access Release Date, December 6, 2024. The long-awaited sequel will have fans choosing between 12 different classes of characters.

The wait for a Path of Exile sequel is nearly over, as fans of the popular role-playing game will finally have an opportunity to travel the world of Wraeclast and defeat any enemies in their way. Path of Exile 2 is set to unveil an assortment of new items and game mechanics that are sure to enhance the overall player experience.

Here are all the character classes available in Path of Exile 2, their respective attributes, and weapons of choice in the new sequel.

Every single Path of Exile 2 Class

Path of Exile 2 early access character class
Image courtesy of Grinding Gear Games

Six new classes have been added to Path of Exile 2, bringing the total to 12 different character classes available for players to choose from. Every class offers specific strengths and weaknesses that help them stand out from one another. So if you were somebody who favors ranged attacks, you may want to stick to the Ranger class and avoid something like the Warrior.

Here are all of the 12 Path of Exile 2 Classes along with their attributes, strengths, and weaknesses to help you choose what class to pick ahead of early access.

Path of Exile 2 Class Name

Primary Attribute

Primary Weapon

Marauder

Strength

Axe

Warrior (New)

Strength

Maces and Hammers

Ranger

Dexterity

Bow and Arrow

Huntress (New)

Dexterity

Spears

Witch

Intelligence

Minions and Spellcasting

Sorceress (New)

Intelligence

elemental spells and staves

Duelist

Strength/Dexterity

Swords

Mercenary (New)

Strength/Dexterity

Crossbows and Grenades

Shadow

Intelligence/Dexterity

Daggers and Traps

Monk (New)

Intelligence/Dexterity

Quarterstaves

Templar

Strength/Intelligence

Flails and Shields

Druid (New)

Strength/Intelligence

Shapeshifting Spells and Staves

Some classes only specialize in one attribute. Meanwhile, hybrid classes like Duelist will be good at two attributes but not masterful at any one. That being said, every Path of Exile 2 class can be tailored to specific player strengths through unique builds and items available in the game. Just know that there will be certain limitations to how much a class can deviate from their initial strengths due to their specific attribute strengths.

What are Attributes in Path of Exile 2?

Path of Exile 2 trailer gameplay
Image via Grinding Gear Games via screenshot

Attributes are character class traits that make up their identity and playstyle. Path of Exile 2 has three character class attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Strength is straightforward as it measures a specific character’s power. Intelligence measures a character’s knowledge, while Dexterity is centered around their agility. So, depending on which of these three attributes resonate with you the most, that should dictate the type of character class you may want to start investing some time into.

Nonetheless, the most important thing that Path of Exile fans should do is have fun. Path of Exile 2 has been a sequel years in the making and fans will finally be able to explore the world of Wraeclast once more with new game mechanics and classes to explore.

Path of Exile 2 early access is set for a release date of December 6, 2024, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S. Players looking to learn more about Path of Exile 2 ahead of its early access release should be sure to check out our release guide on the upcoming sequel. Additionally, players trying to learn more about how they can join Path of Exile 2 Early Access should also check out our guide that explains what you need in order to play early.


Published
Sage Datuin
SAGE DATUIN

Sage got his start in esports as a volunteer writer in 2016 for esports organization, Dignitas. Since then, he has continued to work on his craft as a journalist and reporter for a number of established esports publications, such as esports.gg, Unikrn, Akshon Esports, Howla, The Player’s Lobby, Nerd Street Gamers, and most recently Dot Esports. Now, as a member of Esports Illustrated’s content team, Sage’s primary duties are centered around creating groundbreaking written and video content about the esports industry that impacts the community in a meaningful way. Sage graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Informatics. There, he was a member of the Rutgers Esports Executive Board, both as the head of the fighting game community and a videographer/photographer for the Content team.