Choosing among the classes of Path of Exile is one of the most critical decisions. The game offers seven base classes, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, understanding the classes of Path of Exile will help you make the most of your character’s potential. In this article, we’ll explore an overview of the available classes, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and recommend some options for beginners looking to get started.
What are the classes available in Path of Exile?
There are seven classes of Path of Exile tied to three core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. These attributes define a character’s abilities and the direction their build will take. Here’s a breakdown of the best classes:
- Marauder: focused on strength, the Marauder excels in brute force and survivability.
- Duelist: a hybrid of strength and dexterity, the Duelist combines melee prowess with agility.
- Ranger: pure dexterity, the Ranger specializes in ranged attacks and evasion.
- Shadow: combining dexterity and Intelligence, the Shadow is all about stealth and critical strikes.
- Witch: pure intelligence, the Witch uses devastating spells and curses.
- Templar: a mix of Strength and Intelligence, the Templar is a balanced spellcaster and warrior.
- Scion: the Scion is a jack-of-all-trades and can access any part of the skill tree, making her highly versatile but challenging for beginners.
Each class in Path of Exile can further specialize through Ascendancy Classes, which unlock additional abilities and customization options, allowing for even more diverse builds.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each class?
To make the right choice, a Path of Exile class overview, it’s essential to weigh their strengths and weaknesses to determine which fits your playstyle. Here’s a quick comparison:
Marauder
- Strengths: High durability, excels in melee combat, good physical damage.
- Weaknesses: Slow movement, lacks range, can struggle with fast enemies.
Duelist
- Strengths: Agile melee fighter, high attack speed, good defense options.
- Weaknesses: Needs balance between offense and defense to survive.
Ranger
- Strengths: High evasion, strong ranged attacks, fast movement.
- Weaknesses: Squishy with low health and armor, relies heavily on positioning.
Shadow
- Strengths: Great for crit builds, versatile with traps and spells.
- Weaknesses: Low health and defenses, challenging to play without careful positioning.
Witch
- Strengths: Strong spellcaster with powerful AoE damage, excellent elemental damage.
- Weaknesses: Fragile, vulnerable to melee attacks.
Templar
- Strengths: Versatile, with a balance between magic and melee, great for hybrid builds.
- Weaknesses: May not excel in any one area compared to more specialized classes.
Scion
- Strengths: Ultimate flexibility, can mix and match skills from other classes.
- Weaknesses: Steep learning curve, hard to master for new players.
Also, Ascendancy Classes are advanced specializations that further enhance the strengths of each base class. For example, the Marauder can become a Juggernaut for tanking, while the Witch can ascend into a Necromancer, focusing on summoning minions.
What are the recommendations for beginners?
For those just starting with Path of Exile, some classes are more beginner-friendly due to their straightforward playstyle. Here are a few recommendations:
- Marauder: this class is ideal for beginners due to its high survivability and simple melee combat mechanics. It’s a forgiving class that can absorb a lot of damage while still dishing out significant physical attacks.
- Templar: with his hybrid of magic and melee, the Templar offers a balanced playstyle that’s easy to understand for new players. His versatility allows you to experiment with different builds without straying too far from the core strengths of the class.
- Ranger: for players who prefer ranged combat, the Ranger is a great option. With high mobility and simple bow skills, it’s an accessible choice that’s still powerful in endgame content.
Each of these Path of Exile builds offers a relatively easy learning curve while still providing the depth to grow as you advance through the game.
How to choose the right class for your playstyle?
Choosing between the classes of Path of Exile is ultimately a matter of your preferred playstyle. Whether you enjoy smashing through enemies as a powerful Marauder, casting devastating spells as a Witch, or outmaneuvering foes as a nimble Ranger, there’s a class suited to your approach.
Understanding the Path of Exile class overview and comparing their strengths and weaknesses will guide you toward the best choice for your journey through Wraeclast.
By considering class comparisons and taking into account your gameplay preferences, you can find the class that feels right for you. So, dive into the world of Path of Exile, experiment with different builds, and enjoy the depth and flexibility this game has to offer.
