Choosing the right class in Path of Exile 2 depends on your preferred playstyle, desired complexity, and the kind of combat experience you want. The game offers a diverse roster of classes, each with unique strengths, starting attributes, and signature weapons, but all classes can use any skill gems, allowing for extensive customization.

Here’s a breakdown of the main classes available at launch and what you can expect from each:

Mercenary (S-tier)
The Mercenary is widely regarded as the strongest class overall. This versatile ranged fighter uses a crossbow and combines elemental attacks like ice and lightning with explosives. The Mercenary excels at mid-range combat, balancing solid survivability with high damage output. While it has a reload mechanic that can slow down attacks, its ability to inflict status effects and adapt to various situations makes it beginner-friendly and powerful throughout the game.

Sorceress (S-tier)
Focused on spellcasting, the Sorceress delivers devastating elemental damage but tends to be more fragile. She requires careful positioning and defensive play but rewards players with high burst damage and crowd control. This class suits players who enjoy casting powerful spells and managing resources strategically.

Monk (S-tier)
The Monk blends melee combat with elemental abilities, offering a hybrid playstyle that can be very rewarding but also somewhat challenging, especially in early levels. It has strong survivability and utility but demands skillful play to maximize its potential.

Ranger (A-tier)
A classic bow-wielding class, the Ranger specializes in precision and mobility. She excels at keeping distance from enemies, using rapid attacks, and applying elemental or poison effects. The Ranger is effective against bosses due to her high single-target damage but has lower health and less melee capability.

Witch (B-tier)
The Witch summons minions to fight alongside her and uses curses and spells to weaken enemies. While her minions can draw aggro and provide utility, they generally lack high damage output, making the Witch somewhat reliant on player skill and positioning. She’s a good choice for players who enjoy pet-based gameplay and strategic spellcasting.

Warrior (C-tier)
The Warrior is a straightforward melee class with high strength and durability but is considered less powerful compared to others due to limited ranged options and slower combat pace. It’s suitable for players who prefer tanky, close-quarters combat but might require more investment—or poe 2 currency—to shine later in the game.

Additional Notes:

• All classes can use any skill gems, so you’re not locked into traditional roles. For example, a Ranger can wield wands or cast spells if you build accordingly.
• Each class starts at a different position on the passive skill tree, influencing early stat allocation and available nodes.
• Ascendancy subclasses provide further specialization, allowing you to tailor your character’s abilities and playstyle deeply.

Choosing the Right Class for You:

• If you want a balanced, versatile ranged fighter with solid survivability, pick the Mercenary.
• For high spell damage and crowd control, the Sorceress is ideal.
• If you like hybrid melee and elemental combat with some complexity, try the Monk.
• For fast, precise ranged attacks and mobility, the Ranger fits well.
• If you enjoy summoning minions and strategic spellcasting, the Witch offers a unique experience.
• For straightforward melee tanking, the Warrior is your go-to, though it may be less powerful early on.

Your choice should align with your preferred combat style and how much complexity you want to manage. Since Path of Exile 2 allows extensive customization, you can experiment with different builds regardless of class. If you ever need to shift directions mid-game, having access to poe 2 currency for sale can speed up the respec and re-gear process, making it easier to adapt and thrive.