Best Path of Exile 2 class: Rankings and tier list

Wondering what the best class is in Path of Exile 2? Path of Exile 2 features six character classes in Early Access, and each boasts a wide array of builds that are sure to test the mettle of any ARPG enthusiast. Whether you want to tank enemy mobs as the warrior, shoot bombs as the Mercenary or practise necromancy as the Witch, each class is customisable to an extreme extent thanks to Path of Exile 2's immense skill tree.

For everyone intimidated by all the options in Grinding Gear Games' stellar sequel, we've taken a look at each class in the game and organised them into a tier list. In this guide we'll break down our explanation of the best class in Path of Exile 2.

Best class in Path of Exile 2

The best overall class in POE 2 is the Witch, a competent summoning and spellcasting class that specialises on raising undead minions. The Witch is particularly good for beginning players, since her minions will act as buffers against enemies in the early game. The only thing you need to watch out for is her squishiness.

For a full rundown on the Witch and the other classes, read on. Keep in mind that choosing the best class in an expansive, ever-evolving game like Path of Exile 2 is obviously subjective, and each class has their own strengths, which we've highlighted in our descriptions below.

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1. Witch

If you play as the Witch, you'll never be alone. Thanks to her skill at raising Skeletal Warriors, Snipers, Arsonists, and other bony comrades, the Witch always has allies at her side. This is immensely helpful in Path of Exile's early stages, when all classes are vulnerable and could use a helping hand against a tough league of enemies and bosses, which means the Witch is the best class for beginners and solo players.

The Witch has more than minions at her disposal, however - she's also a capable Occult spellcaster who can cast AoE duration spells like Contagion, which infects a target and deals damage over time before spreading to other targets. These skills make the Witch an excellent multiplayer support character, and there's nothing like feeling like an uber powerful necromancer with both skeletal armies and strength-sapping magic at your disposal.

For more on the Witch's unique blend of curses and necromancy, see our Witch build guide.

2. Mercenary

Alongside the Ranger, the Mercenary specialises in ranged combat. It'll be up to personal preference which one you like more, but I rate the Mercenary higher due to a preference for crossbows. The Mercenary is a speedy shooter who can unleash a steady seven rounds of bolts in rapid succession, and you can supplement this with projectiles that freeze, explode, and pierce armour. Crossbows also feature different types of shots - Rapid, Power, and Burst - that feel reminiscent of FPS assault rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns.

The Mercenary's gun-style gameplay makes him perhaps the most fun class in PoE 2, at least if you have a penchant for firearms and big bursts of AoE damage. After all, what other class in Path of Exile 2 offers an Explosive Grenade Launcher as one of your earliest skills? The Mercenary is also my favourite endgame class, since the explosive powers you gain after investing in the Passive Skill Tree are absolutely monumental by the time you're fully leveled.

If blowing up mooks with well-timed bomb blasts is your jam, check out our Mercenary build guide.

3. Ranger

While the Mercenary uses crossbows, the Ranger specialises in regular bows, and has access to a wide variety of arrow skills. Lightning Arrows, Rain of Arrows, Tornado Shot, etc - if you played a Ranger in Path of Exile 1, many of the skills on display here will feel familiar. There are also options that will help the Ranger fire extra projectiles, like Barrage. Gems to supplement these additional shots, like Multiple Projectiles Support, are an absolute necessity.

While I like the Mercenary more for a fresher, speedier take that incorporates more explosive AoE mechanics, the Ranger is still the best pure DPS class in Path of Exile 2. Her ability to destroy bosses and other powerful single targets is unparalleled, and feels especially good while using Path of Exile 2's new WASD control scheme, since you'll be able to pinpoint your arrows much more directly as opposed to clicking for movement.

Our Ranger build guide has more intel on taking advantage of the merciless bow strikes that define this class.

4. Monk

The Monk hits hard with a quarterstaff, unleashes big elemental attacks reminiscent of the Sorceress, and manages to also offer a good balance of offence and defence. For these traits, the Monk takes my top spot for the best melee class in PoE2. It's especially fun to use Power Charges to boost up your damage and range, and these charges stack to deliver the Killing Palm skill, which will insta-kill enemies once their health is whittled down. Combine this with Wave of Frost, which propels the Monk backwards and shoots a wave of ice at encroaching foes, or Flicker Strike, which lets you dash through mobs.

While the Warrior specialises in tanky tactics, the Monk emphasises dexterity and is especially handy in close corridors. New players may find themselves dying a lot in the beginning of Path of Exile 2, though, since when you come down to it, the Monk's a vulnerable fellow who is better at dodging than he is at enduring blows. Master his mobile moveset, though, and you'll be unstoppable.

See our Monk build guide for more on outfitting this spiritual combatant with superior tricks and tactics.

5. Sorceress

The Sorceress is the Elemental magic overlord in Path of Exile 2, and the class that really leans into the power that spells provide. From the humble Spark, which shoots out a bouncing array of lightning, to bigger magics like Comet, which summons an ice meteor upon the heads of enemies, the Sorceress has a lot to offer. She can be an incredible damage dealer especially if you build up your spells with the right Support Gems or skills like Unleash, which lets you repeat a spell three times.

Despite these strengths, unlocking the true potential of this class will require time and investment into Path of Exile's various systems. The Sorceress is also horribly squishy in the early game, which means you'd best level her up fast. Thankfully, the Sorceress is the fastest leveling class in PoE 2 once you get into the groove of amplifying your skillset with Gems. When those big damage-inducing spells build up, she'll be a sight to behold, so don't give up.

If you're down to play the long game and truly invest in a spellcaster, see our Sorceress build guide.

6. Warrior

He might not be flashy, but the Warrior is still PoE 2's best tank. Smash with your mace, inflict consistent damage with reliable, easy-to-figure-out AoE skills like Earthquake and Ground Slam, rinse and repeat. For players overwhelmed by the heavy onslaught of foes in Path of Exile 2's Act 1, the Warrior's shield specialities will be very welcome, and Shield Charge is a handy attack and movement skill that pushes mobs away and forces your Warrior forward.

While the Warrior takes the last spot on this list due to his slow movement and need to rely mostly on physical attacks and gear, he's very easy to use and durable. While not as stylish as his peers, rest assured that this class has depth, especially if you decide to experiment with a dual-wielding build. With two maces in hand, the Warrior foregoes some of his defence for pure power and the ability to consistently stun enemies.

For more on smashing the stuffing out of foes, take a gander at our Warrior build guide.

That's a wrap on our class tier list in Path of Exile 2. Why not move on now to our list of beginner's tips and tricks in Path of Exile 2? We've also got crafting explained for you, as well as an in-depth look at Path of Exile 2's Passive Skill Tree and character Attribute system!