Path of Exile 2 Early Access Class Tier List - Best PoE 2 League Starter

Different from the Path of Exile 2 full game, there are only six classes playable in Early Access,  if you're new to the game or looking for efficient progression, selecting a proper class is impactful. In this article, we’ll explore all available classes, and rank them in a PoE 2 Early Access tier list based on their suitability for beginners, to choose the best starting class for the beta (EA).

Related Read: Path of Exile 2 Trading & Currency System

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Path of Exile 2 Early Access Best Class Tier List

Strongest PoE 2 Class

Based on the actual performance of each class in Path of Exile 2 Early Access, which class is the top performer? Here is an updated PoE 2 class tier list after the game has been released for several days, also affected by the new 0.1.0D patch. On the whole, Sorceress ranks highest due to high damage, good survivability through shields, versatile elements, and immediate effectiveness,  while Witch ranks lowest as it requires setup time, is vulnerable, is dependent on corpses, and has limited mobility.

1. Sorceress - S Tier

The strongest class due to its versatile elemental mastery and unique time manipulation abilities. The Chronomancer specialization offers unprecedented control over battlefield dynamics, while Storm Weaver provides exceptional elemental damage potential. Though not naturally tanky, proper energy shield management and defensive skills like Frost Wool make it highly survivable.

2. Warrior - A Tier

Excels in explosive melee AoE damage with sophisticated combat mechanics. The combination of Rolling Slam, Bone Shatter, and animation canceling options provides both power and tactical depth. The class offers strong crowd control and single-target damage, making it highly effective for both clearing and boss fights.

3. Monk - A Tier

A high-skill-ceiling class combining martial arts and magic. The synergy between Killing Palm and Falling Thunder creates devastating clear potential, while Tempest Bell provides strong boss damage. While somewhat fragile, superior mobility options compensate for the lack of durability.

4. Mercenary - B Tier

A newcomer-friendly class with shooter-style gameplay. Offers versatile ranged combat options with different weapon types and good crowd control through skills like Fragmentation Rounds. While not the most powerful, it provides unique gameplay that's both accessible and effective.

5. Ranger - B Tier

A mobile archer class focusing on elemental arrows and battlefield control. While capable of high damage output through clever use of lightning rods and poison mechanics, its extreme squishiness and reliance on careful positioning make it more challenging to play effectively.

6. Witch - C Tier

Though powerful when fully set up, ranks lowest due to slow ramp-up time and vulnerability. While excellent at sustained damage through minions and damage-over-time effects, the class struggles with immediate threats and lacks mobility options. Most effective in controlled situations but challenging in dynamic combat.

Best PoE 2 Starting Class

What makes a Path of Exile 2 class the best starter in Early Access? The class should have straightforward mechanics and not rely heavily on complex combos or precise timing. Beginners often benefit from classes that can take hits while they learn the game’s mechanics. Fast map clearing is also crucial for efficient farming and progression, especially in early-game content. In addition, the best starting classes should transition smoothly from early-game to late-game with minimal investment. Ranger and Witch are the most beginner-friendly classes in PoE 2 EA with straightforward gameplay and excellent scaling into the late game. Monk and Sorcerer are powerful but require a bit more mechanical skill and resource management. Warrior is durable and strong but slower-paced, which may frustrate new players who prefer speed and efficiency. Mercenary is innovative and fun but has a steeper learning curve, making it less ideal for those just starting out. Choose the ascendancy according to your gameplay or build style. 

1. Ranger - S Tier

The Ranger is arguably the best starter class because of its familiar playstyle (from PoE 1), incredible mobility, rapid attack speed, and ease of farming. The ability to deal with widespread Elemental damage, poison enemies, and clear maps quickly makes it an excellent choice for beginners. Its distance-keeping capabilities and offensive prowess allow players to stay safe while dishing out massive damage. It’s a straightforward and effective class for quick progression, farming gear, and reaching endgame quickly, making it a perfect S-tier starter.

Which ascendancy to choose: Deadeye is recommended for straightforward bow gameplay, offering generic but powerful bonuses for any bow skill. Pathfinder is better for those interested in poison-based builds and complex skill combinations, featuring unique mechanics like poison spreading and skill interactions.

2. Witch - S Tier

The Witch earns its S-tier placement due to its simplicity, versatility, and raw power as a summoner. Summoning permanent minions with customizable offensive or defensive roles makes the Witch a forgiving class for new players. The ability to amass a massive army, passively deal damage, and weaken enemies creates a low-risk, high-reward playstyle. Its flexibility with spells and minions ensures smooth scaling into the late game. If you enjoy letting your minions do the work while focusing on strategy, this is your ideal starting class.

Which ascendancy to choose: Bloodmage is recommended for crit-based spell casting and life manipulation builds, offering straightforward scaling through life stacking. Infernalist is better for minion builds or fire-based gameplay, featuring a unique demon form and hell hand mechanic.

3. Monk - A Tier

The Monk is a unique hybrid class that combines mobility, Elemental damage, and unarmed combat. Its fast attack speed and ability to synergize Elemental effects into devastating combos make it a versatile and engaging class. However, its reliance on momentum mechanics and melee range combat add complexity, which may be challenging for beginners. With its high damage potential and flashy playstyle, the Monk is an excellent pick for those who want a mobile and stylish character, but it requires more effort to master compared to the S-tier classes.

Which ascendancy to choose: Invoker is recommended if you enjoy martial arts combat with elemental (cold/lightning) focus and combo-based gameplay. It offers great mobility through dashes and feels like a fighting game character. Acolyte of Chayula is better for those interested in chaos damage and unique mechanics like darkness manipulation, offering more complex gameplay with special mechanics like picking up empowering flames.

4. Sorcerer - A Tier

The Sorcerer is the quintessential Elemental spellcaster, capable of bombarding enemies with Fireballs, Lightning, and Ice. It excels in dealing massive area-of-effect (AoE) damage and thrives on chaining Elemental effects. While its damage output is tremendous, the Sorcerer’s reliance on mana management and positioning makes it slightly less beginner-friendly than the Witch or Ranger. It’s a powerful and fun class for those who enjoy traditional spellcasting but demand a bit more tactical awareness, earning it a solid A-tier ranking.

Which ascendancy to choose: Chronomancer is recommended for tactical players who enjoy manipulating time and cooldowns. Stormweaver is better for traditional spellcasters focusing on lightning spells, offering straightforward but effective gameplay with storm mechanics.

5. Warrior - B Tier

The Warrior is a tanky melee class with great crowd control, AoE damage, and defensive capabilities, making it a reliable choice for survival-focused players. However, its slower pace, limited mobility, and reliance on totems may frustrate beginners seeking faster progression. The Warrior’s ability to block frontal damage and summon offensive totems adds depth, but mastering its defensive mechanics and managing stagger can be tricky. While it’s a strong class overall, its slower playstyle and complexity place it in the B-tier for starters.

Which ascendancy to choose: Titan is recommended for new players, focusing on powerful slam attacks and stun mechanics with aftershocks. It's straightforward and effective. Warbringer is more complex, involving spirit summoning, war cry buffs, and the unique Jade Heritage defensive mechanism, making it better for players who enjoy managing multiple mechanics.

6. Mercenary - C Tier

The Mercenary introduces a modern, third-person shooter-inspired playstyle with guns, grenades, and Ballistas. While this class has great flexibility and utility, its slower mobility and slightly more technical mechanics make it less accessible for beginners. Swapping between weapons and managing Ballistas adds variety but requires more effort to master. While the Mercenary can deal significant damage in the right hands, its complexity and slower progression compared to the other classes place it in the C-tier for new players.

Which ascendancy to choose: The Witchhunter stands out as a versatile ascendancy that works well with crossbows. It's highly recommended for its unique mechanics like decimating strikes (removing chunks of enemy health) and corpse explosions. It's particularly effective for boss fights and clearing content.

Ultimately, the best Path of Exile 2 Early Access starting class for you depends on your individual playstyle and preferences. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect fit. Securing valuable currency is crucial for optimizing your build and progressing efficiently. Whether you're looking to buy PoE 2 currency to acquire powerful Orbs of Fusing for crafting or Orbs of Alteration for fine-tuning your gear, a reliable marketplace is essential. AOEAH.COM offers a safe and secure platform to buy PoE 2 currency, ensuring you have the resources you need to dominate the challenges ahead. Consider stocking up on essential orbs like Exalted Orbs for high-level crafting, Chaos Orbs for general trading, and Divine Orbs to fix corrupted items.