PoE 2 Tier List - New Best Class & Builds After 0.1.1 Patch

The 0.1.1 patch for Path of Exile 2 introduced notable changes to gameplay, quality of life improvements, and indirect adjustments affecting class and build dynamics. While no major nerfs and buffs were implemented to classes, players can still expect some meta-build shifts in performance due to various updates. So here we update the Path of Exile 2 Tier List for 2025, where we rank all ascendancy classes and new best builds after the 0.1.1 patch.

PoE 2 Class & Builds Tier List (0.1.1 Patch)

The 0.1.1 patch for Path of Exile 2 is going to introduce several gameplay updates that indirectly impact class performance. Visibility improvements for ground effects and reduced off-screen one-shot mechanics enhanced survivability across all classes, while minor skill tweaks, such as adjustments to the Silverfist Commander and Plague Bearer abilities, refined gameplay balance. Armor effectiveness received a slight buff, benefiting melee-focused builds, and low-level unique items were improved for better leveling options. Endgame mapping saw higher boss spawn rates, reduced visual clutter, and changes to monster density, all contributing to a smoother experience. What's more, players will gain the ability to overwrite socketed runes, providing greater flexibility in gear customization. While no specific class-focused nerfs or buffs were announced and the main changes of the 0.1.1 patch aren't directly tied to ascendancies,  these broader changes influenced build viability and overall gameplay dynamics.

Therefore, we will be updating the PoE 2 Tier List based on the current state and taking the 0.1.1 patch notes into account!

PoE 2 Class Tier List (0.1.1 Patch)

Class ascendency performance in Path of Exile 2 varies across different leagues (Standard, Solo Self-Found, Hardcore, etc.), but certain classes consistently dominate due to their power, versatility, and survivability. Here’s the updated class tier list for patch 0.1.1:

1. Stormweaver (Sorceress) - S Tier

Stormweaver dominates the meta across Standard leagues, with a massive 39.9% representation in week three. Its lightning-based builds, such as Spark Archmage and Lightning Warp, offer exceptional area coverage, fast clear speeds, and solid bossing potential. However, in Hardcore and Solo Self-Found leagues, its survivability is questioned, as Stormweaver tends to be gear-dependent and less forgiving in tougher encounters.

2. Infernalist (Witch) - S Tier

Infernalist continues to be a top-tier choice, excelling with minion-centric and fire-based builds. The Minion Spirit Infernalist and Barrier Invocation builds are particularly popular for their strong balance of defense and offense. Infernalist shines in SSF and Hardcore thanks to its ability to scale well with limited gear while maintaining excellent survivability.

3. Deadeye (Ranger) - S Tier

Deadeye has surged in popularity, especially in Hardcore and SSF leagues, due to its flexibility and high damage output. Builds like Lightning Arrow and Explosive Shot allow Deadeye to clear maps quickly while still excelling in single-target boss fights. Its strong synergy with poison and lightning mechanics makes it one of the most reliable ascendancies for both casual and competitive players.

4. Invoker (Monk) - A Tier

Invoker boasts impressive survivability and utility, making it a standout choice in Hardcore leagues. Its ability to convert Frenzy Charges into Power Charges through Keystone passives allows for efficient synergy with elemental damage builds. Flicker Strike Invoker, for instance, offers a unique high-mobility playstyle that excels in both clearing and bossing.

5. Gemling Legionnaire (Mercenary) - A Tier

Gemling Legionnaire has risen in Hardcore leagues due to its adaptability and utility-focused builds. The ascendancy allows for additional support gem slots, making it versatile in endgame content. Builds like Tempest Flurry Gemling Legionnaire are particularly effective, offering strong area-of-effect damage and excellent mobility.

6. Titan (Warrior) - A Tier

Titan is a reliable melee class that performs well with builds like Earthshatter and Ancestral Totem. Its tanky nature and synergy with strength-based mechanics make it a solid choice for beginners and veterans alike. While it thrives in Hardcore SSF due to its durability, its slower playstyle and gear dependency prevent it from reaching S-tier.

7. Witchhunter (Witch) - A Tier

Witchhunter's poison and elemental builds, such as Permafrost and Galvanic Shards, are solid performers. It is a versatile class that performs well in SSF but struggles in Standard where gear optimization is easier for other classes. Its survivability and utility make it a great pick for tactical players.

8. Warbringer (Warrior) - B Tier

Warbringer excels in burst-heavy builds like Shockwave Totem and Corrupting Cry. While its damage output is impressive, it struggles in sustained encounters due to limited defensive options. Its usability improves significantly in Standard leagues, where players can optimize gear for maximum effectiveness.

9. Pathfinder (Ranger) - B Tier

Pathfinder specializes in poison-based builds, such as Poisonous Concoction, which offer steady damage over time. However, its reliance on gear for maximum efficiency makes it less viable in SSF and Hardcore. Despite this, its high mobility and poison synergy make it a fun and effective choice for Standard leagues.

10. Chronomancer (Sorceress) - B Tier

Chronomancer’s time-manipulation abilities and frost-based builds, such as Ice Chronomancer, offer excellent crowd control and respectable damage. However, its survivability lags behind other classes, making it a less reliable choice for Hardcore or SSF leagues.

11. Bloodmage (Sorceress) - B Tier

Bloodmage is one of the least represented ascendancies, with builds like Bonestorm offering niche utility but struggling to compete against the more consistent Infernalist or Stormweaver builds. While it can perform well in specific scenarios, its overall lack of versatility keeps it firmly in B-tier.

12. Acolyte of Chayula (Monk) - C Tier

The Acolyte of Chayula offers unique mechanics centered around darkness and chaos damage, but it underperforms compared to other Monk ascendancies like Invoker. Its reliance on specific gear and limited survivability make it less appealing in SSF and Hardcore leagues.

PoE 2 New Build Tier List After 0.1.1 Patch

The patch also influenced build rankings, with new favorites emerging. Here’s the updated build tier list:

1. Minion Spirit Infernalist Witch (S+ Tier)

This build centers around summoning raging spirits and using Flame Wall to amplify damage. With its commanding army of minions, it offers a straightforward playstyle that scales well into the endgame. Minion Spirit Infernalist appeals to players who enjoy minion builds and a more relaxed combat approach.

2. Tempest Flurry Gemling Legionnaire Mercenary (S+ Tier)

Tempest Flurry Gemling Legionnaire is one of the most powerful builds in the game. It showcases incredible mobility and area damage, making it perfect for clearing maps and defeating bosses. While the build requires expensive gear to fully optimize, its efficiency and consistent damage output make it a go-to choice for both Standard and Hardcore players.

3. Barrier Invocation Infernalist Witch (S+ Tier)

Barrier Invocation Infernalist is a blend of offense and defense, utilizing barrier mechanics for survivability while delivering devastating area-of-effect damage. Its ability to handle large groups of enemies and bosses alike makes it a favorite for Hardcore and SSF players, though it can be pricey to gear.

4. Earthshatter Titan Warrior (S+ Tier)

Earthshatter Titan uses shockwaves to devastate large groups of enemies. Its tanky nature and high damage make it a popular choice for Hardcore leagues. However, its slower pace compared to other builds may deter players seeking a more agile playstyle.

5. Ancestral Totem Titan Warrior (S+ Tier)

This totem-based build casts fissures across the battlefield, dealing substantial area damage. Ancestral Totem Titan shines in boss encounters and provides a unique, strategic approach to combat, appealing to players who enjoy tactical gameplay.

6. Tempest Flurry Acolyte of Chayula Monk (S Tier)

This variation of Tempest Flurry combines lightning-based mechanics with life and energy shield leech, providing extra survivability. It retains the high damage and speed of the Mercenary variant but suits players who prioritize durability in Hardcore or Solo Self-Found leagues.

7. Archmage Spark Stormweaver Sorceress (S Tier)

Archmage Spark Stormweaver is visually stunning, filling the screen with lightning sparks that clear maps with ease. Its excellent speed farming capabilities and strong damage make it a top choice for players who enjoy lightning-themed builds.

8. Lightning Arrow Deadeye Ranger (S Tier)

Lightning Arrow is a fast and efficient build that excels in clearing maps and dealing with bosses. Its synergy with cast-on-shock mechanics allows for smooth gameplay, making it one of the best options for ranged combat enthusiasts.

9. Lightning Warp Stormweaver Sorceress (S Tier)

Lightning Warp combines teleportation with massive explosions, resulting in unparalleled area-of-effect damage. This build is effective for clearing maps and can handle bosses with its burst damage, though it requires careful positioning.

10. Flicker Strike Invoker Monk (S Tier)

Flicker Strike Invoker delivers rapid mobility and high damage through frenzy charge generation. It’s a fast-paced build that excels in clearing maps, though it requires proper gear and defenses to handle tougher encounters.

11. Ice Strike Invoker Monk (A Tier)

Ice Strike freezes enemies and delivers bursts of damage, making it highly effective for crowd control. Its balance of offense and defense makes it a popular choice for Hardcore players who prioritize survivability.

12. Ice Shot Deadeye Ranger (A Tier)

Ice Shot combines freezing mechanics with massive area damage, making it a reliable choice for clearing maps and controlling crowds. It performs well in Solo Self-Found leagues but requires optimization for higher-end content.

13. Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder Ranger (A Tier)

This poison-based build excels at clearing with damage-over-time effects. It’s budget-friendly and accessible for newer players, making it a great starting point for those exploring poison mechanics.

14. Sniper Explode Infernalist Witch (A Tier)

A hybrid build that uses skeletal minions and corpse explosions for massive area damage. Sniper Explode Infernalist offers a mix of offense and defense, making it versatile for various types of content.

15. Galvanic Shards Witchhunter Witch (A Tier)

Galvanic Shards combines chain lightning with high single-target damage. This build is consistent and reliable, though it may lack the flashiness of other lightning-based setups.

16. Ignite Titan Warrior (A Tier)

Ignite Titan scales fire damage and ignite effects to deal damage over time. It’s a strong melee build that focuses on durability and steady damage output, appealing to players who prefer a slower, tankier playstyle.

17. Gas Arrow Acolyte of Chayula Monk (A Tier)

This poison-focused build uses Gas Arrow and toxic clouds to deal damage. While unique, it struggles to compete with faster-paced builds due to its reliance on setup and positioning.

18. Shockwave Totem Warbringer Warrior (A Tier)

Shockwave Totem uses powerful shockwaves to clear enemies. It’s effective in group play but can feel clunky in solo scenarios due to its reliance on totem placement.

19. Corrupting Cry Warbringer Warrior (A Tier)

Corrupting Cry focuses on armor-breaking mechanics to deal burst damage. While effective in melee combat, its situational nature limits its overall versatility.

20. Bonestorm Bloodmage Sorceress (A Tier)

Bonestorm is a slow-clearing build with strong single-target damage. Its crit-focused and detonate-dead variants provide customization options, though both require significant investment to perform well.

21. Ice Chronomancer Sorceress (B Tier)

Ice Chronomancer combines Ice Comet and Frost Wall for crowd control. While effective against groups, its single-target damage and survivability fall short compared to other builds.

22. Demon Infernalist Witch (B Tier)

Demon Infernalist scales fire damage and explosive abilities for flashy gameplay. However, its reliance on maintaining demon form makes it less consistent than other fire-based builds.

23. Explosive Shot Deadeye Ranger (B Tier)

Explosive Shot offers decent area damage but struggles to match the performance of other Deadeye builds like Lightning Arrow or Ice Shot. It’s a solid option but lacks standout features.

24. Firestorm Stormweaver Sorceress (B Tier)

Firestorm uses Frost Wall and fireball mechanics for area damage. While visually impressive, it lacks the raw power and speed of other Stormweaver builds, making it less competitive overall.

25. Permafrost Witchhunter Witch (B Tier)

Permafrost Witchhunter uses freezing mechanics combined with explosive grenades for damage. While unique, its reliance on setup and crowd control makes it less effective for general content.

26. Grenade Gemling Legionnaire Mercenary (B Tier)

Focused on detonating gas grenades for area damage, this build has fallen out of favor due to its lower damage compared to other Gemling Legionnaire setups