PoE 2 Tier List (0.2.0) - Best Class Ascendancy & Builds (Dawn of the Hunt)

With the arrival of Path of Exile 2's 0.2.0 update, the Dawn of the Hunt League introduces new class and ascendancies, class rebalances, and fresh economy resets. Choosing the right first character is essential for a smooth start, efficient farming, and long-term success. Here we are going to sort out an updated Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt tier list for both classes and builds, helping you decide on the best options for a strong league start and effective wealth generation.

PoE 2 0.2.0 Tier List - Best Classes & Builds for Dawn of the Hunt League Start

Starting a new league means no existing economy, limited access to powerful gear, and a constantly evolving meta. Early on, even low-tier resistance gear can be valuable, while later in the league, such items become worthless. Wealth generation is key, and your first character should be:
✔ Efficient with low-tier gear
✔ Capable of farming without costly investments
✔ Able to progress through content quickly

With nerfs to popular builds like Ice Strike, Spark Archmages, and Deadeye Lightning Arrow, players will need to adapt. The meta doesn’t form instantly—it takes weeks as players gather better gear and optimize builds. Boss fights are expected to last longer, making durability and sustain more important than ever.

If you're playing solo, the right class choice is crucial. Players in groups or those with financial backing may have more flexibility, but for most, choosing an efficient and self-sufficient build is the best strategy.

PoE 2 New Class Ascendancy Tier List (0.2.0 Patch)

This PoE 2 New Class Ascendancy tier list ranks all Ascendancies based on their damage potential, survivability, mobility, and efficiency in the Dawn of the Hunt League.

1. Stormweaver (Sorceress) - S Tier

✔ Best synergy with Archmage scaling
✔ Massive elemental damage and AoE potential
✔ Most played ascendancy late in 0.1.0
✖ Heavy reliance on mana stacking and specific gems

Stormweaver was the dominant spellcasting ascendancy in 0.1.0, thanks to its synergy with Archmage. If Archmage is only lightly nerfed, Stormweaver will remain at the top. If Archmage gets gutted, this ascendancy could drop hard—but it’s still likely to have strong options due to its elemental scaling tools.

Potential in 0.2.0: Still top-tier unless Archmage is heavily nerfed.

2. Gemling Legionnaire (Mercenary) - S Tier

✔ Extremely versatile—melee, ranged, or minion builds
✔ Scales incredibly well with Astrus and Pillar of the Caged God
✔ Late-game power is unmatched in many setups
✖ Requires expensive uniques for best performance

Gemling Legionnaire started slow but ended 0.1.0 as one of the strongest ascendancies. Its synergy with attribute stacking and unique items like Astrus makes it a consistent performer. If Astrus and Pillar remain strong, this ascendancy will retain its crown.

Potential in 0.2.0: Very high, especially if existing attribute-based tools remain untouched.

3. Invoker (Monk) - S Tier

✔ Fast melee specialist with elemental burst
✔ Strong Flicker Strike synergy
✔ Excels in responsive combat
✖ Requires optimization and gear to reach high-end power

Invoker was overhyped pre-launch, underperformed early, but gained traction as players optimized Flicker setups. Most endgame builds still rely on Hand of Wisdom and Action or Trample Toe, so its fate depends on how those are adjusted.

Potential in 0.2.0: High if alternative damage scaling is viable post-nerfs.

4. Ritualist (Huntress) - S Tier

✔ Sacrifices corpses or self to gain rare modifiers
✔ Strong synergy with bleed and blood loss mechanics
✔ High burst potential and thematic
✖ Requires setup and can't spam

Ritualist is a fresh and powerful mechanic that hasn't been fully explored yet. It provides unique interactions for damage scaling, and if builds are developed around its mechanics, it could break into the top tier.

Potential in 0.2.0: High—especially if other top meta builds get nerfed.

5. Infernalist (Witch) - A Tier

✔ Strong minion synergy and scaling
✔ Safe, consistent playstyle
✔ Multiple viable minion setups
✖ Weapon/gem level awkwardness limits flexibility

Infernalist stayed strong throughout 0.1.0. It wasn't affected by Archmage, Trample Toe, or Wisdom builds, which could give it an edge if those are nerfed. With a wide range of viable minions, the ascendancy remains a reliable choice.

Potential in 0.2.0: Very solid - safe pick for league starters.

6. Deadeye (Ranger) - A Tier

✔ Fastest clearing ascendancy early on
✔ Great synergy with projectile scaling
✔ Smooth gameplay and great for farming
✖ Fragile and low sustain in endgame

Deadeye was the most popular early in 0.1.0 and still maintains decent power. It shines in speed farming but loses strength in high-pressure situations. If Lightning Arrow and projectile scaling remain strong, Deadeye will continue to perform.

Potential in 0.2.0: Strong, but relies on projectile skills avoiding nerfs.

7. Amazon (Huntress) - B+ Tier

✔ Converts accuracy into crit and elemental power
✔ Agile playstyle with strong infusion mechanics
✔ Synergy with spear and ranged attacks
✖ Needs scaling gear to shine

Amazon offers a hybrid ranged-melee playstyle with crit scaling tied to accuracy. While it didn’t dominate 0.1.0, its design supports powerful scaling if future support gems and itemization evolve in its favor.

Potential in 0.2.0: Good, especially if the spear archetype is expanded.

8. Chronomancer (Sorceress) - B Tier

✔ Cooldown reduction and curse synergy
✔ Viable support in parties
✔ Sustained DPS over time
✖ Weak solo performance and optimization complexity

Chronomancer didn’t live up to the pre-launch hype and was one of the weakest solo casters. However, in party play, it found a niche as a strong support. Without buffs or reworks, it’ll remain average.

Potential in 0.2.0: Moderate—might rise with party synergy or skill buffs.

9. Pathfinder (Ranger) - B Tier

✔ Poison sustain and flask synergy
✔ Solid bossing and single-target
✔ Flexible and low investment builds
✖ Slower clear speed than other Rangers

Pathfinder remained stable but unspectacular in 0.1.0. Its dual Herald poison setups were functional but didn’t compete with top-tier speed builds. Still, it’s a good low-budget bossing choice.

Potential in 0.2.0: Steady, but unlikely to rise without new tools.

10. Tactician (Mercenary) - B Tier

✔ Battlefield control and support presence
✔ Banner mechanics and pinning effects
✔ Synergizes with minions and totems
✖ Underdeveloped and situational

Tactician is a new addition with strong support flavor. While not yet widely explored, its unique mechanics have potential if developed further. It may shine in hybrid support-DPS roles.

Potential in 0.2.0: Medium - watch for build innovation.

11. Smith of Kitava (Warrior) - B Tier

✔ Custom normal-body armor system
✔ Fire spell on hit and forging mechanics
✔ High tank potential with resist stacking
✖ Requires setup and lacks mobility

Smith of Kitava offers one of the most unique mechanics: crafting your own chest armor. While clunky for fast gameplay, it excels in defensive layering and thematic builds.

Potential in 0.2.0: Niche but promising—especially for tanky fire builds.

12. Lich (Witch) - C Tier

✔ Chaos scaling, curse synergy, and unholy might
✔ Custom jewel node with double effect
✔ Unique energy shield mechanics
✖ Resource-heavy and complex

Lich is a chaos-based mana-stacking ascendancy with potential, but it’s not beginner-friendly. If chaos scaling gets support or buffs, it could climb—but it’s currently underperforming.

Potential in 0.2.0: Low to moderate—needs support gem or chaos buffs.

13. Bloodmage (Witch) - C Tier

✔ Life-based casting with high-risk rewards
✔ Has niche uses like Detonate Dead
✔ Can pair well with Trample Toe
✖ Sustain and survivability issues

Bloodmage was hyped pre-launch but didn’t deliver. Most builds require Trample Toe to function, and without it, Bloodmage struggles. If Trample Toe is nerfed, expect a further drop.

Potential in 0.2.0: Low—only viable in niche setups.

14. Titan (Warrior) - C Tier

✔ High endurance and damage reduction
✔ Great for one-shot boss setups
✔ Strong with Herald of Ice
✖ Very slow and lacks scaling diversity

Titan started as a solid tank class but fell off hard. It’s now mostly used to one-shot bosses with Hammer of the Gods. Without buffs to melee scaling or mobility, it likely remains niche.

Potential in 0.2.0: Weak unless melee gets major improvements.

15. Witchhunter (Mercenary) - C Tier

✔ Hybrid elemental/physical scaling with ailments
✔ Great synergy with Ignite, Shock, and Poison
✔ Agile and evasive gameplay
✖ Outclassed by other Hand of Wisdom and Action builds

Witchhunter had moderate early performance but fell off hard later in 0.1.0. While it can run Wisdom and Action crossbow setups, it does so worse than Deadeye or Gemling Legionnaire. It’s stylish and thematic but underwhelming in the current meta.

16. Acolyte of Chayula (Monk) - D Tier

✔ Chaos sustain and leech mechanics
✔ Thematic and unique
✔ Niche potential with leech builds
✖ Barely played and poorly performing

Acolyte of Chayula was one of the worst-performing ascendancies in 0.1.0. There’s almost no representation on the ladder, and builds around it remain unoptimized and weak.

Potential in 0.2.0: Very low unless it receives a rework or major buffs.

17. Warbringer (Warrior) - F Tier

✔ Endurance and physical scaling potential
✔ Thematic melee identity
✔ Could be reworked into viability
✖ Lowest ladder presence and performance

Warbringer is the most underperforming ascendancy in PoE 2. It has little identity, weak tools, and no standout builds. Unless reworked, it’s not worth picking.

Potential in 0.2.0: Extremely low - bottom of the list unless reworked.

PoE 2 New Build Tier List (0.2.0 Patch)

With the 0.2.0 update, new builds have emerged as top contenders for efficiency, damage output, survivability, and ease of play. The following 12 builds have been ranked based on their performance in the current league, taking into account cost, accessibility, and long-term viability.

1. Tempest Flurry Gemling Legionnaire (Mercenary)

✔ Extremely fast attack speed and clear speed
✔ High evasion and survivability
✔ Massive AoE from Herald of Ice explosions
✖ Requires specific unique items for maximum efficiency

This build utilizes Tempest Flurry, benefiting from attack speed scaling and elemental explosions. The Pillar of the Caged God and Hand of Wisdom and Action significantly boost its damage potential, making it one of the best all-around builds.

2. Bloody Spark Bloodmage (Witch)

✔ High critical strike chance and spell damage scaling
✔ Strong survivability with instant life leech
✔ Great for both clearing maps and boss fights
✖ Requires six unique items for optimal performance

This Bloodmage build takes advantage of Core of the Storm and Frost Wall mechanics to deal massive burst damage. While it demands specific uniques, the damage output is unparalleled.

3. Sniper Minions Gemling Legionnaire (Mercenary)

✔ One of the highest DPS minion builds
✔ Very durable with high energy shield
✔ Minions can clear maps and handle bosses effortlessly
✖ Expensive setup requiring multiple unique items

This minion-focused build features an army of 38 minions, capable of dealing tens of millions of DPS. It is ideal for endgame content, but the initial investment is high.

4. Lightning Arrow Deadeye (Ranger)

✔ Fastest clear speed with high mobility
✔ Strong single-target damage with Shock mechanics
✔ Great for farming and currency generation
✖ Fragile without proper positioning

This ranged build is among the best for early league farming, offering excellent mobility and consistent damage. It synergizes well with Shock effects, increasing enemy vulnerability.

5. Poisonous Concoction Pathfinder (Ranger)

✔ Budget-friendly build with strong poison damage
✔ Low gear dependency and easy scaling
✔ Exceptional boss-killing potential
✖ Slower clearing speed compared to projectile builds

Using Poisonous Concoction, this build excels in damage-over-time mechanics, making it one of the best for single-target encounters. It is cost-effective and easy to gear up, making it ideal for new players.

6. Hammer of the Gods Titan (Warrior)

✔ Extremely tanky with high life regeneration
✔ Strong melee damage and durability
✔ Can handle high-tier maps with ease
✖ Slower than ranged builds

This melee-based Titan build is a great choice for players who prefer a tanky playstyle. While it lacks mobility, it more than compensates with survivability and damage output.

7. Explosive Shot Witchhunter (Mercenary)

✔ Huge AoE explosions for map clearing
✔ Versatile elemental damage scaling
✔ Strong synergy with Herald skills
✖ Requires precise execution for optimal damage

An explosive projectile build, this setup combines fire, lightning, and cold damage for devastating effects. Shock Burst Rounds allow for high single-target damage, making it a balanced choice for both clearing and boss fights.

8. Flicker Strike Invoker (Monk)

✔ Lightning-fast movement and attack speed
✔ Great for fast-paced farming
✔ Low gear dependency
✖ Requires power charge management

This Flicker Strike-based build provides constant mobility and high damage output. While power charge management is necessary, the build is highly rewarding for fast gameplay.

9. Demon Flame Infernalist (Witch)

✔ Massive spell damage scaling with Demon Flame stacks
✔ Fast movement and casting speed
✔ Can freeze bosses with high DPS
✖ Difficult survivability due to self-inflicted damage

This self-damage build relies on life regeneration and fire resistance stacking. While extremely powerful, it requires careful management of life and energy shield to avoid self-inflicted deaths.

10. Stormweaver Chronomancer (Sorceress)

✔ Strong elemental damage scaling
✔ Cooldown reduction and fast casting
✔ Excellent for sustained AoE damage
✖ Squishy without defensive layers

The Chronomancer variant of Stormweaver specializes in time-based mechanics, allowing for fast spellcasting and cooldown resets. It is great for kiting enemies but requires movement awareness to survive.

11. Acolyte of Chayula Chaos Caster (Monk)

✔ Chaos damage scaling for unique build interactions
✔ Leech mechanics provide sustain
✔ Unconventional but effective for certain encounters
✖ Lacks community-tested optimizations

This chaos-based Monk build taps into leech mechanics and sustain to keep damage consistent. While not as mainstream, it offers an alternative playstyle for those who enjoy experimenting with new mechanics.

12. Blacksmith Two-Handed Slam (Warrior)

✔ High physical damage with two-handed weapons
✔ Durable and great for melee enthusiasts
✔ Benefits from forging and crafting mechanics
✖ Slow attack speed compared to other melee builds

The Blacksmith’s focus on two-handed weapons makes it a high-damage, tanky melee option. While not as fast as other builds, its steady progression and durability make it viable for long-term play.

New Classes & Uncertainties

The Dawn of the Hunt League introduces new classes, such as The Huntress (a spear-based dexterity class). While new classes bring novelty, they also come with uncertainty - early adoption might slow progress due to lack of available gear and crafting options.

To minimize risk, prioritize:
✔ Movement speed & mobility
✔ Minion or ranged builds for safer gameplay
✔ Popular choices that ensure easier gear availability

Anyway, the tier list will be updated after more info about the new class and ascendancies leaked!