Unlocking Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Path of Exile 2’s Early Access has players eager to master their chosen class. While not a core feature, Ascendancies offer specialized abilities, significantly enhancing gameplay. This guide details how to unlock and utilize these powerful enhancements.

Unlocking Ascendancies

Before accessing Ascendancy Classes, players must complete a specific Trial of Ascendancy. Currently, Early Access offers two options: the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas and the Act 3 Trial of Chaos. Completing either trial (for the first time) unlocks Ascendancy selection and rewards you with two passive Ascendancy Points. The earlier Act 2 trial is recommended for quicker access to enhanced abilities.

All Path of Exile 2 Ascendancies

Early Access features six playable classes, each with two Ascendancies. The full game will boast twelve base classes, likely introducing additional Ascendancies.

Mercenary Ascendancies

The Mercenary class offers two distinct paths:

• Witch Hunter: This Ascendancy focuses on offensive and defensive buffs, enhancing damage output with abilities like Culling Strike and No Mercy. Ideal for players who enjoy debuffing enemies and maximizing damage.

  

• Gemling Legionnaire: This option centers on Skill Gems, allowing for extra skill slots and added buffs. Its flexibility makes it perfect for customized builds.

  

Monk Ascendancies

The Monk class presents these Ascendancy choices:

• Invoker: Embrace elemental powers and inflict status effects, offering a melee-focused elemental playstyle.

  

• Acolyte of Chayula: Harness shadow powers, combining defensive and healing abilities with damage-boosting effects. A unique, shadow-based alternative.

  

Ranger Ascendancies

Rangers can specialize in:

• Deadeye: Enhance ranged combat with increased speed, damage, and accuracy, perfect for archer builds.

  

• Pathfinder: Master poison and elemental damage with abilities like Poisonous Concoction and Contagious Contamination. A unique alternative to traditional ranged combat.

  

Sorceress Ascendancies

The Sorceress can choose between:

• Stormweaver: Amplify elemental abilities with Elemental Storm and increased damage output. A solid choice for elemental casters.

  

• Chronomancer: Manipulate time, affecting cooldowns and adding strategic depth to combat. Ideal for players seeking dynamic gameplay.

  

Warrior Ascendancies

Warriors can become:

• Titan: Maximize damage and tankiness with defensive buffs and powerful attacks. Perfect for players who enjoy a tank role.

  

• Warbringer: Summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems for additional damage and defense. A good choice for melee characters seeking summoned allies.

  

Witch Ascendancies

Witches can specialize in:

• Blood Mage: Drain enemy life to restore your own, enhancing damage from lingering wounds and curses.

  

• Infernalist: Summon a Hellhound and shapeshift into a powerful demon form, unleashing fire damage. A strong option for elemental damage and minion support.

  

Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.