Even though *Path of Exile 2* is still in Early Access, players are eager to maximize their chosen class's potential. While subclasses aren't officially part of *PoE2*, the game's Ascendancy system allows players to specialize their characters with unique abilities.
How To Unlock Ascendancies in *Path of Exile 2*
To unlock Ascendancy Classes in *PoE2*, players must first complete a special Trial of Ascendancy. During Early Access, you have two options: the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas or the Act 3 Trial of Chaos. Successfully completing either trial for the first time will unlock the ability to choose an Ascendancy Class and reward you with 2 passive Ascendancy Points. Since the Trial of the Sekhemas is available earlier in the game, it's advisable to tackle this trial first to unlock your Ascendancy and gain access to more powerful abilities sooner, before facing the game's more challenging sections.
All Path of Exile 2 Class Ascendancies
In Early Access, *Path of Exile 2* offers six playable classes, each with two Ascendancy options. The game is set to expand to 12 base classes, which will likely introduce new Ascendancies.
Mercenary Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
The Mercenary class can choose between the Witch Hunter, which focuses on buffs, or the Gemling Legionnaire, which emphasizes skill versatility.
Witch Hunter
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Witch Hunter Ascendancy enhances your offensive and defensive capabilities through passive buffs, allowing for quicker enemy damage with skills like Culling Strike and No Mercy. This Ascendancy is ideal for players who enjoy debuffing enemies and dealing extra damage.
Gemling Legionnaire
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy focuses on Skill Gems, allowing you to equip additional skills and attach extra buffs to them. This flexible option is perfect for Mercenary players looking to customize their character extensively.
Monk Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Monk players can choose between the elemental-focused Invoker or the shadow-based Acolyte of Chayula.
Invoker
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Invoker Ascendancy grants elemental powers and the ability to inflict status conditions on enemies, making it a great choice for players who enjoy elemental combat but prefer a melee approach over traditional casters.
Acolyte of Chayula
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Acolyte of Chayula Ascendancy allows players to harness darkness powers instead of Spirit, offering defensive and healing skills alongside reality-warping abilities that enhance attack damage. This Ascendancy is perfect for those seeking a unique, shadow-based playstyle.
Ranger Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Rangers can enhance their ranged combat with the Deadeye Ascendancy or explore poison-based attacks with the Pathfinder.
Deadeye
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Deadeye Ascendancy boosts ranged combat stats, enhancing movement and attack speed while increasing damage. Skills like Eagle Eyes and Called Shots make it an excellent choice for dedicated archer builds.
Pathfinder
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Pathfinder Ascendancy focuses on dealing explosive poison and elemental damage, with abilities like Poisonous Concoction and AoE buffs like Contagious Contamination. This Ascendancy offers a fresh playstyle for Rangers looking to diversify beyond traditional archery.
Sorceress Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
The Sorceress can enhance her elemental powers with the Stormweaver Ascendancy or manipulate time as a Chronomancer.
Stormweaver
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Stormweaver Ascendancy amplifies the Sorceress' elemental abilities, adding an Elemental Storm ability and increasing damage from various elements. It's a great choice for players who enjoy elemental caster gameplay and want to enhance it without drastic changes.
Chronomancer
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Chronomancer Ascendancy allows the Sorceress to stop time and manipulate cooldown times, offering strategic players dynamic options to alter the course of battles. This Ascendancy is ideal for those looking to mix up their combat routine.
Warrior Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Warriors can choose between dealing massive damage as a Titan or summoning Ancestral allies as a Warbringer.
Titan
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Titan Ascendancy enhances your defensive capabilities with skills like Stone Skin and boosts your attacks with abilities like Crushing Impacts and Surprising Strength. It's perfect for players who enjoy being the tank in their party.
Warbringer
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Warbringer Ascendancy allows you to summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems, which can take damage and provide additional damage support. This Ascendancy is ideal for players who want a melee character with a unique twist through summons.
Witch Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2
Witches can choose to drain life as a Blood Mage or channel the fires of Hell as an Infernalist.
Blood Mage
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Blood Mage Ascendancy enhances your ability to drain life from enemies to restore your own, increases damage from lingering wounds, and extends the duration of curses. It's perfect for Witches who want to control the force of life.
Infernalist
Image via Grinding Gear GamesThe Infernalist Ascendancy allows you to summon a Hellhound and shapeshift into a powerful Demon form that unleashes fire damage. This Ascendancy is ideal for players who want to deal more elemental damage while enjoying powerful minion allies.
And that's the comprehensive *Path of Exile 2* Ascendancy guide.
*Path of Exile 2 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*