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Path of Exile 2: Complete Ascendancy Classes Guide and Unlock Methods

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 18,2025

Even though *Path of Exile 2* is still in Early Access, players are eager to maximize the potential of their chosen classes. Although subclasses aren't officially part of *PoE2*, the Ascendancy system allows players to specialize their characters with unique abilities, enhancing their gameplay significantly.

How to Unlock Ascendancies in *Path of Exile 2*

To unlock Ascendancy Classes in *PoE2*, players must first complete a 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, along with rewarding you 2 passive Ascendancy Points.

For the quickest access to these powerful abilities, consider tackling the Trial of the Sekhemas in Act 2. This will enable you to unlock your Ascendancy and gain an edge before facing the more challenging sections of the game.

All Path of Exile 2 Class Ascendancies

In Early Access, *Path of Exile 2* offers six playable classes, each with two Ascendancy options. As the game progresses, it will expand to include 12 base classes, introducing new Ascendancies for the additional six classes.

Mercenary Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Mercenaries can choose between the Witch Hunter, focusing on buffs, or the Gemling Legionnaire, which enhances skill usage.

Witch Hunter

Mercenary Witchhunter Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
This Ascendancy enhances your offensive and defensive capabilities through passive buffs, enabling quicker enemy damage with skills like Culling Strike and No Mercy. It's ideal for players looking to debuff enemies and amplify their damage output.

Gemling Legionnaire

Mercenary Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
Opting for this Ascendancy lets you focus on Skill Gems, providing additional skill slots and buffs. It's a versatile choice for Mercenaries who want to customize their character extensively.

Monk Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Monks can ascend as an Invoker, harnessing elemental powers, or as an Acolyte of Chayula, embracing shadow-based abilities.

Invoker

Monk Invoker Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
Invoke the elements with this Ascendancy, gaining powers to inflict status conditions on enemies. It's perfect for those who prefer a melee approach to elemental combat.

Acolyte of Chayula

Acolyte of Chayula Monk Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

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Embrace the darkness with this Ascendancy, using shadow powers for defense, healing, and reality-warping damage boosts. It's a unique choice for those looking to diversify their Monk build.

Ranger Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Rangers can enhance their ranged combat with the Deadeye or explore poison-based attacks as a Pathfinder.

Deadeye

Deadeye Ranger Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
This Ascendancy boosts ranged combat stats, enhancing movement and attack speed, and increasing damage. Skills like Eagle Eyes and Called Shots make it ideal for dedicated archer builds.

Pathfinder

PoE2 Pathfinder Ranger Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
With the Pathfinder Ascendancy, harness the power of poison and elemental damage through abilities like Poisonous Concoction. It's a fresh playstyle for Rangers looking to expand beyond traditional archery.

Sorceress Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Sorceresses can amplify their elemental prowess with the Stormweaver or manipulate time as a Chronomancer.

Stormweaver

Stormweaver Sorceress Ascendancy Tree

Image via Grinding Gear Games
This Ascendancy elevates your elemental abilities, adding Elemental Storm and boosting damage from various elements. It's perfect for those who enjoy elemental casting and want to enhance it further.

Chronomancer

Chronomancer Sorceress Ascendancy Tree

Image via Grinding Gear Games
Manipulate time with the Chronomancer Ascendancy, stopping time and altering spell cooldowns. This dynamic playstyle is ideal for strategic players looking to change the flow of battle.

Warrior Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Warriors can choose to become a Titan, focusing on massive damage, or a Warbringer, summoning Ancestral allies.

Titan

Titan Ascendancy Skilltree PoE2

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Become a tank with the Titan Ascendancy, enhancing defense with Stone Skin and boosting attacks with Crushing Impacts and Surprising Strength. It's perfect for players who enjoy a heavy-hitting, tank-like role.

Warbringer

Warbringer Ascendancy Skilltree PoE2

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Summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems with the Warbringer Ascendancy, adding flair to your melee character. This Ascendancy is suitable for those who want to enhance their combat with summoned allies.

Witch Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Witches can drain life as a Blood Mage or channel hellfire as an Infernalist.

Blood Mage

Blood Mage Ascendancy Skill Tree PoE2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
Enhance your magic to drain enemy life and restore your own with the Blood Mage Ascendancy. It also increases damage from lingering wounds and extends curse durations, ideal for life-controlling gameplay.

Infernalist

Infernalist Ascendancy Skilltree

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Summon a Hellhound and transform into a Demon with the Infernalist Ascendancy, dealing fire damage and enjoying powerful minion support. It's a great choice for Witches who want to amplify their elemental damage with the aid of minions.

And that's the comprehensive *Path of Exile 2* Ascendancy guide.

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