The Best Class for Newbies in Path of Exile 2
So, you're about to dive into Path of Exile 2 and are probably staring at the class selection screen, wondering, “Which one should I pick?” I get it. With 12 classes available, it's a bit like walking into a buffet and trying to decide between sushi, pizza, or maybe a salad (but let’s be real... who picks salad?). Whether you're completely new to the series or just want to start with something manageable, I'm here to help you out. I've played my fair share of action RPGs and have poked around enough in the Path of Exile universe to give you the lowdown on the best class to pick if you’re a newbie.
Path of Exile 2 Classes
Let’s break it down in a way that won’t melt your brain. And I’ll throw in a bit of my own experience, because hey, learning from someone else’s mistakes is way more fun than making them yourself.
What Makes a Good Class for New Players?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each class, let’s talk about what you should be looking for as a new player. Path of Exile 2 is a beast of a game, and I mean that in the best and worst ways. It’s huge, complex, and sometimes feels like it was designed by a mad scientist who thought, "What if we made a game where players could die… a lot?" 😅
When you’re starting out, you want a class that:
- Isn't super dependent on complicated mechanics (aka, not a class that requires you to juggle a million different things at once).
- Can take a hit – because trust me, you will get hit.
- Deals decent damage without needing to know all the intricacies of the passive skill tree (which, by the way, looks like a spiderweb made by a spider on caffeine).
Now, let’s jump into some of the classes that are confirmed for Path of Exile 2 and figure out which one is most newbie-friendly. Spoiler alert: I have a favorite. 😏
The 12 Classes of Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 Classes: 12 Classes and 36 Ascendancies
Here's a quick rundown of the classes available in Path of Exile 2. We’ve got:
- Warrior
- Marauder
- Duelist
- Mercenary
- Huntress
- Ranger
- Monk
- Shadow
- Witch
- Sorceress
- Druid
- Templar
That’s a lot of choices, right? But not all of them are equally good for new players. Some are more advanced and require you to have a bit of experience with the game’s mechanics. So, I’ll save you the headache and narrow it down to the ones you should genuinely consider as a newbie.
Top 3 Classes for New Players
Marauder (Strength) - Path of Exile 2
1. Marauder (Strength)
Ah, the Marauder. This guy is a beefcake. If you want to feel like a walking tank that can smash through enemies without worrying too much about dying, the Marauder is your guy.
Why Marauder Is Great for Newbies:
- Takes hits like a champ: The Marauder starts with high strength, which translates into better health and armor. This means you won't get squished like a bug by the first boss.
- Simple gameplay: You don’t have to worry about fancy spells or complicated mechanics. You hit stuff, stuff dies, and you move on.
- Excellent survivability: The Marauder has access to Ascendancies like Juggernaut, Chieftain, and Berserker. Juggernaut, in particular, makes you even tankier by reducing the damage you take and giving you more resistances. It’s like adding an extra layer of plot armor to yourself.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Melee-focused: As a Marauder, you’re mostly going to be in the thick of things, smashing enemies up close. If you prefer standing back and flinging spells, this may not be your vibe.
- Slow start: While you can take a lot of hits, the Marauder can feel slow compared to more agile classes like the Ranger or Duelist.
My Take: The Marauder is the class I’d recommend if you’re nervous about getting overwhelmed by the game’s difficulty. It’s forgiving, and you won’t have to think too much about complex strategies. Basically, if you’re the type who likes to Hulk Smash through your problems, this is your class.
2. Ranger (Dexterity)
Ranger (Dexterity) - Path of Exile 2
If the idea of standing back and peppering enemies with arrows sounds fun, the Ranger might be your jam. While the Marauder is all about brute force, the Ranger is all about precision and agility.
Why Ranger Is Great for Newbies:
- Keep your distance: One of the best parts about playing the Ranger is that you can attack from a distance. This means you can avoid a lot of the damage that melee characters have to deal with.
- Fast movement: Rangers are quick, and when you can dodge out of harm's way, you’re less likely to die.
- Easy to understand gameplay: Shoot arrows, kite enemies (aka run away while shooting – a classic move), and stay alive.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Squishy: While you’re great at avoiding damage due to your speed, when you do get hit, it hurts. Like a lot. You won’t have the same tankiness as a Marauder, so you need to be nimble.
- Gear dependent: The Ranger can feel gear-dependent at times. If you don’t have a decent bow, your damage output can feel pretty “meh.”
My Take: The Ranger is perfect for players who like to play it safe. You can pick enemies off from a distance and avoid getting overwhelmed. Just make sure you keep moving, or you’ll end up as roadkill. It’s a fun and straightforward class, especially if you like a bit of speed in your gameplay.
3. Witch (Intelligence)
Witch (Intelligence) - Path of Exile 2
Alright, now we’re getting into the magic stuff. The Witch is for players who want to cast spells and summon minions. She’s a bit more fragile than the Marauder, but she makes up for it by dishing out tons of damage.
Why Witch Is Great for Newbies:
- Summon minions: One of the best things about the Witch is that she can summon minions to do the fighting for her. This is awesome because while your minions are out there getting smacked around, you’re chilling in the back, casting spells and staying safe.
- Massive damage potential: While the Marauder is all about taking hits, the Witch is about dishing out huge amounts of damage. If you like the idea of melting enemies with fireballs or lightning, you’ll love this class.
- Flexible playstyle: You can focus on casting spells yourself, or you can go full Necromancer and let your minions do all the work.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Fragile: You’re not going to survive many hits if enemies get up in your face. You’ll need to rely on your positioning and your minions to stay alive.
- Mana management: As a spellcaster, you’ll need to manage your mana. It’s not hard, but it’s an extra thing to think about compared to the Marauder, who just smashes stuff.
My Take: I love the Witch. She’s fun, and if you’re the type of player who enjoys casting spells and summoning an army of minions, you’ll have a blast. Just be prepared to run away a lot if things get too close for comfort.
Honorable Mentions
Before I wrap this up, I want to give a quick shoutout to a couple of other classes that might appeal to some new players, but I wouldn’t put them at the top of the list for newbies.
- Sorceress: She’s like the Witch but more focused on elemental damage (think fireballs and lightning bolts). She’s great, but a bit fragile, so you need to be careful with positioning.
- Druid: This guy is a shapeshifter, which sounds super cool, and it is. But it can be a bit more advanced, so I wouldn’t recommend it for your first run.
So, Which Class Should You Pick?
If you’re still undecided, here’s the TL;DR:
- Pick Marauder if you want something simple, tanky, and reliable. You’ll be able to smash through enemies without worrying too much about dying.
- Pick Ranger if you prefer hitting enemies from a distance and want to stay light on your feet.
- Pick Witch if you love magic and want to command an army of minions while casting powerful spells.
Personally, I’d go with the Marauder for your first playthrough. He’s tough, easy to understand, and forgiving if you make mistakes. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of smashing through hordes of enemies like they’re made of wet paper.
But hey, that’s just my take. Try them out and see which one clicks for you. Just remember, Path of Exile 2 is all about experimenting and finding what works for your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to mess around with different classes. And above all, have fun! After all, it’s a game, not a job interview.
So, what are you waiting for? Time to smash, shoot, or cast your way to victory! See you in Wraeclast. 😎
