Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy Classes Guide: All Ascendancies & How to Unlock

Author: Layla Jan 22,2025

Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy Guide: Unleash Your Class Potential

Path of Exile 2's Early Access release has players diving deep into character customization. While subclasses aren't a core feature, Ascendancies provide powerful specializations with unique abilities. This guide details how to unlock and utilize these potent upgrades.

Unlocking Ascendancies in PoE2

To unlock Ascendancy Classes, players must first complete a Trial of Ascendancy. Currently, the Act 2 Trial of the Sekhemas and the Act 3 Trial of Chaos are available. Completing either trial for the first time grants access to Ascendancy choices and rewards you with 2 passive Ascendancy Points. The earlier Act 2 trial is recommended for quicker access to enhanced abilities.

All Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy Classes

PoE2 Early Access features six classes, each with two Ascendancies. The full game will include twelve base classes, likely expanding the Ascendancy options further.

Mercenary Ascendancies

Mercenaries can choose between the Witch Hunter and the Gemling Legionnaire.

Witch Hunter

Mercenary Witchhunter Ascendancy Skilltree in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
This Ascendancy enhances offense, defense, and battlefield control through passive buffs. Skills like Culling Strike and No Mercy boost damage output, making it ideal for players who enjoy debuffing enemies for increased damage.

Gemling Legionnaire

Mercenary Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy Skilltree  in Path of Exile 2

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This option focuses on Skill Gems, allowing for extra skills and additional buffs. Its flexibility makes it suitable for players who prefer diverse skill combinations and customized builds.

Monk Ascendancies

Monks can Ascend as either an Invoker or an Acolyte of Chayula.

Invoker

Monk Invoker Ascendancy Skilltree  in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
Embrace elemental powers and inflict status effects as the Invoker. This is a strong melee-focused option for players who prefer elemental damage over traditional spellcasting.

Acolyte of Chayula

Acolyte of Chayula Monk Ascendancy Skilltree  in Path of Exile 2

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The Acolyte of Chayula utilizes shadow powers, providing defensive, healing, and reality-warping abilities for increased damage. A unique choice for those seeking a darker, shadow-based playstyle.

Ranger Ascendancies

Rangers can specialize as a Deadeye or a Pathfinder.

Deadeye

Deadeye Ranger Ascendancy Skilltree  in Path of Exile 2

Image via Grinding Gear Games
The Deadeye enhances ranged combat with increased speed, damage, and accuracy. Skills like Eagle Eyes remove distance penalties, while Called Shots adds marking capabilities. Perfect for archers seeking ultimate ranged prowess.

Pathfinder

PoE2 Pathfinder Ranger Ascendancy Skilltree  in Path of Exile 2

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Pathfinders excel at explosive poison and elemental damage, using abilities like Poisonous Concoction and Contagious Contamination for widespread AoE effects. A refreshing alternative to traditional bow-and-arrow builds.

Sorceress Ascendancies

Sorceresses can become a Stormweaver or a Chronomancer.

Stormweaver

Stormweaver Sorceress Ascendancy Tree

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Stormweavers amplify elemental abilities with Elemental Storm and increased elemental damage. A solid choice for enhancing existing elemental caster builds.

Chronomancer

Chronomancer Sorceress Ascendancy Tree

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Chronomancers manipulate time, affecting cooldown times and offering strategic combat options. Ideal for players who enjoy dynamic and tactical gameplay.

Warrior Ascendancies

Warriors can choose between the Titan and the Warbringer.

Titan

Titan Ascendancy Skilltree PoE2

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Titans focus on massive damage and tankiness, boasting defensive skills like Stone Skin and offensive abilities such as Crushing Impacts and Surprising Strength. A powerful choice for players who enjoy playing the role of a durable damage dealer.

Warbringer

Warbringer Ascendancy Skilltree PoE2

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Warbringers summon Ancestral Spirits and Totems for additional damage and defense. A good option for melee-focused players who want the support of summoned allies.

Witch Ascendancies

Witches can become a Blood Mage or an Infernalist.

Blood Mage

Blood Mage Ascendancy Skill Tree PoE2

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Blood Mages drain life from enemies for self-healing, boosting damage from lingering wounds and extending curse durations. A compelling option for players who enjoy life-based mechanics.

Infernalist

Infernalist Ascendancy Skilltree

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Infernalists summon Hellhounds and shapeshift into a powerful demon form, unleashing devastating fire damage. A strong choice for Witches who prefer elemental damage and minion support.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Path of Exile 2's Ascendancy system. Choose wisely, and conquer Wraeclast!

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