What Path of Exile Class Should I Play? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re diving into the vast and intricate world of Path of Exile (PoE), and the first hurdle you face is: “Which class should I pick?” Fear not, exile! The answer, as with most things in PoE, is: it depends. It depends on your playstyle, your desired build, and what you find fun. But, to give you a head start, let’s break it down.
If you’re brand new to ARPGs, or prefer a more straightforward experience, consider the Witch (for spellcasters and summoners) or the Marauder (for tanky melee). These classes offer relatively simpler starting builds that can carry you through the early game while you learn the ropes.
For a blend of melee and ranged options, the Duelist is a solid choice. And if you crave maximum flexibility and don’t mind a steeper initial learning curve, the Scion might be your calling.
Ultimately, however, the specific skill you want to use will heavily influence your choice. Don’t be afraid to research popular builds online (look for “PoE [Skill Name] Build”) to see which class is commonly used with that skill. Remember, in Path of Exile, skills define your character more than your class does!
Diving Deeper: Understanding Class Archetypes
Each of the seven base classes – Duelist, Marauder, Ranger, Scion, Shadow, Templar, and Witch – is aligned with one or two of the three core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence. This alignment provides a starting point for your character and influences the types of gear and skills you’ll naturally gravitate towards.
- Strength (Marauder, Duelist): Primarily focuses on melee combat, life, and physical damage.
- Dexterity (Ranger, Duelist, Shadow): Emphasizes ranged attacks, evasion, and critical strikes.
- Intelligence (Witch, Templar, Shadow): Centers around spellcasting, energy shield, and elemental damage.
- Hybrids (Templar, Scion): Combines aspects of different attributes, allowing for more versatile builds.
Furthermore, each class has three Ascendancy classes. These subclasses, chosen after completing the Labyrinth challenges, provide significant boosts and define your character’s specialization. They are game-changers, so research Ascendancies for your desired class and playstyle.
Finding the Right Fit: Matching Class to Playstyle
The ‘best’ class is subjective and depends heavily on your preferred playstyle.
- Tanky Melee: If you enjoy wading into the thick of battle and soaking up damage, the Marauder (specifically the Juggernaut Ascendancy) is an excellent choice. Other strong melee choices are the Duelist and Templar.
- Ranged Damage Dealer: If you prefer to stay at a distance and unleash devastating attacks, the Ranger (particularly the Deadeye) and Shadow are strong options.
- Spellcaster: If you want to harness the power of magic and control the battlefield, the Witch (with Ascendancies like Elementalist and Occultist) is your go-to.
- Summoner: If you enjoy commanding an army of minions, the Witch (specifically the Necromancer) is the undisputed champion.
- Trap/Mine Specialist: If you prefer a more strategic approach, laying traps and detonating mines, the Shadow (specifically the Saboteur) is perfect.
- Support: The Templar (particularly the Guardian) and the Witch (the Necromancer can also make a good support) are usually selected for a dedicated support character if you are planning on playing with friends.
- Jack-of-All-Trades: If you want to be able to do a little bit of everything, the Scion is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that new players often have about choosing a class in Path of Exile:
1. Does Class Really Matter in the Long Run?
Yes and no. While skills aren’t class-locked, your class and Ascendancy choices heavily influence your build’s efficiency and playstyle. They provide passive bonuses, access to specific skill trees, and unique mechanics that can significantly enhance certain builds. Think of it as a starting point that greatly influences your trajectory.
2. Is the Scion a Good Class for Beginners?
While the Scion offers unparalleled flexibility, it’s generally not recommended for beginners. The Scion’s starting location on the passive skill tree is far from most common starting builds and requires a deeper understanding of game mechanics and build optimization to be effective.
3. What’s the Easiest Class to Play Solo?
Several classes are well-suited for solo play. The Witch (especially as a summoner) and the Marauder (as a Juggernaut) are often recommended due to their survivability and straightforward gameplay. Some of the builds for the Duelist such as the Gladiator also provide strong survivability.
4. What’s the Best Class for Making Currency (Trading)?
Any class can make currency with the right build. However, builds that can efficiently clear maps quickly and safely are generally the most profitable. The Ranger (Deadeye) is a great pick for this. Research efficient farming strategies and build accordingly.
5. Can I Respec My Class Later?
You can’t change your base class or Ascendancy once chosen. However, you can respec your passive skill tree using Orbs of Regret. The number of regret orbs you can acquire during the story mode are limited.
6. What Are Ascendancy Classes?
Ascendancy classes are subclasses that you choose after completing the Labyrinth challenges. Each base class has three Ascendancy options, each offering unique passive skill trees and powerful abilities that significantly define your character’s build.
7. Can I Play Any Skill on Any Class?
While theoretically possible, it’s not always optimal. Some skills synergize better with certain classes and Ascendancies due to passive skill tree placement, attribute scaling, and unique class mechanics.
8. How Important is My Starting Attribute?
Your starting attribute (Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence) influences your early game, affecting which gear you can equip and which skills you can comfortably use. However, this becomes less critical as you progress and acquire gear with attribute bonuses.
9. What’s the Difference Between Softcore and Hardcore?
Softcore is the standard game mode. If you die, you respawn at the last checkpoint with an experience penalty. Hardcore is a more challenging mode where your character is permanently deleted upon death. Choose Hardcore if you’re looking for a high-stakes experience.
10. What’s the Best Class for Playing in a Group?
The Templar (as the Guardian) is well-suited for support roles in groups. Other classes can also excel in group play, depending on the build and team composition. Focus on builds that provide utility, crowd control, or damage amplification for your allies.
11. Is Path of Exile Beginner-Friendly?
Path of Exile has a steep learning curve. However, there are numerous online resources, build guides, and helpful communities to assist new players. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and experiment.
12. What Are Leagues?
Leagues are temporary game modes with unique challenges and rewards. They offer a fresh start and encourage experimentation with new builds. When a league ends, characters and items are transferred to the permanent Standard league.
13. How Do I Find a Good Build Guide?
Look for build guides on reputable websites and forums. Consider the guide’s author, the date of the guide (to ensure it’s up-to-date), and the level of detail provided. Experiment with different builds and adapt them to your playstyle.
14. What are the most important stats to look for when choosing an item?
This depends completely on your build, but generally, you want to focus on increasing the damage output of your build first and then focusing on defensive capabilities. For example, if you are playing a critical strike build, you want to look for stats like critical strike chance, critical strike multiplier, attack speed, and flat elemental damage.
15. What are some useful external resources to help me learn the game?
There are lots of different external resources such as:
- Path of Building Community Fork (for planning builds)
- The Path of Exile Wiki
- PoE.Ninja
- Games Learning Society
Final Thoughts
Choosing a class in Path of Exile is just the beginning of your journey. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try different builds, and find what you enjoy. The most important thing is to have fun! And remember to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into the learning aspects of gaming. Good luck, exile, and may your drops be plentiful!