Path to Decision-Making: Choosing a Class in Path of Exile

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Path of Exile routinely goes through a phase where its popularity gets a boost. Usually, it happens when they release a major update or some video gaming journalist suddenly notices this game that has been flying under the mainstream’s radar for quite some time now.

Guess what! It’s that time of the year again, so be prepared for some fresh blood to the game. This means it’s once time to guide them about the six classes in Path of Exile.

All About Attributes

Before we get to the specific classes, however, there are two key mechanics that must first be discussed: attributes and the passive skill tree.

First one is attributes: Strength (STR), Dexterity (DEX), and Intelligence (INT). Strength increases HP and physical damage, Dexterity increases evasion and accuracy, and Intelligence increases mana and energy shield. Aside from the bonuses they give, they are also necessary to use active skills as they require certain stats to be able to use it.

Traditionally, these stats correlate to a particular class. But later on in the game, once you have much freedom, you can choose a more creative build and not pump too much of the primary attribute of a particular class.

The Most Important Tree

Next would be the passive skill tree. This is the very thing that sets Path of Exile apart. Rather than learning active skills, they are obtained through skill gems. PoE items are socketed into items so they can be used. This gives the Path of Exile so much more space for passive skill customization for players that you just can’t get from other games.

All classes share the same skill tree. The difference lies in their starting points. Within these starting points are passive skills that form the traditional abilities of the class. For example, Witches’ passive skills are more about elemental damage and energy shield, while those of a Marauder are geared towards physical damage and more HP.

As you progress with the skill tree, the progress will eventually converge with an area for another class, allowing players to give their characters traits that their class isn’t necessarily known for. For instance, a Witch can have more Dex and Critical Hit rate, while a Templar will gain more manaregeneration and energy shield.

Taking Some Classes

Now that all of those things are out of the way, here are the seven basic classes in Path of Exile:

·         Marauder – The game’s pure Strength class, Marauders deal as much damage as they can take.

·         Templar – A hybrid of Strength and Intelligence, this warrior of God can take much punishment and dole out physical and even elemental damage.

·         Witch – Brought to Wraeclastdue to the use of her powers on children, the Witch is the pure Intelligence master of the arcane, able to bend the elements and other malevolent forces to her will and against all those who oppose her.

·         Ranger – A master of survival in the wilderness and marksmanship, this pure Dexterity exile can take out enemies from a safe distance, allowing her to be completely untouched.

·         Duelist – Good with a sword and even better with his feet, the Duelist, whose main stats are Dexterity and Strength, can cut through his opponents while dodging their every move.

·         Shadow – Moves stealthily and deadly to his enemies, the Shadow, an Intelligence-Dexterity hybrid, has a wide plethora of techniques when it comes to dealing with his enemies.

·         Scion – What makes the Scion unique is that all three attributes are her core attributes. That means you can build her however you please.

These classes vary in play style and role—with each having inherent pros and cons. It’s up to you which one suits your tastes, ability, and style.

Taking Things Higher

Later on, these classes branch out into Ascendancy. There are three Ascendancyclasses per base class – except for Scion, which only has one, the Ascendant - and each one specialises the class in a unique manner.

Here are the six classes’ Ascendancy classes:

• ·         Marauder – Berserker, Chieftain, Juggernaut
• ·         Templar – Inquisitor, Hierophant, Guardian
• ·         Ranger – Raider, Deadeye, Raider
• ·         Witch – Necromancer, Elementalist, Occultist
• ·         Duelist – Gladiator, Slayer, Champion
• ·         Shadow – Assassin, Saboteur, Trickster

You’ll have access to this once you finish the Labyrinth, a late-game content, so there’s no need to rush. You’ll have ample time to choose when playing your chosen character anyway.

Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it – the classes in Path of Exile. So, future exiles, which ones are you going to choose? Let us know!