Path of Exile 2 Wiki Guide: All Character Classes, Skills, Skill Gems, Weapons, Armor, Boss Guides, Class Builds, Unique Equipment, System Changes, and more for Path of Exile 2!
Path of Exile 2 Early Access REVIEW
PATH OF EXILE 2 (PoE 2) Review - Is it the BEST ARPG of ALL TIME?
Path of Exile 2 Beginner Guide
Read: Path of Exile 2 Beginners Guide – Best Tips For POE2 New Players
Early Access ♦ Patch Notes ♦ DLC ♦ Controls ♦ Combat ♦ FAQ
Gems ♦ Skill Gems ♦ Support Gems ♦ Persistent Buff Skill Gems ♦ Weapons ♦ Armor ♦ Jewellery ♦ Crafting ♦ Gemcutting ♦ Items ♦ Unique Equipment
Locations ♦ Quests ♦ NPCs ♦ Merchants ♦ Enemies ♦ Bosses ♦ Lore ♦ Hideouts Guide ♦ Regorging Bench ♦ Citadel Guide
Path of Exile 2 Wiki Guide: Everything About Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2)
The Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) Wiki Guide is a compendium of Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) guides and informative data for the new and recurring features of the game which will include Character Classes, Skills, Gems, Unique Equipment, Boss Guides, Class Builds, and more. It is a community resource available for anyone to edit and add their contribution to share overall game progress and various helpful information. Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is developed and published by Grinding Gear Games, it is a free-to-play Action role-playing video game that allows teams of up to six players and is set in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast.
Announcement & Development of Path of Exile 2
In November 2019, Grinding Gear Games unveiled the highly anticipated sequel, Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), at their Exilecon conference. Initially, this sequel was set to introduce a brand-new seven-act storyline that would run parallel to the original campaign of Path of Exile, allowing players to experience both narratives while ultimately converging at the same endgame. Gamers were also presented with the freedom to choose between the original Path of Exile or the new campaign before arriving at the shared endgame, with the ability to interact with others regardless of their chosen path
However, in a 2023 update, it was revealed that Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) will now stand as a distinct game, and is set to launch as an entirely new experience, while still allowing for shared microtransactions between both titles where applicable. This sequel boasts a six-act campaign, introduces twelve distinct classes, and implements significant modifications to many foundational game systems. The skill gem system has undergone a major transformation, eliminating gem sockets from gear and integrating them into active skill gems.
Combat has also been enhanced with the introduction of a new dodge roll feature. Additional updates include a comprehensive visual overhaul utilizing physics-based rendering, a complete revamp of itemization and crafting, the introduction of 18 new Ascendancy classes, a fresh passive skill tree, and exciting endgame content.
Path of Exile 2 Preview: Everything So Far
When is the Release Date for Path of Exile 2?
Early Access for Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) launches on December 6, 2024. Currently, there is no news regarding the full release of the game.
What Platforms will Path of Exile 2 be on?
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) will be available on the following platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5.
Path of Exile 2 Game Information |
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| Early Access Launch | December 6, 2024. |
| Full Release Date | TBC |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5 |
| Developer/s | Grinding Gear Games |
| Publisher/s | Grinding Gear Games |
| Director/s | Jonathan Rogers |
| Genre | ARPG (Action Role-playing) |
| Game Mode/s | Single-player, Multiplayer |
Path of Exile 2 PC System Requirements
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: 8 core 3.6GHz x64-compatible
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or ATI Radeon RX 5600XT
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet Connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Solid State storage is recommended.
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: 4 core 2.8GHz x64-compatible
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or ATI Radeon RX 470
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet Connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
Everything About Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2)
Game Features
A Grand Adventure
Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms.
Combat Redefined
Do battle with Corrupted abominations and Divine creations alike wielding skills that can be used together in graceful combinations.
Design Your Build
Choose your own skills, and don equipment of your choosing. Path of Exile 2's skill tree allows any class to specialize in any style of combat.
12 Distinct Classes
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) introduces 12 diverse character Classes that players can choose from, each having its own unique skills, strengths, weaknesses, and gameplay. These classes include the Druid, Huntress, Mercenary, Monk, Ranger, Sorceress, Warrior, Witch, and more to be announced along the way!
Modified Skill System
Any class can use any Skill Gem, and those Skill Gems can be further modified by up to 5 Support Gems that can drastically alter how the skill works. In addition, you can now Dual-Specialise your passive skill tree, allowing your character to switch between two wildly different fighting styles at will.
In-Depth Equipment
Path of Exile 2 features hundreds of equipment base types for you to uncover as you explore the land of Wraeclast. These have a wide range of magical modifiers, but can also be found in unique variants imbued with ancient power.
Endgame Content
At the conclusion of Path of Exile 2's six-act campaign, you'll gain access to its endgame. Each of the more than 100 endgame maps has its own boss fight and modifiers that enable revamped versions of many of Path of Exile's past leagues. We'll reveal more details of the surprises that await you in Path of Exile 2's endgame in the lead-up to release.
The Story so far... "20 years have gone since the death of Kitava. Since his death, society has been slowly rebuilding, but Corruption has once again started to spread throughout Wraeclast. The people whisper of a ghastly living Seed that drives those around it to madness..."
Path of Exile 2 New System Changes
Dodge Roll in Path of Exile 2
Starting with a brand new addition to Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2)'s combat is the Dodge Roll mechanic. When needed, this feature is accessible for players to use to avoid enemy and boss attacks such as projectiles, magic, and close-quarter attacks, it is a combat feature that does not have a cooldown and it is said that it can be modified from the passive skill tree.
New Resource, Spirit
Spirit is a new resource added alongside the typical Health and Mana. Unlike in Path of Exile 1 where Life and Mana are required to activate effects, Spirit is the new resource that players will now "Reserve" to trigger the effects of certain persistent skills such as Buffs, Auras, permanent minions, and Meta Gems. The Spirit resource is said to be increased by progressing the story, defeating bosses, and equipping a type of weapon which is Sceptres.
Revamped Skill System in Path of Exile 2
The Skill System is undergoing a major transformation with the introduction of the new Skill Gem System. Although the original Skill System in Path of Exile 1 offered a rich experience, it often felt overwhelming for new players. In Path of Exile 2, this system has been revamped to enhance accessibility, featuring user-friendly elements like recommended combinations and simplified gem sockets. This redesign maintains the game's strategic complexity while ensuring that newcomers can engage with it more comfortably, without compromising the challenge that veteran players expect.
- Characters start with 9 skill sockets.
- Skill gems have their own sockets.
- You'll find currency to increase the number of support sockets a gem has. Each upgrade is rarer than the last.
- Gradual upgrading means you'll rarely have one skill with far more support sockets than others.
- Changing socket colors is also deterministic.
Melee combat is also updated, as default weapon attacks will now be enhanced by gems without the need for Mana. This adjustment aims to level the playing field between melee and ranged combat, ensuring that every playstyle remains engaging and enjoyable. As for boss encounters, these battles are even more challenging in such a way that the developers have eliminated the option to teleport away during the fight for a breather. This adjustment compels players to dive deep into the boss's mechanics and hone their strategies for victory. Additionally, the clarity of combat has been enhanced with improved visual cues, making encounters more straightforward and satisfying.
Path of Exile 2 Visuals and Mechanics
The developers have invested considerable effort into the game's visuals, ensuring that players can easily follow the action even during intense battles. This meticulous focus on detail also enhances the game's interface, simplifying navigation and helping players monitor their progress more effectively. Game director Jonathan Rogers of Path of Exile 2 has revealed how the development team is committed to improving the player experience, broadening gameplay possibilities, and ensuring the game progresses in a significant manner. A notable addition is the incorporation of environmental mechanics, which enrich the combat experience with greater variety and depth.
Every weapon type and skill will have its own distinct feel, prompting players to alternate between them to tackle tough challenges. This sets it apart from Path of Exile 1, where players frequently depended on just one skill. Although there are still opportunities for more straightforward automated builds, they come with compromises in either power or defense, leading to a more balanced gaming experience.
New Classes in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) unveils exciting new classes, expanding the roster to a total of 12 character classes for players to explore, two for every combination of Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. The newly introduced classes include the Monk, Huntress, Mercenary, Sorceress, Warrior, and Druid. Each of these classes presents a unique playstyle, designed to deliver a fresh and engaging gaming experience. Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) enhances the class system significantly compared to the original game, which featured seven classes.
The introduction of new classes provides players with greater flexibility and diversity, enabling them to combine and experiment with both new and existing classes to create unique character builds. The classes that are confirmed in Path of Exile 2 are:
What to Expect in Path of Exile 2 Early Access?
Path of Exile 2 is scheduled to launch in Early Access on December 6, 2024, with a complete release anticipated around the middle of 2025. This Early Access phase will span a minimum of six months, allowing developers to collect player feedback and refine the game accordingly. Early Access features the following content for players to enjoy:
- Access to 6 out of 12 classes.
- Three Story Acts to complete.
- Exclusive Endgame content.
- Continuous updates throughout the EA phase.
Are there Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2?
Yes, each class will have three Ascendancy Classes, therefore will have a total of 36 Ascendancy Classes. An Ascendancy Class is a specialization of the player's character or a "subclass" that grants access to a unique "Ascendancy Skill Tree" to further unlock more skills and strengthen the player's build.
Path of Exile 2 Classes Overview
Druid Class Overview
In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), players can select from 12 distinct character classes, each emphasizing a unique blend of primary attributes. Among these, the Druid stands out as a class that harnesses both Strength and Intelligence. In his human form, the Druid acts as a spellcaster, summoning the wrath of nature to the battlefield, embodying a force of natural chaos. However, a closer look reveals that the Druid also taps into the power of Force. This class can morph into various wild animals such as a formidable bear. In Path of Exile 2, this transformation occurs automatically when executing an "animal-related" attack. For example, by using the Bear Shred ability, your character shifts into bear form, unleashing a fierce assault.
Conversely, casting a spell reverts your character back to human form. Each time you strike foes with Bear Shred, you accumulate Rage, which boosts your Attack Damage, progressively enhancing your bear's strength. A standout feature is the Druid's Fury, particularly effective against swarms of weaker enemies. This ability allows the Druid to unleash a powerful roar and stomp, damaging all adversaries in proximity while striking the ground with his paws. The initial roar generates Rage, which is consumed as you unleash your fury. Fury can be activated alone for a quick dash or combined with Shred to build up Rage for a more significant leap.
While transforming into a bear may suggest immense strength, it's crucial to recognize that the Druid is not solely a Force class, unlike the Warrior, who can don heavy armor. To defend against overwhelming enemy numbers, players should consider utilizing the Fury Smash skill, which stuns targets and effectively interrupts multiple groups of smaller foes, providing the Druid with a chance to escape danger. Given that the bear form is the slowest of the Druid's transformations, having a reliable roll is vital for evading tricky situations.
Mercenary Class Overview
The developers of Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) aimed to introduce a diverse range of combat styles, ensuring that each class stands out in its own right. Among these, the Mercenary class elevates combat dynamics with its unique use of the crossbow. Unlike traditional bows, the crossbow allows for instant firing without the need for drawing, making it a game-changer. In Path of Exile 2, crossbows share similarities with various firearms, including sniper rifles, shotguns, and assault rifles, enabling players to execute single shots, rapid-fire bursts, and scatter shots.
Players can equip two crossbows simultaneously and enhance their effectiveness by combining them with "Ammo Abilities" to create powerful effects and combos. One notable Ammo Ability is Armor-Piercing Ammo, which excels against groups of enemies by penetrating through them. For tougher foes, switching to Incendiary Ammo is advisable, as it increases the intensity of the fire based on the number of projectiles that strike the target, making it ideal for close-range encounters. If you're being pursued by multiple adversaries and need to slow them down, the Permafrost Burst Fire allows the Mercenary to engage from a distance, applying a Chill effect that can freeze enemies in place.
Once your foes are immobilized, you can unleash a devastating combo by reverting to Armor-Piercing Ammo, causing the frozen enemy to explode and inflict significant damage on nearby targets. Additionally, crossbows come with a variety of accessories, enabling players to customize their weapons with attachments like grenade launchers, flash grenades for stunning enemies, and oil grenades that can slow down foes and ignite them if they catch fire from an explosion or burning effect. The Mercenary class is best at what it does by shooting down its targets from a distance, but it requires a quick reaction and analyzing the situation to utilize the Merc's kit. If done right, the Mercenary can be an untouchable character that can easily take out its target without even knowing it.
Witch Class Overview
In the eagerly awaited follow-up to the renowned action RPG, Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), the Witch class makes a comeback with an entirely reimagined array of skills and gameplay styles. As a formidable wielder of dark sorcery, the Witch specializes in inflicting damage from afar while skillfully controlling the battlefield to turn the odds in her favor. The Witch's main characteristic is Intelligence, influencing her spellcasting prowess and mana recovery. Her fundamental gameplay mechanics focus on unleashing spells to inflict damage, casting curses to weaken foes, and leveraging her agility to maneuver effectively across the battlefield.
In Path of Exile 2, various classes can summon creatures, but if you're aiming to command a formidable army, the Sorceress is the ideal choice. Unlike many other classes, PoE 2 allows for the automatic summoning of certain creatures, particularly through specific Scepter weapons that can grant you two undead warriors without any cost. Additionally, players have access to a resource called Spirit, which can be utilized to summon the Skeletal minions of their preference. When your Skeletal creatures fall in battle, they will automatically be revived, provided that no other Skeletal minions have perished recently. This means that before you face your next foe, all your minions will be back in action. Furthermore, players can issue commands to these summons using a dedicated button, allowing them to move to designated spots, open chests or doors, and target specific enemies for attack.
The Witch wields a variety of powerful spells, including a small area-of-effect attack that summons a skeletal construct to erupt from the ground. Players can also unlock spells like Contagion, which inflicts a debuff that transfers to nearby foes when an infected enemy falls, amplifying the damage dealt. To maximize this effect, it's wise to keep the infection spreading; for instance, if you reanimate corpses that are already infected, they too will carry the contagion effect. Each time they come into contact with enemies, they can spread the infection further. In addition to summoning the undead, the Witch can also command lethal scorpions, resilient Zombies, and various types of skeletal minions to do her bidding.
The Witch class in Path of Exile 2 presents a distinctive and demanding gameplay experience that emphasizes strategic planning and flexibility. By honing her fundamental mechanics, playstyles, and essential skills, players can tap into the Witch's complete power and conquer the battlefield. Keep in mind the importance of staying agile, efficiently managing your curses and mana, and trying out various playstyles to discover the one that fits you perfectly.
Ranger Class Overview
The Ranger excels in speed and agility, unleashing a flurry of elemental arrows—be it Fire, Cold, or Lightning—while also employing a range of Poison-based abilities that create toxic zones on the battlefield, bursting with deadly effects upon contact with foes. This class is designed for dynamic movement, allowing the Ranger to dart in and out of combat or leap high into the air, launching explosive cold projectiles that hinder enemy movement.
In developing the Ranger class in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), the development team aimed to create a character that embodies agility and fast-paced bow action. From the outset, players can shoot arrows while on the move, albeit with a slight movement penalty, granting them greater tactical freedom during battles. The Ranger boasts a diverse skill set, including the ability to poison multiple enemies with Poisonburst Arrow and unleash arcs of electricity with Lightning Arrow, which can hit larger groups.
The class thrives on combining various elemental attacks to create devastating combos. To enhance mobility further, the Ranger can also utilize skills that allow for agile maneuvers across the battlefield, such as Frost Escape. Frost Escape enables the Ranger to leap backward while firing a freezing arrow at the ground, making it an essential skill for maintaining distance when enemies close in. Once foes are frozen, it’s the perfect moment to unleash Snipe, a charged skill shot that, when timed perfectly, guarantees a critical hit and deals area damage, making it an excellent finishing move. Additionally, the Ranger can execute arrow rain skills while on the move, exemplified by Lightning Rod. This skill launches an arrow into the air that embeds itself in the ground, creating a small area of effect. Once the rods are planted, they draw in nearby enemies, setting the stage for further attacks.
When facing larger foes, players typically seek ways to boost their damage potential. One effective skill for this purpose is Stormcaller Arrow. When activated, it embeds an arrow into the target, and after a brief delay, a lightning bolt descends from above to strike the enemy. This attack has a significant chance to inflict a shock status, causing shocked enemies to receive 30% additional damage from all sources. So, when a formidable opponent approaches, it's wise to launch one of these arrows first to amplify your damage before executing your next combo.
The Ranger class in Path of Exile 2 delivers a thrilling and distinctive gameplay experience, blending stealth, strategy, and action seamlessly. Their ability to adapt and versatility make Rangers a favored option for many players, catering to a wide range of playstyles.
What to Expect in Path of Exile 2 Endgame?
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) promises a good deal of Endgame content upon finishing the final act of the game. So what should we expect for the game's structure in Early Access? The first three acts of PoE 2 will approximately take 25 hours to complete for newcomers and less than 25 hours for experienced ARPG players. Upon completing your first run of the first three acts, there will be a second difficulty level called "Cruel" where players will repeat the campaign that includes all the enemy and boss encounters at a much higher level and new rewards. This aims to help players reach around level 65 where the end game begins.
Endgame's early access launch features seven different systems, and although the Atlas remains at its core, the way that it looks has evolved. The Atlas is a vast, randomly generated map that is practically infinite in Path of Exile 2. Similar to how you would use Maps in PoE 1's Map Device, you will explore its network of pathways by placing Waystones into each area. If you wish to increase the rewards and threats in each zone, you will need to decide how to craft them first. The "sequels" to four of the most well-liked Path of Exile league mechanics—Breach, Ritual, Delirium, and Expedition—will also appear for the time being. There are ways to increase the frequency of the ones you like the most, but these can also appear at random. Similar to PoE 1, you can choose how you want to approach the endgame by earning points for an Atlas passive tree. Additionally, it has smaller trees for each mechanic, and by completing their corresponding challenges successfully, you will receive points for these.
Special towers can be found as you explore the Atlas map. You can use tablets of the different mechanic types above to spread them across nearby maps after clearing these, which also gives you a broader view of the area around you to help you decide where to explore next. For instance, if you truly enjoy Delerium, you can design your tablets and maps to view it as frequently as you can. You can decide whether you want to focus on boss hunting or stay away from them completely, but you will also encounter corrupted zones and boss maps. In addition to these features, the Trialmaster's Challenge and the Trial of Sekhemas both make a comeback in endgame versions. Although you may decide to concentrate on one of these six systems, there appear to be many reasons to explore them all because each one offers distinct boss drops and rewards.
In your journey through the Atlas map, you may stumble upon a foreboding fortress that serves as the battleground for a Pinnacle boss encounter. Each faction boasts its own formidable Uber boss, but to face these supreme adversaries, you must first conquer their two lieutenants and then emerge triumphant in the final battle. If you succeed, you'll be rewarded with some of the best loot that Path of Exile 2 has to offer; however, if you fall short, the opportunity will vanish until you can track them down once more.
PoE 2: 0.1.1 Patch Preview
On the 13th of January, GGG released a video about Patch 0.1.1 which will be released within the week. Patch 0.1.1 focuses on fixing issues that players are facing in the endgame, specifically the mapping mechanic. Players have been giving feedback to GGG about the scarcity of Tower maps and the mapping mechanic wherein bosses are not fought as often. GGG addressed this issue by adding more Tower maps, adding a variant of a tablet that adds bosses to maps, just to name a few changes.
Also, players have been complaining about only having one attempt at a Pinnacle Boss — a seemingly punishing mechanic as Pinnacle Bosses can take hours (or be expensive) to reach. In Patch 0.1.1, GGG adds up to six respawn attempts in The Arbiter of Ash pinnacle boss encounter, with the total number of attempts decreasing at higher difficulties. GGG stated that other Pinnacle content will have respawn attempts added over time.
Items in PoE 2 have also been buffed, with Unique Equipments having significant buffs even at lower levels to become useful to players throughout the game. Mod weightings for rare items have also been significantly changed, as bad modifiers will appear less often in Patch 0.1.1. Runes have also been reworked, as they can now be replaced by another socketable.
Patch 0.1.1 also adds other miscellaneous changes, such as having a loot filter for console players. Other QoL changes have been shown, such as charms showing an effect when triggered, and their charges being shown beside flasks. For more information about the Patch 0.1.1 Preview, you may visit this page.
