Top 7 Best Path of Exile 2 Classes Ranked – April 2025 Update
Path of Exile 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a rebirth. With deeper combat systems, a renewed skill gem framework, and a fresh visual overhaul, every class in PoE 2 feels distinct. But let’s face it—choosing the right class can make or break your experience. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned exile returning for blood and loot, knowing which classes rise above the rest in April 2025 is crucial.
In this definitive ranking, we break down the strengths, weaknesses, and unique features of each available class, helping you decide the best Path of Exile 2 class to use today.
Path of Exile 2 Best Class Overview
Path of Exile 2 launched its Early Access phase with six playable classes, each stemming from one of three core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. These attributes don’t just influence the skills you can use—they define your entire gameplay experience. Every class in PoE 2 brings something unique to the table, from the hulking might of the Warrior to the dexterous crossbow precision of the Mercenary.
But when it comes to the best class in Path of Exile 2 right now, things are shifting quickly. April 2025’s meta, influenced by the Dawn of the Hunt patch, has adjusted class power levels, and a new contender, the Huntress, has entered the fray. Let’s explore what truly sets each class apart in terms of gameplay, leveling efficiency, and endgame domination.
What Makes a Class the Best in PoE 2?
Not every class can excel at everything, so ranking them depends on a mix of factors:
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Leveling Speed: How quickly and easily a class can blast through the campaign.
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Endgame Viability: Boss damage, survivability, and mapping efficiency.
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Build Variety: The number of viable builds a class supports.
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Ease of Use: How beginner-friendly or complex the class is.
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Fun Factor: That subjective but crucial “wow” factor when a skill lands perfectly.
Mercenary: The Dominant Force in April 2025
There’s no sugar-coating it—the Mercenary is currently the strongest and most fun class in PoE 2. Wielding a Crossbow with multiple ammo types and explosive grenades, the Mercenary feels like a top-down shooter class tucked into an ARPG shell.
Why it’s great:
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Crossbow ammo types offer versatility: shotgun bursts, sniper shots, or machine gun fire.
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Grenade types create tactical combat opportunities (AoE, DoT, CC).
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Excellent defenses for a ranged class due to mixed Dex/Str scaling.
Pro Tip: Unlock the Witchhunter Ascendancy to gain Sorcery Ward and dominate with superior spell resistance.
Whether you’re farming maps or melting bosses, the Mercenary does it all while keeping you engaged with active gameplay and constant skill swaps.
Monk: The Balanced Bruiser With Depth
The Monk may not get as much love as the Mercenary, but it brings something that’s equally important—fluid, high-skill combat. Combining Dexterity and Intelligence, the Monk dances in and out of fights with devastating melee combos and spell-infused strikes.
Standout traits:
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Fast, responsive melee combat using Quarterstaffs.
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Momentum mechanics reward precision and planning.
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Great at clearing groups and handling bosses alike.
This class rewards skill and timing but doesn’t punish too harshly for slip-ups. If you’re looking for a mix of style and substance, the Monk might be your best pick.
Ranger: Agile and Lethal From Afar
No one zips through combat quite like the Ranger. With high Dexterity and evasion-based defense, she’s built for those who love kiting enemies and striking from the shadows.
Why you’ll love her:
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Bow-based combat feels fast and satisfying.
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Deadeye Ascendancy offers insane clear speed.
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Great solo class with minimal reliance on gear early.
However, be ready to dodge constantly. Rangers can be fragile if their Evasion fails them. But in the hands of a tactical player, she’s a lethal blur.
Sorceress: Spellweaving Elemental Destruction
If pure spell power is your thing, the Sorceress is your queen. Using Wands and high Intelligence, she channels elemental devastation like few others.
Why it works:
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Massive AoE and single-target damage.
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One of the easiest classes to level.
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Energy Shield provides a buffer to compensate for low armor.
Sure, she’s squishy—but her sheer offensive output more than makes up for it. Play her smart, and you’ll rarely need to worry about defense.
Witch: Queen of Minions and Chaos
The Witch embraces the dark arts. With Minion summoning, Chaos spells, and Curses, she can overrun enemies without breaking a sweat.
Strengths:
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One of the most thematic and visually satisfying classes.
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Spirit system synergizes well with Minion builds.
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Viable in both solo and group settings.
However, early game struggles and the need for strong support gear make her a trickier pick for new players. If you love Necromancer-style play, though, she’s the best PoE 2 has to offer.
Huntress: High-Skill Spear Specialist
The newest addition in the Dawn of the Hunt update, the Huntress is a hybrid melee/ranged class using a Spear. She’s agile, technical, and very satisfying—if you can handle the difficulty.
Key traits:
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Unique Parry mechanic enables high-skill defensive play.
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Blends ranged and melee combat seamlessly.
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Starts slow but scales well into endgame.
She’s not beginner-friendly, and her early levels can feel like a grind. But those who master her find a dynamic, rewarding class that excels in burst damage and finesse.
Warrior: Raw Power and Boss-Killing Machine
The Warrior may be bottom-ranked, but don’t count him out. With raw Strength and massive Two-Handed Maces, he’s a classic bruiser that gets better with time.
What he brings:
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Reliable melee damage with strong scaling.
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Great armor-based defenses.
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Top-tier boss damage with the right setup.
The downside? Leveling is slow, and you’ll be face-tanking a lot. But for fans of heavy-hitting melee combat, there’s something very satisfying here.
FAQs
Which class is the easiest for beginners in Path of Exile 2?
The Mercenary and Sorceress are considered the most beginner-friendly due to their straightforward playstyles and early power spikes.
What is the best endgame class in PoE 2?
Currently, the Mercenary offers the most reliable endgame performance thanks to versatile damage output and strong survivability.
Is the Huntress worth playing in April 2025?
She’s fun and unique but challenging. If you enjoy technical, skill-intensive classes, she’s worth trying.
Which PoE 2 class is the most fun to play?
Many players find the Monk or Ranger the most enjoyable due to their fast-paced and fluid combat.
Can I switch classes mid-game in PoE 2?
No, you’ll need to create a new character to switch classes. Respec options exist for skills and passives, but not class.
What is the best class for solo players in PoE 2?
The Ranger, Monk, and Sorceress are great for solo due to high mobility, damage, and self-reliance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best class in Path of Exile 2 isn’t about picking the one with the flashiest skills—it’s about finding what resonates with your playstyle. Whether you’re gunning down enemies with the Mercenary, weaving elemental destruction with the Sorceress, or dancing through death with the Monk, PoE 2 gives you the tools to make any class feel like the best.
That said, for April 2025, Mercenary leads the pack in both versatility and sheer fun. So load your crossbow, stock up on grenades, and carve your path through Wraeclast—there’s loot to be earned and gods to defy.