Path of Exile: What Class to Play

Choosing the right class in Path of Exile (PoE) is crucial for shaping your gameplay experience. With seven base classes, each offering unique playstyles and progression paths, it can be challenging for beginners to decide where to start. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best class based on your preferred playstyle:

  1. Witch: If you enjoy playing as a spellcaster or summoning minions, the Witch is a great choice. This class is known for its versatility, offering powerful elemental spells or minion-based builds that are beginner-friendly. A popular path is the Necromancer, which focuses on summoning undead armies to fight for you.
  2. Marauder: For those who prefer a tanky, melee-focused playstyle, the Marauder is ideal. This class excels in dealing and withstanding physical damage. The Juggernaut and Berserker Ascendancies provide durability and increased damage, making the Marauder a solid choice for beginners who want a straightforward and resilient character.
  3. Templar: The Templar is a hybrid class that combines melee combat with magic. It’s perfect for players who want a balance between dealing damage up close and casting powerful spells. The Inquisitor and Guardian Ascendancies offer great options for both damage and survivability, making the Templar a well-rounded choice.
  4. Ranger: If you prefer ranged combat, the Ranger is your go-to class. Specializing in bows and ranged attacks, the Ranger can clear enemies from a distance with high-speed attacks. The Deadeye and Raider Ascendancies focus on improving speed and damage, perfect for players who want to stay on the move and avoid direct hits.
  5. Shadow: The Shadow is a dexterity and intelligence-based class, ideal for those who like stealth and critical strikes. With the Assassin Ascendancy, you can deal devastating critical hits, while the Trickster offers a mix of defense and evasion, suitable for agile and tactical playstyles.

For new players, starting with the Witch or Marauder is recommended due to their straightforward playstyles and strong defensive options. As you gain more experience, you can explore other classes and experiment with different builds that suit your preferences.