PoE2 Guide: Picking Your First Character

When starting Path of Exile 2 during early access, your first major decision is selecting a character class. With six initial classes each offering two Ascendancy paths—and more planned for future updates—choosing the optimal build can be overwhelming. We've curated the strongest current builds to help you begin your journey with confidence.

Table of Content

• Best Witch Build in PoE2
• Best Mercenary Build in PoE2
• Best Monk Build in PoE2
• Best Warrior Build in PoE2
• Best Sorceress Build in PoE2
• Best Ranger Build in PoE2

Best Witch Build in PoE2

The Minion Summoner Infernalist stands out as the premier Witch build, perfectly balancing accessibility and power for both beginners and veterans. This demonic summoner archetype transforms battles into chaotic spectacles with waves of undead minions.

Minion Summoner Infernalist Key Features

• Skeletal Brute + Martial Tempo & Heavy Swing
• Skeletal Cleric + Arcane Tempo
• Flame Wall + Persistent Flames & Area Expansion
• Demon Transformation Mechanic

Gameplay revolves around strategic positioning while your undead army overwhelms foes. The demon transformation adds explosive burst potential during crucial moments. Maintain momentum by constantly refreshing minions and alternating between fire support and mobility skills.

Best Mercenary Build in PoE2

The FrostFerno Witch Hunter delivers a unique dual-element playstyle that freezes enemies before shattering them with explosive firepower. This technical build rewards precise skill sequencing.

FrostFerno Core Rotation

1. Permafrost Bolts (Freeze)
2. Explosive Grenade (Detonation)
3. Galvanic Shards (Cleanup)

Best Monk Build in PoE2

The Herald of Thunder Invoker transforms the Monk into a mobile storm deity, blending melee prowess with electrifying area control. This well-rounded build excels in both offense and defense.

Key Combat Patterns

• Tempest Flurry for lightning-enhanced combos
• Orb of Storms for sustained area damage
• Vaulting Impact for positioning

Best Warrior Build in PoE2

The Armour Breaker Warbinger dominates through brute force, using massive two-handed weapons to crush enemy defenses. This straightforward yet devastating melee build thrives in the thick of combat.

Best Sorceress Build in PoE2

Ember Fusillade Stormweaver offers spellcasters a dynamic fire/lightning hybrid playstyle with excellent area coverage. This build shines in both crowd control and single-target engagements.

Best Ranger Build in PoE2

The Deadeye Grenadier provides exhilarating high-risk gameplay, blending mobility with explosive area damage. This technical ranged build demands precision but rewards skilled play.

Grenadier Tactics

• Chain freeze and explosive combos
• Positioning for maximum AoE coverage
• Managing evasion and movement cooldowns

While these builds currently dominate Path of Exile 2's early access meta, expect ongoing balance adjustments and new character options as development progresses. Each build offers distinct gameplay rhythms to suit different preferences from methodical minion mastery to explosive high-paced action.