Path of Exile is an action-packed RPG with a vast array of character customization options. As a new player, understanding the different classes available and their strengths, weaknesses, and play styles is crucial to embarking on a thrilling journey through the dark and treacherous lands of Wraeclast. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of getting started, basic character creation, and provide insights into each class, helping you make an informed decision when selecting your preferred play style.

• Game Modes: Choosing the Right League
• Classes Overview: Strengths and Play Styles
• Choosing the Right Class for Your PlayStyle
• Conclusion

 

↖ Game Modes: Choosing the Right League

Game Mode	Description
Standard League	A long-term permanent experience where characters and items are stored indefinitely. Ideal for relaxed adventures, exploring older content, or playing solo without seasonal resets.
Seasonal League	Also known as Challenge League, it offers an ever-changing and dynamic environment with fresh content and mechanics. Characters and items transfer to the parent Standard League at the end.
Hardcore	Permanent death for characters - if your character dies, it transfers to the parent Standard League, and you lose access to it and its items. A thrilling challenge for experienced players.
Solo Self Found	SSF - A self-reliant journey with no trading or grouping with others. Everything achieved is through your efforts, making resourcefulness key to success. For experienced players.
Ruthless	Emphasizes scarcity of items, currency, and skill gems. Requires resourcefulness and efficiency with available resources. A unique challenge mode for seasoned players.

 

↖ Classes Overview: Strengths and Play Styles

Class	Description	Strengths and Play Styles	Ascendancy Classes
Marauder	A powerful warrior focused on strength and melee combat, excels at dealing and withstanding physical damage.	Ideal for tanky melee builds. Excellent at dealing and enduring physical damage.	Juggernaut, Berserker, Chieftain
Ranger	Swift and agile, skilled in archery and dexterity-based combat, adept at dealing rapid damage from a distance.	Perfect for ranged attackers, fast and precise damage dealers.	Deadeye, Raider, Pathfinder
Witch	A spellcasting class specializing in intelligence and Elemental Magic, can summon minions.	Devastating spellcasters with elemental magic and minion support.	Necromancer, Elementalist, Occultist
Duelist	Versatile class combining aspects of strength and dexterity, excels in both melee and ranged attacks.	Adaptable fighters with proficiency in melee and ranged combat.	Slayer, Gladiator, Champion
Templar	A hybrid class proficient in strength and intelligence, wields holy Elemental Magic, and can use melee weapons and spells.	Holy warriors with access to both magic and melee prowess.	Inquisitor, Hierophant, Guardian
Shadow	Cunning and elusive, skilled in dexterity and intelligence, excels in stealth, critical strikes, traps, and mines.	Stealthy and critical-focused characters, excel at traps, and strategic combat.	Assassin, Saboteur, Trickster
Scion	A unique class with a flexible starting point, can access any part of the passive skill tree, and combines abilities from other classes through ascendancy.	Versatile class with the potential to create unique and hybrid builds.	N/A (Must be unlocked during the campaign)

 

↖ Choosing the Right Class for Your PlayStyle

• Consider the play style you enjoy the most, whether it's melee, ranged, spellcasting, or summoning.
• Each class has its own strengths and abilities, but the game's flexibility allows for various builds within each class.
• Ascendancy classes further enhance your character's abilities and play style, offering powerful bonuses and unique mechanics.

 

↖ Conclusion

Path of Exile offers an exciting world of possibilities with its deep character customization and diverse classes. As a new player, exploring the different classes and understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and play styles is essential in creating a character that resonates with your preferences. Experiment with various builds, ascendancies, and game modes to fully experience the thrilling journey that awaits you in the dark lands of Wraeclast.