Path of Exile 2 Beginner's Guide: Which Class to Start in 1.0

Path of Exile 2 leaves early access and goes free to play on December 11, 2026, on PC, PS5 and Xbox. If you're jumping in for the first time, the biggest question is simple: which class should I start with? This guide explains the classes in plain English, gives you a few easy beginner picks, and covers the things new players wish they knew on day one.

Written before the 1.0 launch with everything announced so far. I'll update it once 1.0 is out and the final details are confirmed.

Path of Exile 2 1.0 at a glance

For the full list of what's coming, see our Path of Exile 2 1.0 news roundup.

How classes work (the short version)

• Your class is your starting point, not a cage. Every class shares the same giant passive skill tree; your class just decides where on it you start.
• Skills come from gems, not from your class. In theory any class can use any skill, but each class is built around certain weapons and attributes, so some skills feel much better on some classes.
• Ascendancy is your subclass. Later in the campaign you complete an Ascension trial and choose one of your class's Ascendancies. That's where builds really take shape, so you don't have to know your final build on day one.

The classes at a glance

Best beginner picks

There's no wrong answer, but some classes are more forgiving while you learn the game:

• Witch with minions: your summons take the hits and do the damage, so you can focus on learning the game. A very popular first pick.
• Ranger or Mercenary: fighting from range means fewer surprise deaths while you learn boss attacks.
• Sorceress: strong, simple elemental spells. A bit squishier, but very satisfying.
• Warrior: tough and simple, though slower to clear packs early on.

Should a new player start Duelist or Shadow?

They're the exciting new classes, so lots of people will start them. From what's been shown:

• Duelist looks like the safer of the two: straightforward sword melee, and players expect it to be easy to pivot between weapon styles.
• Shadow looks amazing when you're in Stealth, but early players and testers point out it depends on getting into Stealth. Fun, but probably harder for a first character.

If you just want to have fun, pick the one that looks coolest to you. The class you enjoy is the one you'll stick with.

Day-one tips for new players

• Play the new league, not Standard. Everyone starts fresh in the launch league (Conquerors of Wraeclast), so the economy and trading are level for new players.
• Use your dodge roll. Path of Exile 2 is slower and more about reading enemy attacks than the first game. Learning to dodge bosses matters more than perfect gear early on.
• Don't over-think the passive tree early. Pick nodes that boost the skill you use and your health. You can refund points later.
• Keep your currency. Many items you pick up are currency used for crafting and trading. Don't waste the rare ones on early gear you'll replace in an hour.
• Use a loot filter. The game drops a lot of items. A loot filter hides the junk so you only see what matters.
• Follow one build guide for your first character. Once you understand the systems, experimenting is half the fun.

What do you need to play?

The game is free, so you only need the platform. On PC, a gaming mouse with side buttons helps with skill-heavy builds; on console or PC with a pad, a good controller like the DualSense works great, since the game has full controller support.

FAQ

When does Path of Exile 2 1.0 come out?

December 11, 2026. The exact launch hour hasn't been announced yet.

Is Path of Exile 2 free?

Yes. It goes free to play on December 11. You can buy cosmetics and extra stash tabs, but the game itself is free.

What is the easiest class for beginners?

Witch with minions is the most common beginner recommendation, followed by ranged classes like Ranger and Mercenary.

Do I need to play Path of Exile 1 first?

No. Path of Exile 2 is its own game with its own campaign, so you can start fresh.

Can I change my class later?

Not on the same character, but you can make as many characters as you like. Many players try two or three classes in their first league.