Path of Exile, a game known for its complexity and depth, offers a unique character class system that sets it apart from traditional RPGs. In most RPGs, the character you choose at the beginning of the game largely determines your skill set and preferred weapons. However, in Path of Exile, things work a bit differently. Many seasoned players might claim that any class can handle any role, but the reality is more nuanced. In this article, we’ll explore the factors you need to consider when selecting your character class, delve into the game’s three primary attributes, and take a closer look at each class and its corresponding ascendancies.
Attributes: The Building Blocks of Your Character
Understanding the three core attributes in Path of Exile is essential when choosing a character class: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. These attributes not only affect the types of weapons and skills you can use but also provide additional benefits. Let’s break them down:
Strength: Strength is predominantly found on the bottom left side of the skill tree. It grants life and melee damage bonuses. For every two points of Strength, you gain one additional maximum life point. Accumulating five points of Strength increases your melee damage by one percent. Characters situated in the lower left part of the skill tree, such as the Marauder, excel at melee combat, have high life pools, and favor armor.
Dexterity: Dexterity is concentrated in the bottom right section of the skill tree. It offers increased accuracy and evasion, as well as bonuses to bow, projectile, and poison-related nodes. Characters like the Ranger, positioned in this region, excel in ranged combat and agility.
Intelligence: Intelligence is prevalent in the upper part of the skill tree and is the domain of spellcasters. It provides an increased mana and energy shield, which acts as an additional protective layer for characters with smaller life pools. The Witch is the quintessential intelligence-based class, adept at spellcasting and utilizing energy shields.
Selecting Your Character Class
Now that we have a basic understanding of the three attributes and their respective character positions on the skill tree, let’s take a closer look at each character class and their unique ascendancy options.
- Marauder: Known for its incredible tanking abilities, the Marauder offers the “Juggernaut” ascendancy for tanky and damage-dealing builds. It excels at using two-handed weapons and heavily armored equipment.
- Templar: The Templar is versatile and can ascend into “Hierophant” for totem and brand-focused builds or “Inquisitor” for powerful elemental offense and defense. The Hierophant specializes in mana tanking, while the Inquisitor boasts a unique 30% increased attack damage when using a combination of spells and attacks.
- Witch: The Witch has multiple ascendancy options, including the “Occultist” for cold and chaos damage, the “Elementalist” for elemental builds, and the “Necromancer” for powerful minion-focused strategies.
- Shadow: The Shadow class can ascend as an “Assassin” for critical strikes and poison application, a “Trickster” for exceptional energy shield-based defenses, or a “Saboteur” for trap and mine damage.
- Ranger: Rangers can choose between the “Deadeye” ascendancy, which provides excellent mobility and projectile-related enhancements, the “Pathfinder” for poison-based builds and flask bonuses, or the “Raider” for speed and evasion.
- Duelist: The Duelist class boasts the “Gladiator” ascendancy for bleed-focused builds and high block rates, the “Champion” for a defensive option with impale mechanics, and the “Slayer” for extensive leech capabilities.
When deciding which class to choose, consider your preferred playstyle and the type of character you want to build. For beginners, the Witch is a solid option, especially if you follow a well-documented build guide. Such guides provide a clear path for skill and ascendancy point allocation, ensuring you’re on the right track.
Bonus Tip: To increase your chances of survival, remap the left mouse button from “Attack” to “Move Only” at the beginning of the game. This simple adjustment can prevent accidental attacks and keep you alive in tricky situations.
In conclusion, Path of Exile’s character class system is rich and complex, offering a wide array of choices and playstyles. Understanding the attributes and the unique characteristics of each class is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to Wraeclast, the right class and ascendancy path can significantly impact your journey in this intricate and captivating game. So, choose wisely and embark on your adventure in Path of Exile!
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