Path of Exile 2 has entered the gaming scene with a diverse array of classes, offering players plenty of choices right from its early access phase. Despite launching in this phase, it boasts nearly as many classes as the original game had upon its completion. Currently, Path of Exile 2 presents six base classes, each branching into two Ascendancy classes with a unique weapon and associated Skill Gems, and there are plans to introduce six more with their own unique features. This makes the game a standout in terms of class diversity and build flexibility, although not every class enjoys the same level of attention or effectiveness. Some classes naturally outperform others in player pick rates, while certain Ascendancies, unfortunately, don’t receive as much love from the community.
In action RPGs, it’s a common sight to have certain classes outshining others, whether generally or under specific conditions. For Path of Exile 2, melee classes seem to face a tougher challenge, needing to engage enemies up close compared to casters and ranged attackers who can deliver damage from safer distances. This discrepancy is evident in the top player rankings on both the Standard and Hardcore Ladders of Path of Exile 2, where melee classes like the Acolyte of Chayula are less frequently chosen.
The player ladders in Path of Exile 2 rank by the amount of experience gained, so the top spot is claimed by the player with the highest experience overall. These ladders, showcasing the top 1,000 players for each League, provide insight into which classes are currently thriving and which are struggling.
Reviewing the data, it’s clear that some classes dominate the early access scene of Path of Exile 2. For instance, the Invoker, despite being a melee-oriented class, enjoys popularity due to its robust defense capabilities, access to Spirit, and elemental damage output. Meanwhile, the Stormweaver captivates players with its straightforward and high-impact spellcasting abilities, making it particularly lethal with builds like Spark that balance offense and survivability perfectly.
Interestingly, the Infernalist shines more in Hardcore than in Standard, showcasing its suitability for environments where durability is key. As a result, summoners enjoy a strategic advantage in the hardy Hardcore environment. However, such strategic nuances might be lost on some classes, which remain underrepresented across both ladders, including the Witchhunter, Acolyte of Chayula, and Warbringer.
A closer look at the Acolyte of Chayula reveals a class with unfulfilled potential. Focused heavily on Chaos Damage—primarily achievable through Essence Drain + Contagion or Poison builds—this Ascendancy might be missing key elements from the dagger and spear weapon Skill Gems. Still, it offers formidable defensive options that can significantly aid in survival during challenging encounters, courtesy of nodes like Ravenous Doubts and Consuming Questions, which boost Mana and Energy Shield regeneration substantially.
Chayula’s Gift alone transforms Chaos Resistance from a liability to a strength, particularly beneficial for builds not centered around Chaos Inoculation. Furthermore, Walking Dream’s Into The Breach skill offers flexibility in building strategies while providing additional resiliency, proving invaluable in the endgame content of Path of Exile 2. While some parts of the Acolyte of Chayula, such as the Embrace the Darkness nodes, might not currently appeal due to Spirit’s importance, they hold promise for future enhancements. It’s regrettable that the Acolyte of Chayula doesn’t receive more attention because it is a well-designed Ascendancy offering significant depth and survival benefits.
Path of Exile 2, crafted by Grinding Gear Games, represents a compelling evolution in the free-to-play action RPG genre. This game invites players to explore the treacherous world of Wraeclast, encounter its multifaceted cultures, and battle numerous adversities. With its impressive lineup of 12 character classes, 240 Skill Gems, a multitude of equipment types, a six-act campaign, and more than a hundred unique boss encounters, the game promises a vast and engaging experience complete with a cooperative multiplayer offering and seamless progression across platforms.
