The Best Classes in Path of Exile [Ranked] (2024)

Before we begin looking at the best classes in Path of Exile, we have to discuss the elephant in the room. Many players in the community like to claim that there is no “best class,” as any class can become powerful. That simply is not true, as some of the classes are objectively mechanically better than others. Let’s look at them.

The Difference Between Class and Ascendancy

Path of Exile has a sub-class system that is significantly more impactful than in a lot of other games. The sub-classes in PoE are called “Ascendancies” and they often completely change the mechanics of how a specific class plays.

That’s not the only unique thing about the system, however. Path of Exile also divides classes into “Pure Classes” and “Hybrid Classes.” Pure Classes are the ones that specialize in a specific attribute, while Hybrid Classes tend to be split down the middle and can benefit from two attributes rather than just one.

The Top Classes in Path of Exile

Before we begin, let’s lay out the criteria. Each of the classes will be ranked based on the following traits:

• How much utility they have
• How fun they are to play
• How much damage they can deal
• Their overall survivability

With that in mind, the top spot definitely goes to the following class.

The Scion (S+ Tier)

The Scion undeniably deserves the top spot as the best class in Path of Exile. After all, it’s literally designed to be that. You unlock the Scion after finishing the campaign for the first time. The whole idea behind the Scion is that it’s a free template. You can equip it, build it, and play it however you want.

It’s a class that’s designed to be universal, hence why it’s so powerful. The only downside with this class is that it can get boring quickly on account of it having no constraints. Other than that, it’s undeniably the best in every regard.

The Witch (S Tier)

The Witch is the designated spellcaster in Path of Exile. The class itself is considered pure as its main attribute is Intelligence. Out of all the classes, this one probably has the most utility after the Scion.

There are several dozens of spells in Path of Exile, and the Witch can use them all. She can be built offensively, defensively, or even as a support. What’s more, her Ascendancies are some of the best in the game. Regardless of how you play her, you cannot go wrong with The Witch.

Ranger (A Tier)

The Ranger is another pure class, specializing in Dexterity as its main attribute. The thing that distinguishes the Ranger is her impressive burst potential, especially against powerful single entities.

Her Ascendancy classes are also pretty decent, though they lack the utility of the Witch’s. The only downside to the Ranger is that she isn’t a very survivable class, which makes her quite micro-intensive and unsuited for beginners.

Templar (B Tier)

Templar is a hybrid class that utilizes both Strength and Intelligence. His whole thing is dishing out divine punishment while withstanding unholy amounts of damage. The reason it's such a powerful class is because it inherits the best traits of the Witch and the Marauder.

Just like the Marauder, the Templar can get into the thick of combat, deal a lot of damage, and not care too much about the damage that’s being dealt back. And just like the Witch, he has access to a range of various spells that allow him to be played however you want. On the flip side, the issue with him is that he isn’t as good at either of those two things as the pure classes are.

Marauder (C Tier)

If you enjoy a simple but fun playstyle, the Marauder is one of the best classes in Path of Exile for that. It’s easy to learn, has a range of solid abilities, and is probably the most survivable class in the game.

The his maximum HP and melee damage output. If you equip him with a few lifesteal items, he becomes practically invincible. However, fun as he may be, the Marauder is seriously lacking in utility, which is his main downside.

Duelist (D Tier)

Both the Ranger and the Marauder are amazing classes, however, their hybrid, the Duelist…not as much. Unlike the Templar, which inherits the best of both of its pure counterparts, the Duelist inherits the worst of its pure counterparts. He’s extremely squishy and his damage output is mediocre at best.

His ascendancy options are likewise disappointing. All three options underperform when compared to the ascendancies of other classes. This class would be the lowest on the list if it weren’t for the final class.

Shadow (F-Tier)

If disappointment had a name that name would be the Shadow. The Shadow is the hybrid between the Witch and the Ranger, and similarly to the Duelist, it inherits none of the positive traits of its pure counterparts.

The Shadow isn’t very survivable, it doesn’t deal a lot of damage, it’s rarely fun to play, and its ascendancies are lackluster at best. The only saving grace for this class is its Trickster Ascendancy, which is pretty fun to play admittedly, but not very good overall.

whole thing with the Marauder is that he likes to focus on his Strength attribute, which increases