Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Grinding Gear Games’ action RPG, introduces a revamped approach to the game’s Ascendancy system. Ascendancy classes are critical to customizing your character’s abilities, offering unique passive bonuses that enhance specific playstyles. If you want to navigate this system and optimize your build, here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to ascend in Path of Exile 2.
What Is Ascendancy?
Ascendancy classes are specialized subclasses for each of the main character archetypes in Path of Exile. These unlock new abilities and passive traits that significantly enhance your chosen build. In Path of Exile 2, these subclasses expand even further, offering a broader range of options tailored to various strategies.
Each of the base classes (Marauder, Ranger, Witch, Duelist, Templar, Shadow, and Scion) has multiple Ascendancy choices. For example, the Witch can branch into the Blood Mage or Infernalist, while the Ranger can ascend to Pathfinder or Deadeye. These Ascendancy classes focus on distinct themes such as elemental damage, life leeching, or area control, allowing players to refine their playstyles.
How to Unlock Ascendancy Classes
1. The Labyrinth
To unlock an Ascendancy class, you must complete the Labyrinth, a series of trials filled with traps, puzzles, and dangerous enemies. The Labyrinth’s difficulty increases as you progress through the game, with higher-tier versions (Cruel, Merciless, and Eternal) offering greater rewards and challenges. In Path of Exile 2, the Labyrinth remains central to the Ascendancy process, but some mechanics have been refined to suit the new gameplay.
- Preparation is Key: Before entering the Labyrinth, ensure your character has sufficient damage output, survivability, and mobility. Movement skills such as Flame Dash or Leap Slam can help you evade traps and maneuver through enemies.
- Understand Traps: The Labyrinth is filled with deadly traps like spike traps, spinning blades, and furnace zones. Learning their patterns and timing your movement can save you from unnecessary deaths.
2. Izaro’s Fight
At the end of the Labyrinth, you must face Izaro, the eternal emperor. His fight consists of multiple phases, and his abilities change based on the mechanics you trigger during the encounter. Success in defeating Izaro unlocks access to the Ascendancy altar.
- Avoid Triggering Buffs: Izaro becomes more challenging if you activate certain mechanics, such as empowering his weaponry. Carefully choose which mechanics to engage.
- Use Flask Charges Wisely: Bring health and mana flasks tailored to your build, as these can make the fight manageable.
3. The Ascendancy Altar
Once you defeat Izaro, you can interact with the Ascendancy altar to choose your desired subclass. This decision is critical to your build and should align with your chosen playstyle and gear. After selecting an Ascendancy class, you gain access to its unique passive tree, which can be further enhanced as you progress.
Tips for Choosing the Right Ascendancy Class
Choosing the best Ascendancy class depends on your character build, skills, and playstyle. Here are some popular options and their strengths:
- Pathfinder (Ranger): Ideal for players focusing on flask-based mechanics and poison damage. Abilities like “Contagious Contamination” spread poison to nearby enemies, making it great for crowd control.
- Blood Mage (Witch): This class offers life-leeching capabilities and blood magic spells. It suits builds that prioritize high survivability while dealing consistent damage.
- Chronomancer (Sorceress): If you prefer manipulating time and resetting cooldowns, this Ascendancy is perfect for unleashing high burst damage repeatedly.
Improving Your Labyrinth Performance
If you struggle with completing the Labyrinth, consider these strategies:
- Optimize Gear: Equip items with high resistance to mitigate elemental and physical damage from traps.
- Enhance Mobility: Movement speed is critical for avoiding traps and maneuvering around enemies. Look for gear and passive skills that increase mobility.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The Labyrinth can be daunting, but familiarity with its layout and traps will make future runs smoother.
Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 vs. Path of Exile 1
While the core mechanics remain consistent, Path of Exile 2 introduces quality-of-life improvements and a broader selection of subclasses. The sequel aims to make the Ascendancy process more engaging and rewarding, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of character progression.
