Path of Exile 2 Beginner’s Guide: Tips, Builds & Walkthrough for New Players

Greetings! I am Librarian Husky, today we will look at the mechanics for starting the grind in POE 2.

Introduction to Path of Exile 2

So, you’re interested in trying out Path of Exile 2, but the game seems big and really, really overwhelming. Believe me, I understand. I’ve spent the last few days grinding the hell out of PoE just to give you today’s guide.

We are going to go over everything I can think of to help new players understand how the game works a little bit better, and we’re going to go over all the following topics.

Understanding Playable Classes

First up, the playable classes.

Playable Classes in Path of Exile 2

There are technically 12 playable classes in Path of Exile 2, but we only have access to six of them right now in Early Access. Those options are Warrior, Monk, Ranger, Sorceress, Witch, and Mercenary.

Warrior Class Overview

Warrior: This is your typical strength-based melee class, a big and bulky dude who lives on the frontline, able to take damage and dish it back. They have war cries which can buff allies, do ground pound AOE type stuff, and use hard-hitting melee weapons.

Character Classes Overview

Warriors can use two-handed weapons or wield shields in combat, which you can actively block with if you choose to do so.

Monk

A more agile and dextrous melee fighter, they have movement tech which allows them to zigzag across the battlefield quickly and usually wield things like a Quarter Staff for elemental attacks and fun stuff like a giant Bell to stun enemies.

Ranger

Classic bow-using projectile class, backing up and strafing around to create distance between you and your enemies while pelting them with a variety of ranged Arrow attacks, including AOE poison attacks and harder-hitting single target Arrow attacks.

Sorceress

Elemental damage-based Magic class, using projectile attacks throwing fire, lightning, or ice at the enemy, summoning Elemental obstacles for AOE damage like walls of fire and walls of ice.

Witch

Also a magic caster but more of a summoning class, raising armies of Undead minions who follow you around and do your bidding while you put curses on enemies.

Mercenary

Similar to Ranger, using ranged attacks with a crossbow functioning like a medieval gun, with different types of ammo, ranged attacks, burst fire, freezing ranged attacks, and grenades to damage or stun enemies.

Understanding Ascension in Path of Exile 2

Quick note: Something we’ll get into a little bit later, you may hear it referred to as Ascension or Ascendancy. That’s a term you’re going to hear a lot in Path of Exile 2. The best way I can describe this to a completely new player is basically a subclass or specialization for your class. More on that later.

Combat Mechanics and Exploration

Next up, a basic idea of how combat works, including talking about your HUD. When you’re out in the wild, the areas you visit are usually large, so you’ll be doing a lot of map exploring.

Exploring New Areas and Combat Skills

The more you explore, the more your map reveals. As you uncover new areas, enemies will show up frequently in groups, and you’ll use your skills, aka unique attacks based on your class, to deal damage and kill them. Skills are activated by clicking the corresponding skill button on your HUD in the bottom right.

Managing Combat Skills and Resources

Some skills are spammable, while others have cooldowns or cost more resources. For example, as a sorceress, my attacks use Mana.

Understanding Healing and Resources in the Game

Healing is achieved through flasks, which have charges that can be refilled by killing monsters or at a well in each Act.

Mana, Health, and Energy Shield

Mana is the resource for magic attacks, indicated by the blue orb in the bottom right. Health is indicated by the red orb in the bottom left, and Energy Shield is represented by the light blue bar outside the health meter. Energy Shield takes initial damage in combat until depleted, then health takes damage. Energy Shield recharges over time and can be boosted by passive skills or gear. Spirit, represented by the thin meter outside the Mana bar, is another resource for passive skills.

Combat Tips for Effective Gameplay

Combat tips: Shield users can actively block incoming attacks, dodge by tapping the space bar, and aim attacks with the mouse.

Mastering Combat Strategies

Dodging is useful in boss fights where attacks are telegraphed and can deal significant damage.

Enhancing Your Character’s Abilities

Passive skill tree: As you level up, you unlock passive skill points to spend on the tree, each giving a buff to your character. Notables offer stronger buffs and are good to build towards. You can respec points early on in Act 1 for a fee. Passive skills vary based on your class and starting point on the tree.

Unleashing Powerful Skills

Skills and gems: Gems are how you unlock and customize skills. Skill gems drop in combat and can be used to learn new skills or upgrade existing ones.

Customizing Skills with Support Gems

Support gems customize skills by altering behavior, such as adding projectiles or effects. Spirit gems work similarly. Skills can be equipped, de-equipped, and customized with support gems to modify behavior.

Core Attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence

Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence are core attributes affecting weapon use, accuracy, evasion, and spellcasting. Strength is essential for melee weapons and life, Dexterity for ranged weapon accuracy and evasion, and Intelligence for Mana and spellcasting. Attributes impact gear requirements and abilities.

Inventory and Gear

You have slots for weapons, headpiece, chest piece, gloves, belt, shoes, rings, amulet, flasks, and charms.

Game Mechanics Overview

Weapons can be switched fluidly in combat, and passive skills can be allocated for each weapon set. Runes can be socketed into gear for resistance or damage. Orbs and shards modify gear with various effects, such as upgrading items to rare quality.

Ascendancy System

Specializations for your class unlocked by defeating hidden bosses and completing trials. Ascendancy points are used to level up the tree, offering unique benefits and enhancing playstyles.

Returning to Town

Create a portal to return to town from anywhere by clicking the button in the bottom right of your screen.

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