Path of Exile 2 Walks a Huge Class Feature Back From PoE

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a massive evolution of the beloved action RPG series. However, some changes have caught the community’s attention, especially regarding the game’s class mechanics. One of the most notable shifts involves the removal of the Ascendancy system—a class-defining feature in Path of Exile (PoE) that allowed players to specialize their character in one of many powerful subclasses. While this move has stirred some controversy, it seems to be part of a broader design overhaul aimed at streamlining and diversifying the gameplay experience.

What Was the Ascendancy System in PoE?

In the original Path of Exile, the Ascendancy system allowed players to unlock a secondary class or specialization once they reached the endgame. This system was critical in defining a character’s playstyle and progression, offering new skill nodes that drastically altered the way a character performed in combat.

• Ascendancy Classes: Each of the seven base classes in PoE could progress into one of several distinct Ascendancies, each with its own set of powerful passive skills and unique abilities. For example, the Templar could ascend into either the Inquisitor or Hierophant, each offering a radically different playstyle.
• Flavor & Strategy: The Ascendancy system allowed for deep customization, creating unique synergies between items, skills, and passive nodes. For many, Ascendancies became an essential part of their character’s identity.

Why PoE 2 Is Walking Back the Ascendancy System

While Ascendancies were beloved by many for adding complexity and replayability, Path of Exile 2 is reworking this system. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has stated that they want to focus more on providing meaningful build diversity from the start and reduce complexity, especially for new players. Here are the key reasons behind this major shift:

1. Simplification for New Players

The original Ascendancy system was complex, with each base class having multiple paths to choose from. For new players, this could be overwhelming, especially when they encountered build guides that required deep knowledge of the system. In PoE 2, GGG seems to want to streamline the class choices to ensure that new players can enjoy the game without the steep learning curve tied to the Ascendancy system.

• New Class System: Instead of Ascendancies, PoE 2 introduces a revamped class system that focuses more on skill selection and flexible progression. The new system allows players to freely choose abilities and subclasses as they progress through the game, giving them a more immediate sense of power and flexibility.

2. Encouraging More Build Variety from the Start

In PoE, Ascendancies were often the key to unlocking certain builds or synergies. In PoE 2, the goal is to let players experiment with different playstyles earlier in the game. This will make each class feel more versatile and customizable right from the beginning, rather than locking certain playstyles behind the Ascendancy path.

• Access to More Skills: By shifting the focus from Ascendancy choices, path of exile 2 currency for sale aims to offer more skill options that can be accessed throughout the journey. Players will have greater freedom in choosing their class’s powers, allowing for a broader variety of builds from the start of the game.

3. Improved Balance and Design

Over time, the PoE Ascendancy system became somewhat bloated, with certain Ascendancies becoming overpowered and others falling behind. For example, some Ascendancies had extreme power potential while others were not as viable in the endgame.

• More Balanced Classes: By moving away from the specialized Ascendancy system, GGG has the opportunity to balance all classes more evenly, allowing for a more equitable distribution of power across different builds. This could lead to a more engaging experience where all playstyles feel strong and viable, rather than favoring a few specific Ascendancies.

4. Evolving the Endgame Experience

In PoE, Ascendancies were also tied to the endgame—you had to unlock your Ascendancy subclass by completing the Labyrinth, which itself was a challenging and often divisive mechanic. While the Labyrinth was beloved by some, others found it to be tedious and restrictive.

• Changing the Endgame Approach: PoE 2 seems to be making endgame progression more accessible, allowing players to fully explore the depth of their class without needing to go through the Labyrinth or other gated systems. Instead, players will progress their characters through other means, making for a smoother and more rewarding experience overall.

What Does This Mean for Players?

For those invested in the complexity of the Ascendancy system, this change could be somewhat disappointing. The deep choices and power boosts that Ascendancies provided will no longer be a part of the experience. However, this change is likely to be welcomed by players looking for a more flexible and approachable system. Here are some key takeaways for players:

1. Faster Access to Desired Builds

Without the need to complete an Ascendancy path, you can access your build’s core mechanics earlier. This means that build experimentation becomes a more accessible feature from the beginning, which is a great way to cater to different playstyles and player types.

2. Easier Time for New Players

For players new to Path of Exile, the absence of Ascendancies removes a steep learning curve. Newcomers can focus more on skill combinations and class synergies, rather than getting bogged down with the intricacies of the Ascendancy system.

3. More Focus on Skills and Items

With Ascendancies being removed or reworked, the focus will shift more toward itemization and skill choices. This could lead to a more varied approach to build crafting, with poe 2 currency for sale mods and skills playing an even more prominent role in defining your character’s capabilities.

Conclusion

While Path of Exile 2 is moving away from the Ascendancy system, the change seems to be a strategic one aimed at streamlining the class system for new players, offering more freedom in character customization, and improving balance across the game. The PoE community has always been split when it comes to significant changes, and this one is no exception. However, by removing the heavy reliance on Ascendancies, GGG is undoubtedly paving the way for a more flexible and varied build experience in PoE 2—one that will allow players to create their own unique playstyles without the limitations of the old system.

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Whether you’re a returning buy path of exile 2 currency veteran or new to the franchise, the changes in PoE 2 promise a fresher, more dynamic gameplay experience with a greater emphasis on freedom, accessibility, and balance.

If you want to know more, you can read this article: How to Get Divine Orbs in Path of Exile 2: The Ultimate Guide