Path of Exile 2 is deep in early access, and while the meta hasn't fully stabilized, the most effective classes and builds are beginning to stand out. With the upcoming Secret of the Atlas expansion on the horizon, now's a perfect time to break down the top-performing characters and which builds are dominating the current game state.

Whether you're diving into PoE 2 for the first time or looking to reroll ahead of the next patch, our early access tier list ranks the most powerful class/Ascendancy/build combinations based on damage, survivability, versatility, and endgame scaling.

Best Class & Build Tier List- Early Access Rankings

S-Tier- Top Meta Picks

1. Mercenary (Gemling Legionnaire- Grenade Mercenary Build):

·This class sits at the very top due to its explosive Area-of-Effect capabilities, versatile grenade mechanics, and high synergy with support gems. It's the most consistent and dominant option right now, ideal for both leveling and endgame content.

2. Ranger (Deadeye- Lightning Arrow Build):

·A close second to the Mercenary, the Ranger thrives on speed, precision, and screen-clearing power. Lightning Arrow is a powerhouse for clearing large packs, and Deadeye provides range, critical strike boosts, and utility.

A-Tier- Very Strong, Slightly Less Dominant

1. Warrior (Smith of Kitava- Boneshatter Smith Build):

·A melee juggernaut with high burst potential and strong survivability. Boneshatter delivers devastating blows, and the Warrior class scales well with crafted gear and physical damage.

2. Huntress (Amazon- Bleed Rake Amazon Build):

·This build specializes in bleed-based damage over time, offering strong boss-killing potential and good scaling. Though less flashy than others, it's durable and deadly with the right gear.

B-Tier- Viable but More Niche

1. Sorcerer (Stormweaver- Frostsnapper Build):

·A spellcaster that excels in mid-range elemental damage. Frostsnapper is effective for crowd control and AoE, though it lacks mobility and requires careful positioning.

2. Witch (Infernalist- Flaming Minion Build):

·A pet-centric build where summoned minions deal fire damage. It's a passive playstyle that works well for some, but it depends heavily on minion AI and suffers in fast-paced fights.

C-Tier- Currently Underperforming

1. Monk (Invoker- Ice Thunder Build):

·A hybrid elemental build with potential, but it currently lacks the damage and survivability needed to keep up. It's a more technical playstyle, and while it can work in niche situations, it's the weakest overall in the current meta.

Who's the Best Class in Path of Exile 2 Right Now?

Mercenary (Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy- Grenade Mercenary Build)

At the top of the meta stands the Mercenary, thanks to the Gemling Legionnaire Ascendancy and the explosive power of the Grenade Mercenary build.

Why it's top-tier:

·Unmatched AoE damage via grenade skills.

·Excellent scaling with support gems and passive upgrades.

·Long-range combat keeps you safe and efficient, ideal for leveling and boss fights.

·Status ailments like shock and burn debilitate enemy groups before the final blow.

The build excels in both crowd control and bossing, making it the best all-around option in PoE 2 right now.

Runner-Up: Ranger- Deadeye / Lightning Arrow Build

Not far behind is the Ranger, armed with the Deadeye Ascendancy and a lightning-infused arsenal.

Why this build excels:

·Lightning Arrow offers screen-clearing speed with piercing projectiles.

·Superior mobility, letting you kite, dodge, and reposition easily.

·Excellent for both solo content and group play.

·Ideal for early game progression and mid-tier boss farming.

The Lightning Arrow Deadeye is a favorite among players for its ease of use and fast-paced gameplay loop.

A-Tier: Powerful But Less Dominant

Warrior (Smith of Kitava- Boneshatter Smith)

·A brutal melee bruiser with staggering, bone-shattering blows.

·Best for players who prefer close-quarters combat and big crits.

·Tanky, with strong scaling on crafted weapons.

Huntress (Amazon- Bleed Rake Amazon)

·Focuses on stacking bleed damage over time.

·Excellent for players who enjoy hit-and-run tactics and passive damage.

·Not as bursty, but scales well into the late game with the right gear.

B-Tier: Niche and Fun, But Not Meta-Breaking

Sorcerer (Stormweaver- Frostsnapper)

·Leverages elemental spellcasting for mid-range AoE.

·Has solid wave clear, but lacks the mobility and survivability of higher-tier builds.

Witch (Infernalist- Flaming Minion Infernalist)

·Summons fiery minions for indirect damage dealing.

·Great for passive playstyles, but reliant on minion AI and positioning.

C-Tier: For Experts Only

Monk (Invoker- Ice Thunder Invoker)

·Interesting synergy between ice and lightning, but low survivability and lack of damage scaling hold it back.

·More complex to play and less rewarding without perfect itemization.

Final Thoughts Before the Next Expansion

Path of Exile 2 is still evolving, and while the Mercenary's Grenade build currently leads the charge, the meta will likely shift as more content, balance changes, and expansions (like Secret of the Atlas) are introduced.

Players should explore different classes not just based on power but also on personal play style. PoE 2 rewards creativity and experimentation- every build has the potential to shine with the right support and strategy.

Of course, Path of Exile 2 Currency is the most important. Path of Exile 2 Currency is a combination of a regular currency like Gold in other MMOS and base materials for item crafting, which is a big part of the game. So, if you don't have enough Path of Exile 2 Currency, welcome to ELD.GG to buy Path of Exile 2 Currency.