Path of Exile 2 is set to elevate the iconic action RPG franchise with new mechanics, classes, and an entirely revamped campaign. As with the first game, players will face a brutal grind to reach the max level, and while that journey is part of what makes Path of Exile special, many players want to know how to reach level 100 (or whatever the new cap may be) as efficiently as possible. Fortunately, Path of Exile 2 will likely feature a similar leveling experience to its predecessor, albeit with some adjustments.

In this article, we'll walk through the most effective ways to quickly level up your character in Path of Exile 2, covering class choices, strategy, gear, and efficient leveling routes. Whether you're new to the Path of Exile series or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you maximize your progression and get to the endgame faster.

1. Choose a Strong Leveling Class

Your class choice can make a significant difference in how fast you can level. While every class in Path of Exile has the potential to reach max level, some are better suited to the early game. Certain classes and ascendancies offer easier or faster leveling experiences, allowing you to progress through content more smoothly.

Best Classes for Leveling:

Duelist (Champion / Slayer): Both the Champion and Slayer ascendancies are known for their strong clear speed and tankiness. A melee-focused Champion can breeze through mobs with powerful defensive and offensive boosts, while a Slayer excels in dealing massive damage.

Witch (Elementalist / Necromancer): The Witch is another strong class for leveling, especially if you opt for the Elementalist or Necromancer ascendancy. Elementalists can clear large groups of enemies with spells like Fireball and Flameblast, while Necromancers can rely on powerful minions to do the work for them.

Ranger (Deadeye): The Deadeye ascendancy for Rangers offers excellent ranged damage and good clear speed, making it a top-tier choice for players who prefer to kite enemies from a distance. Additionally, the ability to stack projectile effects and increased damage makes it a solid choice.

Marauder (Juggernaut / Berserker): If you prefer tankier characters, Marauder's Juggernaut ascendancy offers incredible survivability, while the Berserker can dish out fast and furious damage, clearing content quickly.

Each of these classes benefits from strong early-game abilities and has the potential to kill monsters efficiently. Pick a class that complements your playstyle, but also consider one with good AoE (area-of-effect) damage for smoother leveling.

2. Use Effective Skill Gems

The skill gem system in Path of Exile 2 is going to play a key role in how quickly you progress. While leveling, you'll want to prioritize skills that offer both speed and effectiveness in clearing monsters. Selecting the right skill gems, especially early on, can make a huge difference in your leveling speed.

Recommended Skills for Early Levels:

Flameblast / Fireball (Witch - Elementalist): These skills have great AoE damage and can clear packs of enemies quickly. Fireball is one of the most popular leveling skills due to its fast clearing ability.

Molten Strike (Marauder - Berserker): A classic skill that works well with melee builds, Molten Strike is excellent for leveling due to its synergy with the Berserker ascendancy, which boosts your damage output significantly.

Cyclone (Duelist - Slayer / Champion): Cyclone is an iconic melee skill that hits multiple enemies in a wide radius, making it ideal for quick clear speed in dense mobs.

Tornado Shot (Ranger - Deadeye): For those who prefer ranged combat, Tornado Shot is a great skill to level with. It hits multiple targets with ease, allowing for a swift clear of large packs of monsters.

Make sure to also prioritize support gems that enhance your damage output or increase your movement speed, such as Faster Attacks, Elemental Damage, or Multistrike.

3. Focus on Efficient Farming Areas

While you'll experience a variety of areas and scenarios throughout the campaign, some areas are particularly effective for grinding for experience points and Path of Exile 2 Currency. The faster you can clear these areas, the quicker you'll reach max level.

Optimal Leveling Routes:

Act 1 to Act 3: The first three acts offer good experience for relatively easy monster kills. These early zones are great for getting the hang of your character's abilities and building your initial gear. However, as you approach Act 3, the difficulty starts ramping up. Here, you'll want to focus on efficient farming areas like the The Riverways or The Fellshrine Ruins.

Act 4 to Act 7: In these middle acts, you'll begin encountering tougher enemies, but with the right gear and skills, these zones offer excellent farming opportunities. The Sarn Encampment and The Dunes are ideal farming locations for their high mob density. Focus on killing as many mobs as possible without getting bogged down by too many bosses.

Endgame (Mapping): Once you reach the endgame and unlock the Atlas of Worlds, maps will be your primary source of experience. The Tiers 1-4 maps will allow you to clear content quickly, and the addition of new Path of Exile 2 systems like the Mastery System will grant further bonuses to your experience gain. Aim to focus on low-tier maps with high mob density and easy bosses to maintain high efficiency.

When farming, always try to avoid long, drawn-out boss fights or labyrinths that slow your progression. You want quick, consistent monster killing.

4. Utilize Movement Speed and Avoid Downtime

Speed is everything when it comes to leveling quickly in Path of Exile 2. You don't want to be slowed down by unnecessary downtime-whether it's traveling from one area to another or waiting for buffs to reset.

Tips for Faster Movement:

Boots with Movement Speed: Prioritize boots with +Movement Speed, even early on. This will drastically reduce the time spent running from area to area and keep your momentum going.

Flasks with Speed: Flasks that increase your movement speed, such as Quicksilver Flasks, are essential for speed running through zones.

Use Movement Skills: Depending on your class and ascendancy, use movement skills like Leap Slam or Whirling Blades to traverse zones quickly and avoid excessive downtime.

Keep your speed up at all times, whether through flasks, movement skills, or passive tree choices. Time is experience, and the faster you move, the faster you'll level.

5. Leverage the Economy and Trading System

In Path of Exile, gearing up can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to level quickly. Rather than spending hours crafting or farming gear, take advantage of the economy and poe2 trade to acquire the best gear early on.

Trading Tips:

Buy Key Items Early: Certain items, like leveling uniques (e.g., Tabula Rasa, Goldrim), can be bought early and make a huge difference in your ability to clear content quickly. Look for these items on trade platforms and buy them with your currency.

Upgrade Gear Regularly: Don't hesitate to upgrade your gear at every opportunity, especially as you progress through harder zones. Having a well-equipped character makes a huge difference in the speed of your leveling process.

6. Join a Party or Use Boosters

Leveling in a party can speed up your progress exponentially. In Path of Exile 2, multiplayer features are expected to be more streamlined, making it easier than ever to join others and benefit from shared experience and power. Playing with others can also allow you to farm areas you might otherwise struggle with solo.

Additionally, party play can allow you to focus on particular tasks, like farming specific areas or bosses, while letting others handle the heavy lifting. Use boosters like Experience Elixirs or in-game consumables that enhance XP gain to make the most out of every kill.

7. Mastering the Art of Min-Maxing

Finally, min-maxing is essential for getting the most out of your leveling experience. Every small optimization, from adjusting your passive skill tree for more experience or specific resistances to taking advantage of synergies with your skill gems, can make a massive difference.

Look for any opportunity to increase your damage output, defense, or speed, and continually reassess your build as you progress. With Path of Exile 2 promising new systems and mechanics, mastering these nuances will be crucial to quickly reaching the max level.

Conclusion

Reaching max level in Path of Exile 2 will be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can streamline the process and get there much faster. Choose a class and ascendancy that aligns with your preferred playstyle, use the best skills for quick AoE damage, farm efficient areas, and focus on movement and speed at all times. Combine these strategies with the use of trade and multiplayer, and you'll be leveling up faster than you ever thought possible. Remember, in Path of Exile 2, efficiency is key-so make every minute count!