Path of Exile 2 Early Access: How Class Builds Differ from Path of Exile 1 and What You Can Do with Existing Builds
Hey, fellow exile! Path of Exile 2 early access has been live for over 10 days now, and while there’s a lot of excitement, we know there’s still a lot of uncertainty, especially regarding class builds. You might wonder: How do my old PoE 1 builds hold up in PoE 2? Or What changes do I need to make to stay competitive? Well, you’re not alone! We’re here to break down how class builds in PoE 2 are different from what you’re used to in PoE 1 and give you some tips on how to adjust your existing builds for the new game. Let’s dive in!
1. The New Class System: A Fresh Take on Build Foundations
If you’re coming from PoE 1, you’re probably used to the idea that each class starts in a specific spot on the passive skill tree, with its own strengths and weaknesses. Well, PoE 2 brings some changes here. The class system isn’t gone, but it’s definitely been expanded. There are now more subclasses to choose from, and these will offer new ways to specialize your character.
What’s Changed:
More Subclasses: Think of them as sub-categories of the traditional classes. You’ll still see familiar names like the Marauder or Witch, but each comes with new subclasses and specializations that might not exist in PoE 1.
Ascendancies Have Evolved: The ascendancy system has been reworked, which means you may have to rethink how you build your character.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
If you loved a build in PoE 1, don’t just expect to slap it into PoE 2 and go on your merry way. For example, suppose you used to play a Marauder with the Juggernaut ascendancy. In that case, you might find that the PoE 2 version has some new abilities and synergies that could totally change your strategy. It’s worth taking some time to explore these new subclasses and see how they can fit with your preferred playstyle.
Pro Tip: Focus on your core gameplay first—whether it’s damage, defense, or utility—and check out the new subclasses and ascendancies to see which one fits best with your style.
2. Ascendancies: A Whole New World of Possibilities
In PoE 1, your ascendancy was what made your build unique. Whether you were a Necromancer Witch or a Deadeye Ranger, ascendancies gave you that extra power and flavor. In PoE 2, ascendancies still play a big role, but they’ve been reworked. Some of the old ones have been replaced, and new ones have been added, giving you even more options to shape your build.
What’s Changed: New Ascendancies: You’ll find that some of your old ascendancies have been reworked or replaced with entirely new ones that offer fresh mechanics and synergies.
More Flexibility: With a wider range of ascendancies available, you’ll have more ways to customize your playstyle. How Does This Affect You?
If you had a specific ascendancy you loved in PoE 1, you might find that it no longer works in quite the same way in PoE 2. For instance, the Occultist ascendancy for the Witch has some big changes, so you might need to adjust your build accordingly. But hey, that’s also an exciting opportunity to explore something new.
Pro Tip: If your old build revolved around an ascendancy that’s been changed, try to focus on the new synergies with your skills and gear. For example, if your build was all about Minion Damage, check if the new ascendancy offers better scaling or buffs to minions.
3. Skills: A New Toolbox to Experiment With
In PoE 1, skill gems were the bread and butter of any build. Whether you loved Flameblast, Cyclone, or Summon Skeletons, the skill gems were how you made your character feel unique. PoE 2 keeps skill gems, but there are a lot of changes here as well. You might find some old favorites, but there are also new skills with totally different mechanics.
What’s Changed:New Skills and Synergies: Some classic skills have been revamped or replaced, and new skills come with fresh mechanics and playstyles.
More Skill Interactions: Skills might now have new synergies with your ascendancy or the passive tree that didn’t exist in PoE 1.
How Does This Affect You?
Your old skill gems may not work quite the same in PoE 2, especially if they’ve been reworked or if there are better alternatives. If you were using something like Flameblast or Fireball, try exploring the new skill gems to see if there’s a better option for your play style.
Pro Tip: If your build was built around a specific skill, check out its updated version in PoE 2. For instance, if you’re a Minion player, look into the new Summon Skeletons or Summon Zombie skills to see how they interact with the new ascendancies and passive nodes.
4. The Passive Tree: Rework, Rethink, Rebuild
The passive tree in PoE 1 was massive and complex, and while PoE 2 still has a similar system, there have been changes to the layout and some key nodes. If you’re used to following a specific route in the tree, be prepared to adjust.
What’s Changed:Reworked Pathways: Some familiar pathways might not lead to the same nodes or might have new nodes available.
New Clusters and Nodes: Expect new ways to build your character and some updated keystones that might require you to rethink your strategy.
How Does This Affect You?
You might not be able to follow your old passive tree path exactly as before, especially if you were used to certain cluster nodes. If your build was based on something like Power Charges or Energy Shield, make sure to check if those nodes still exist in the same way or if there are new ways to scale them.
Pro Tip: Spend some time exploring the new passive tree. There are likely new nodes that synergize well with your new skills and ascendancies. If you loved scaling Attack Speed, check for new clusters that offer even better bonuses for this stat.
5. Itemization: New Gear, New Mods, Same Old Challenge
Items in PoE 1 were always a huge part of what made your build work, and in PoE 2, that’s still true. However, expect some changes in how items are designed and how they interact with your character. New mods, new crafting options, and new item types could shake up your old gear choices.
What’s Changed: New Unique Items and Mods: Some old mods may be gone, and new mods will offer different ways to scale your character’s damage or defense.
Crafting Updates: PoE 2 brings some fresh changes to the crafting system, which means you might need to adjust how you optimize your gear.
How Does This Affect You?
Your favorite gear from PoE 1 might not be as effective in PoE 2. For example, if you’ve always relied on specific mods like % increased Critical Strike Chance or Life on Hit, check to see if the new item mods offer better ways to scale your damage or defenses.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on new item mods that can give your build a huge boost. If your build was heavy on Projectile Damage, look for new mods that enhance projectiles or attack speed. You may find gear that synergizes better with your PoE 2 build than your old gear.
Conclusion: Adapting Your PoE 1 Builds to PoE 2
While PoE 2 definitely introduces some big changes, there’s still a lot to love for PoE 1 veterans. Many of the core mechanics you’re familiar with are still there, but with the new class system, ascendancies, skill gems, passive tree, and itemization, there’s a lot to explore and adapt to.
The best advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment. PoE 2 is all about discovering new synergies and finding ways to make the new systems work for your playstyle. Your old builds might need a little tweaking, but with the right adjustments, you can create something even more powerful than before.
Stay Tuned for More Guides
The PoE 2 early access is just the beginning, and as more updates roll in, we’ll have even more tips and guides to help you perfect your builds. Keep experimenting, and enjoy the new era of Path of Exile!
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