Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

The new Path of Exile 2 league launches in just days, bringing massive changes that will reshape the entire meta. Choosing the right league starter can make or break your early game experience, especially with the revamped skill systems and new defensive mechanics coming into play. Here are the best classes in the Third Edict update, ranked by their strengths, weaknesses, and overall league-starting potential.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

Rank 6 - Monk 

Monk lands at the bottom of the ranking despite being a functional and viable starter. Its main strengths lie in gear independence, defensive tools, and flexible ascendancy options. The class can thrive without premium weapons thanks to a toolkit of evasive skills and crowd control abilities, while the introduction of the new deflect mechanic adds another defensive layer by reducing incoming damage on top of evasion and energy shield. Invoker remains a reliable choice, and the revamped Acolyte of Chayula brings fresh possibilities for build diversity.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

However, the downsides weigh heavily. As a melee-focused class, Monk suffers from risky positioning, making it harder to safely learn boss patterns compared to ranged characters. While the Hollow Palm Technique initially sounds promising, its practical impact is limited since it strips away valuable weapon modifiers like elemental damage and leech. On top of that, energy shield gear faces steep competition from other dexterity/intelligence-based classes, making trading more difficult. Overall, Monk is survivable and flexible, but these weaknesses hold it back compared to stronger league starters.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

Rank 5 -Sorceress

The Sorceress offers excellent range and strong new tools like the infusion system, giving her an edge in positioning and creative combo potential. With buffs to Storm Weaver, Arcane Surge now provides up to 15% more casting speed, making her faster and more efficient. The infusion mechanic also adds an innovative layer, allowing skills such as Lightning Ball to leave behind resources for chained attacks.

However, these advantages are overshadowed by critical drawbacks. Sorceress damage output is heavily tied to weapon quality, making her extremely gear dependent. Relying almost solely on energy shield for defense leaves her fragile and prone to sudden deaths. On top of that, her gear is highly contested in trade leagues since most players recognize its value, driving up prices. Without strong weapon drops, her performance quickly falls behind other classes, and while infusion shows promise, it lacks the depth to carry her as a consistent league starter.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

Rank 4 -Ranger

Ranger stands out as one of the strongest classes in the upcoming patch, thanks to significant buffs and the sheer dominance of Deadeye. With high evasion, strong movement speed, and new deflect mechanics, Rangers excel at survivability while remaining effective even without perfect gear. The class now also enjoys more flexibility, as ice builds are viable alongside traditional lightning setups, giving players additional options to explore.

Still, these advantages are overshadowed by overwhelming trade competition. Deadeye’s popularity ensures that bow upgrades will be among the most expensive items on the market, driving up costs to prohibitive levels. While Poison Pathfinder provides some variation, most players will still flock to the same builds, further intensifying gear scarcity. For those unable to invest 100+ hours in the first week, Ranger’s economic barrier makes it a difficult choice despite its raw power.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

Rank 3 -Kitava Warrior

Kitava Warrior stands out as one of the most dependable starters because of its exceptional resistance management and steady progression. By stacking only fire resistance, players can automatically cap all three elemental resistances through the key passive that converts part of fire resistance into cold and lightning protection. This makes early leveling much easier, with capped resistances achievable by Act 3, and ensures a nearly invincible experience during the campaign. With three distinct ascendancy options such as Kitava, Titan, and Warbringer, the class provides flexibility for different playstyles while keeping its strong defensive scaling.

The straightforward gearing system adds to its appeal. Focusing only on fire resistance rolls allows for simple gear acquisition and a smooth transition into mapping, especially with upgrades like Forged in Flame that extend fire resistance benefits to all elements. On the trade side, Kitava Warriors face little competition since the class is often underplayed, and strength-based gear is much cheaper compared to bows. Altogether, Kitava Warrior combines affordability, survivability, and versatility, making it a strong league starter choice.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

Rank 2 - Witch

Witch secures second place thanks to her incredible build diversity and the power of Skeletal Storm Mages. These minions make the class nearly gear-independent since damage scales with gem levels rather than equipment quality. Armies of minions can fight while you stay safely at range, and their ability to resurrect themselves ensures consistent battlefield control. Combined with three distinct ascendancy paths—Blood Mage for critical physical builds with leech, Infernalist for enhanced minion armies or demon casting, and Chronomancer for chaos damage with leech mechanics—the Witch offers unmatched versatility.

Her strengths at league start are clear. She requires no best-in-slot items since minions can carry her through all content, and her safety is reinforced by staying at range while protected by an immortal bodyguard force. The class thrives on flexibility, offering multiple playstyles without sacrificing power. Trading is also less punishing since she does not rely on highly contested items. With the upcoming rework expanding the number of possible summons to over 30 compared to the current 15 to 17, the Witch enters the new league with unprecedented potential.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update

Rank 1 -Mercenary

Mercenary rises to the top with an exceptional mix of power, flexibility, and affordability. Crossbow combinations now benefit from nearly 200 percent more damage, while hybrid defenses scale with both strength and dexterity to provide armor, evasion, and the new deflect mechanic. The class also has three clear ascendancy paths: Witch Hunter, Tactician, and Gemling Legionnaire, each bringing a distinct style of play. Even the controversial Galvanic Shards rework has turned into a blessing, reducing shot capacity but doubling per-shot damage and chain lightning output, which transforms weak volleys into devastating bursts that clear entire screens.

Ascendancy flexibility further strengthens Mercenary, with Gemling Legionnaire standing out as the ultimate stat-stacking choice that allows the use of any weapon. This makes it easy to adapt or experiment mid-league without needing to start a new character. On the trading side, Mercenary benefits from minimal competition, affordable strength and dexterity gear, and a complete functional setup that can be built for under 20 exalted orbs. The result is a class that combines high damage, strong defenses, and low costs, making it the most reliable starter for the new league.

Path of Exile 2 Guide: Best Classes in The Third Edict Update