As the 0.3 update for Path of Exile 2 approaches, the community is buzzing about how the new patch will shape the class meta. With buffs, nerfs, and balance tweaks across the board, this is the perfect time to evaluate where each ascendancy stands heading into the new league.
In this tier list, we’ll rank all ascendancies based on their strengths, weaknesses, and potential in the evolving 0.3 meta. Keep in mind that placements reflect current knowledge and patch notes—it’s entirely possible that once the league progresses, a few hidden gems will rise or fall in popularity.
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S-Tier: The Meta Definers
Deadeye (Ranger)
Deadeye has been hyped nonstop, and for good reason. It thrives with nearly every projectile-based build, providing insane speed, critical scaling, and flexibility. Patch 0.3 even buffed it further, making it one of the most dominant choices yet again. Expect Deadeye players to flood the ladders since its gear is widely accessible and it synergizes with multiple skills. A lock-in for S-Tier.
Ritualist (Huntress)
Often underestimated, Ritualist remains the undisputed king of rarity stacking. Thanks to its bonuses to rings and gear slots, it allows players to push into mirror-tier setups like no other ascendancy. Outside of rarity stacking, it may feel closer to A-Tier, but since it’s the only real choice for this role, Ritualist earns its S-Tier badge.
Blood Mage (Witch)
Blood Mage underwent big changes in 0.3, most notably gaining two free ascendancy points. While its iconic Sanguine passive now grants less life (1.5x instead of 2x), the overall buff makes it more versatile and potent. Its strength in both offense and sustain ensures Blood Mage keeps its spot among the S-Tier elites.
A-Tier: Strong but Not Meta-Breaking
Invoker (Monk)
Once considered S-Tier, Invoker now settles closer to the top of A. It boasts excellent defense, spirit stacking, and utility, but its relative power has been slightly overshadowed by other ascendancies. Still, for players valuing durability and flexibility, Invoker remains one of the safest and most reliable picks.
Lich (Witch)
Like Invoker, Lich is a defensive powerhouse, particularly appealing for hardcore players. It offers both survivability and offensive scaling, but doesn’t quite match the raw dominance of Deadeye or Blood Mage. Positioned in solid A-Tier, Lich is close to S but not quite breaking into that level.
Tactician (Mercenary)
Tactician has received meaningful changes in 0.3, especially benefiting totem builds. While still clunky to manage (Valor mechanics add complexity), it now looks like a much better option compared to Warbringer. Sitting comfortably in A-Tier, it’s a more popular pick than ever for those exploring totem synergies.
Infernalist (Witch)
Still one of the top-tier minion ascendancies, Infernalist benefits from new chaos and ignite damage synergies. With reliable spirit stacking and build diversity, it secures its place in A-Tier. Expect minion enthusiasts to lean heavily toward Infernalist or Tactician this patch.
Gemling Legionnaire (Mercenary)
Despite worries of being “dead,” Gemling remains highly versatile. With options for unarmed, Flicker Strike, monk-style, or even crossbow builds, it excels across multiple playstyles. Its flexibility makes it a stable A-Tier pick, rewarding players who enjoy experimenting with diverse setups.
Acolyte of Chayula (Monk)
Chayula has finally been buffed with massive volatility stacking (up to 200), greatly improving its damage ceiling. While volatility playstyles can feel clunky, this ascendancy now shows promise as both a mapping and bossing powerhouse. Sitting at the lower end of A-Tier, it’s one to watch this league.
B-Tier: Playable but Outclassed
Titan (Warrior)
Titan offers some interesting small passive effects (50% effectiveness is no joke), but overall its bonuses feel underwhelming compared to higher-tier picks. With recent nerfs to warriors in general, Titan struggles to stand out. For now, it belongs in B-Tier, though with the right build it could sneak into A.
Warbringer (Warrior)
Warbringer has always been niche, primarily appealing to totem enthusiasts. While 0.3 brought some changes, they weren’t enough to push it beyond mediocrity. It remains stable but uninspiring, likely stuck in B. Compared to Tactician, it feels less rewarding and less flexible.
Pathfinder (Ranger)
Pathfinder has flown under the radar, and 0.3 hasn’t done enough to elevate it. While buffs to defenses and evasion make it serviceable, its flask synergies still feel clunky and outdated. It edges into B-Tier, leaning closer to C, but has just enough survivability to be playable.
Stormweaver (Sorceress)
Stormweaver has potential but struggles with spell competition. Blood Mage and Deadeye outperform it in most casting scenarios, making it difficult to justify. While the new Arc build looks promising, it isn’t enough to secure a higher spot. For now, Stormweaver sits at B-Tier, a safe but underwhelming pick.
C-Tier: Niche and Struggling
Witch Hunter (Mercenary)
Witch Hunter feels very limited in scope. While a few niche crossbow builds can make it shine, better alternatives exist across the board. With no meaningful buffs in 0.3, Witch Hunter lands in C-Tier, though it could surprise as a sleeper pick for specific setups.
Amazon (Huntress)
Once popular, Amazon now feels like a weaker version of Deadeye. It’s not completely unplayable—especially as a stepping stone into Ritualist—but Deadeye simply does everything Amazon does, only better. Amazon finds itself in C-Tier, sustained mainly by transitional strategies rather than long-term appeal.
Chronomancer (Sorceress)
Chronomancer is the true wild card. Its complexity and lack of popularity make it hard to place, but it’s clear other ascendancies outperform it in most niches. While it could prove stronger once the league develops, right now it’s safest to put it in C-Tier.
Full Tier List Overview – Path of Exile 2 (Patch 0.3, Third Edict)
After weighing all the buffs, nerfs, and reworks, here’s how the ascendancies shake out:
S-Tier (Meta Definers)
- Deadeye (Ranger) – unmatched projectile power and speed.
- Ritualist (Huntress) – the go-to for rarity stacking, no contest.
- Blood Mage (Witch) – free ascendancy points + versatility keep it dominant.
A-Tier (Strong, Reliable, Flexible)
- Invoker (Monk) – durable and balanced, just shy of S-Tier.
- Lich (Witch) – hardcore-friendly, excellent sustain.
- Tactician (Mercenary) – totem builds finally viable and fun.
- Infernalist (Witch) – minion and chaos/ignite synergy is solid.
- Gemling Legionnaire (Mercenary) – versatile and adaptive across many builds.
- Acolyte of Chayula (Monk) – volatility stacking gives it real damage potential.
B-Tier (Playable, But Outclassed)
- Titan (Warrior) – small passives are neat, but overall unimpressive.
- Warbringer (Warrior) – niche totem support, overshadowed by Tactician.
- Pathfinder (Ranger) – survivable, but clunky flask reliance hurts it.
- Stormweaver (Sorceress) – decent, but overshadowed by stronger casters.
C-Tier (Niche, Struggling)
- Witch Hunter (Mercenary) – limited crossbow playstyle, not worth over better picks.
- Amazon (Huntress) – overshadowed by Deadeye, mostly transitional into Ritualist.
- Chronomancer (Sorceress) – wild card potential, but too awkward and unpopular for now.
Final Thoughts
Patch 0.3 (Third Edict) has shaken up the landscape, but some things never change:
- Deadeye, Ritualist, and Blood Mage remain the pillars of the meta, each dominating their niche.
- Invoker, Lich, and Infernalist are strong runner-ups, highly reliable for both league start and long-term play.
- Warriors, unfortunately, continue to struggle—Titan and Warbringer in particular need more love to feel impactful.
- The bottom tier classes aren’t unplayable, but they are outshined and will likely see limited use outside of experimental or niche builds.
That said, Path of Exile has always been about experimentation. Hidden synergies, unorthodox gearing, and clever play can push even C-Tier ascendancies into viable territory. Only time will tell how the meta stabilizes once the league gets underway.
So, what will you be playing in 0.3? Do you agree with these rankings, or do you think something’s been slept on?
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