Path of Exile 2 is an upcoming action role-playing game (ARPG) that continues the legacy of the critically acclaimed Path of Exile, offering a deeper, more immersive experience for both new and veteran players alike. Set in the same dark fantasy universe, Poe 2 trade promises new gameplay features, updated graphics, and a revamped story while retaining the core mechanics that made the original game a beloved title in the ARPG genre.

For beginners, Path of Exile 2 can be a bit overwhelming due to its complex systems, massive skill tree, and the sheer depth of customization. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential things to do as a beginner in Path of Exile 2, helping you get started on your journey through Wraeclast and beyond. By the end of this guide, you'll be ready to face the challenges the game has to offer with a clearer understanding of what to prioritize.

1. Start with the Right Class and Build

Understanding the Classes in Path of Exile 2

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when diving into Path of Exile 2 is choosing your character's class. Each class has a distinct playstyle and offers a unique set of abilities. In Path of Exile 2, the basic structure of classes will be similar to the original game, though some changes may be introduced. Here's a brief breakdown of what each class traditionally offers:

Marauder: A powerhouse that specializes in strength-based abilities. Marauders tend to be tanky and excel at close-quarters combat, using heavy weapons and defensive skills.

Ranger: A dexterity-focused class that relies on ranged attacks, agility, and speed. Rangers often specialize in bow attacks and traps, and they typically have high evasion and mobility.

Witch: A class that focuses on intelligence, dealing massive elemental damage or summoning minions. Witches are known for their devastating spells, such as fireballs, lightning strikes, and frost-based attacks.

Duelist: A hybrid class that blends both strength and dexterity. Duelists are versatile and can be tailored to fit either a melee or ranged combat style.

Templar: A combination of strength and intelligence, the Templar excels in both defensive and offensive magic, often using a combination of powerful spells and physical attacks.

Scion: A balanced class that provides flexibility, with access to multiple attributes and the ability to customize the build. The Scion is considered a "jack-of-all-trades" with no particular focus.

Choosing the Right Class

When starting out in Path of Exile 2, think about what kind of playstyle appeals to you. Do you prefer ranged combat with a bow, the power of devastating spells, or a tanky, resilient character that can take the hits? The class you choose will significantly affect your experience throughout the game.

Focus on a Single Build

While the game allows for deep customization, especially through its expansive skill tree and itemization, focusing on a single build in your first playthrough is essential. Path of Exile has an overwhelming number of options, and trying to experiment with multiple builds can leave you underpowered. Choose a build guide, whether it's for a spellcaster, a physical damage dealer, or a hybrid, and stick to it. This will help you avoid making mistakes that can waste your resources and hinder your progress.

2. Get Acquainted with the Basic Mechanics

Master the Movement and Combat

One of the first things you'll need to get used to in Path of Exile 2 is the basic movement and combat systems. As an action RPG, much of your time will be spent navigating the world, killing enemies, and collecting loot. Here's a quick rundown of some important mechanics:

Movement: Use your mouse or keyboard to move your character around. The game provides the ability to run, dodge, or roll depending on your character's abilities.

Attacking: You'll primarily attack using left-click for basic attacks and right-click for skills or spells. However, as you progress, you'll unlock more complex abilities that require strategic placement of attacks.

Hotkeys and Abilities: Learn how to assign your skills to hotkeys. As you level up, you'll unlock additional active skills that you'll want to use regularly. Don't forget that many skills can be linked with other skills or support gems, adding even more depth to your combat strategy.

Mana and Energy Shield: Most characters rely on Mana to cast spells, and Energy Shield serves as a secondary form of defense. These two resources are crucial to managing your character's survivability, so always keep an eye on their status.

Understand the Importance of Stash and Inventory

The game's inventory management system can be overwhelming at first due to its expansive layout, but it's important to understand its structure:

Inventory: As you progress, you'll be picking up tons of gear, gems, and other items. Make sure to regularly check your inventory and stash to organize your items.

Stash: This is where you store your extra items and equipment that you don't need immediately. It's important to utilize your stash efficiently, especially since the game doesn't allow for much room in your character's inventory.

Learn About the Passive Skill Tree

The Passive Skill Tree is a defining feature of Path of Exile 2. This massive web of passive bonuses affects your character's attributes, stats, and overall performance. While this tree may look intimidating, don't be scared to start exploring it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Focus on Core Attributes First: Early in the game, prioritize increasing your core attributes, such as strength, dexterity, or intelligence, depending on your class. These will help with your overall damage, survivability, and skill usage.

Follow a Build Guide: For beginners, following a build guide that is tailored to your class and playstyle can save you from making costly mistakes. These guides will recommend which nodes to POE 2 Currency for sale take early on, making it easier to build a powerful character.