Beginner's Guide to Path of Exile 2

New to Path of Exile 2? This guide covers class selection, passive tree basics, skill gems, currency, leveling tips, and endgame progression.

Choosing Your Class

  • 1Pick a class based on its base stats: STR (Warrior), DEX (Ranger), INT (Witch), or hybrids.
  • 2Each class has 2 ascendancy options that specialize your playstyle further.
  • 3Warrior and Ranger are the most beginner-friendly classes.
  • 4Follow a build guide for your first character to avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding the Passive Tree

  • 1The passive tree is massive but your class starts in a specific area.
  • 2Focus on life/defense nodes early. At least 150-170% increased life from tree.
  • 3Take damage nodes that match your main skill type (melee, spell, bow, etc.).
  • 4Use Path of Building (PoB) community fork to plan your tree offline.
  • 5Do not respec randomly. Each respec point costs an Orb of Regret.

Skill Gems & Links

  • 1Active skill gems are your abilities. Support gems modify them.
  • 2Link support gems to active gems through socket connections.
  • 3More links = more power. A 6-link item is endgame gear.
  • 4Match socket colors to gem requirements: Red=STR, Green=DEX, Blue=INT.
  • 5Level up your gems by using them. Higher gem level = more damage.

Currency Basics

  • 1Never vendor currency items. Every orb has value in trading.
  • 2Chaos Orbs are the primary trade currency. Save them.
  • 3Use Orbs of Transmutation and Alchemy on maps, not on leveling gear.
  • 4Exalted and Divine Orbs are extremely valuable. Never use them casually.
  • 5Learn vendor recipes: selling identified rare items gives Alteration Shards.

Leveling Efficiently

  • 1Always keep moving forward. Do not farm the same zone repeatedly while leveling.
  • 2Keep your main skill and movement skill linked with relevant supports.
  • 3Elemental resistances should be capped at 75% by the end of each act.
  • 4Buy or find a 4-link item as early as possible for your main skill.
  • 5Use quicksilver flask for movement speed during leveling.

Endgame Progression

  • 1After the campaign, the Atlas of Worlds opens with maps of increasing difficulty.
  • 2Complete map bonus objectives to unlock Atlas passive points.
  • 3Focus on capping your resistances and increasing your life pool first.
  • 4Learn boss mechanics before attempting them. Deaths lose XP at higher levels.
  • 5Join a trade league if you want to trade with other players for upgrades.