POE Class Tier List: A Comprehensive Guide to Path of Exile Classes
Path of Exile (POE) is one of the most popular action role-playing games (ARPGs) in recent years, known for its deep character customization, complex gameplay, and regular updates that keep the meta fresh. With each new league, players often find themselves wondering which classes are the strongest and which ones are worth playing. This is where a POE class tier list comes into play, helping players make informed decisions about their builds. In this article, we’ll break down the current meta, highlight the top classes, and provide insights into why certain builds dominate the game.
Understanding the POE Class Tier List
For those unfamiliar, a POE class tier list ranks the game’s classes based on their viability in different aspects of the game, such as clearing content, farming currency, or tackling the toughest endgame activities like Uber Elder or The Shaper. The rankings are typically divided into tiers: S-tier (the best), A-tier (excellent), B-tier (good), C-tier (average), and D-tier (struggles). These rankings are determined by factors like damage output, survivability, and flexibility.
Current Meta and Top Classes
As of the latest patch, the POE class tier list has seen some shifts due to balance changes and the introduction of new skills. Here’s a breakdown of the top classes dominating the meta:
1. S-Tier Classes
These classes are considered the strongest in the game right now, excelling in almost every scenario.
Occultist (Witch): With the buffs to necromancy and minion-related skills, the Occultist has risen to the top. Builds like Crimson Offering or Vortex are melting bosses and clearing maps effortlessly.
Assassin (Shadow): The Assassin’s high single-target damage and mobility make it a top pick for players focusing on boss killing. Champion builds, in particular, are seeing a resurgence.
Deadeye (Ranger): The Deadeye’s ability to deal massive damage from a distance while maintaining incredible survivability has solidified its place in the S-tier.
2. A-Tier Classes
These classes are slightly less powerful than S-tier but still extremely viable.
Juggernaut (Marauder): Juggernaut builds are known for their tankiness and high area-of-effect damage. They’re a great choice for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle.
Elementalist (Witch): The Elementalist’s ability to scale elemental damage and summon golems makes it a versatile and powerful class.
Slayer (Shadow): Slayer builds are all about raw power and speed, making them excellent for farming currency and delving deep into the Azurite Mine.
3. B-Tier Classes
While not as dominant as the above tiers, these classes still have their niche and can perform well with the right build.
Champion (Marauder): The Champion’s defensive capabilities and ability to taunt enemies make it a solid choice for group play or hardcore leagues.
Trickster (Shadow): Trickster builds are known for their high energy shield (ES) recovery and mana sustainability, making them a good pick for spellcasters.
Berserker (Marauder): Berserker builds are all about dealing massive melee damage while maintaining high survivability through rage and leech.
4. C-Tier and D-Tier Classes
Classes in these tiers are either underperforming or require very specific builds to succeed. However, with the right investment and knowledge, even these classes can shine.
Necromancer (Witch): While necromancy has seen some buffs, the Necromancer still struggles in the current meta unless paired with specific builds.
Raider (Ranger): Raider builds are niche and require a lot of setup to be effective, making them less accessible to casual players.
Why the POE Class Tier List Matters
Understanding the POE class tier list is crucial for several reasons:
Efficiency: Playing a top-tier class ensures you can progress through the game’s content without hitting a wall.
Farm Speed: Higher-tier classes often have better clear speeds, allowing you to farm more currency in less time.
Endgame Viability: If you’re aiming to tackle the toughest endgame content, knowing which classes are meta is essential.
Case Study: The Rise of the Occultist
One of the most notable shifts in the POE class tier