Path of Exile has revealed some numbers showing which of the “sub-classes” are currently particularly popular. It is evident that three of the Ascendancies are the undisputed top in almost all areas.
Why “Classes”? Path of Exile actually offers players only seven different classes to choose from:
- Duelist (Duelist)
- Shadow (Shadow)
- Marauder (Marauder)
- Witch (Witch)
- Ranger (Ranger)
- Templar (Templar)
- Scion (Scion)
These classes each have three further classes, called “Ascendancies”, to which they can ascend (with the exception of the Scion). Each Ascendancy has its own skill tree and plays differently.
These are the most popular classes in Path of Exile
These Ascendancies are played: In an official post from Path of Exile, the developers provided insight into the player numbers. They showed which Ascendancies are most represented in each area.
It became very clear that in the “Synthesis League”, the following Ascendancies dominate at all levels up to over level 90:
- Trickster (Shadow Ascendancy)
- Occultist (Witch Ascendancy)
- Elementalist (Witch Ascendancy)
In most leagues, these three Ascendancies already account for nearly 50% of all characters. In the “Synthesis SSF” category over level 90 (stands for “Solo Self-Found”, meaning a game without the possibility to trade or form groups), they even reach nearly 70%.
These numbers apply to the “Synthesis League,” the current challenge season of Path of Exile. The only exceptions are the PS4, where Path of Exile is playable since recently, and the Synthesis Hardcore League over level 90.
On the PS4, the Occultist is not in the top 3, but the Necromancer is. In Hardcore mode above level 90, the Juggernaut replaces the Elementalist.
Additionally, the lists for the “Flashbacks” differ, an event where certain mechanics from past seasons are revived and essentially create your own dungeons.
What makes the Ascendancies so strong? Path of Exile also provides a brief explanation of why these classes are so powerful. The Ascendancies have the ability to sustain themselves quite well while dealing significant damage.
Only the Elementalist lacks self-sustain, which makes the Juggernaut at least more popular in Hardcore mode. Generally, these are important skills that players need to face increasingly stronger opponents.
All classes are also spellcasting classes, which tend to be somewhat less risky to play than the currently less popular melee fighters:
Which class do you play?
