Path of Exile 2: Best class combos for co-op
Path of Exile 2 is a game mostly enjoyed in a solo setting, but it can also be played by a group. There are several ways to explore the multiplayer component of the critically acclaimed ARPG, with Couch co-op and party play coming to mind.
As with most mechanics in Path of Exile 2, party play and co-op generally come with their own rules and drawbacks, but it's nothing a little bit of build crafting cannot solve.
In this article, we will peel back the curtain on a few setups and class combos for the multiplayer experience in the game.
Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the opinions of the writer
How to set up your Path of Exile 2 co-op parties and ideal setups for multiplayer groups
Setting up highly efficient group content-based parties in Path of Exile 2 is a much harder process than it looks. Basically, the game accounts for the number of players in a party and adjusts the enemies accordingly. Enemies get tankier and deadlier but also more rewarding to offset the increased risk factor.
For example, the pinnacle boss of Path of Exile 2 Early Access, the Arbiter of Ash, has around 240 million HP against a party of six players. While this problem can be solved by stacking characters with heavy DPS output, it would still put offensive pressure on them. Therefore, using different characters with varied playstyles and gameplay mechanics makes it much more interesting.
Also Read: Path of Exile 2 Review (Early Access): A Visceral Ascension to ARPG Godhood
A standard party should consist of a main damage dealer, a debuffer support, and a survivable tank support, alongside characters who can do a myriad of tasks, such as setting up DPS rotations or culling enemies for extra loot.
Party play is rather flexible in Path of Exile 2, and many builds can each fit into any of these roles.
Cursebot with Shock support
For example, the debuffer support can be handled easily via a Stormweaver, which is surprising enough. This build can easily opt-in to wear the Doedre's Damning, which will increase the character's curse limit to 2 from 1. This Unique will reduce Passive Skill Tree pressure by removing the need to allocate Whispers of Doom Keystone and avoid incurring a delay in the curse activation process.
Beyond that, the build also uses the Stormweaver ascendancy to inflict two shocks instead of one, tremendously boosting damage as fights drag on. In the endgame, a player's biggest concern should be to equip gear with as much resistance and defensive stats as possible.
Max Block Tank
As for the tank, we recommend picking something with either high recovery or high block. Recovery is pretty nice when you're the vanguard on any map or against a boss, but Block is simply better.
Block negates all incoming damage from targeted hits against a character and prevents any on-hit effect from being applied.
Max Block has been a staple in the prequel for a long time and even got a revival in the latest Settlers of Kalguur expansion. In Path of Exile 2, a character can share their Block-related stats, thanks to the Merit of Service shield. Furthermore, these stats can be further improved with The Anvil amulet, increasing the Maximum Block Chance.
The Chronomancer Ascendancy is quite good for this role, thanks to its high damage recoup and recovery potential, making the class exceptionally good in sustaining while front lining. The class can also maintain a constant source of Power and Frenzy charges through the combination of Profane Ritual & Sniper's Mark skills and the Conduit & Resonance Keystone.
The Hypercarry
This category can be filled by any build that can do over 5 to 6 million DPS. However, we suggest doing something more meta-adjacent. Currently, the best way to boost the group's DPS is to enable the support builds to do considerable DPS.
Also Read: Path of Exile 2: Skill Gems and Gemcutting guide
The Lightning Rod and Ball Lightning skill combo on Gemling Legionnaire or Deadeye are the two best setups that can chew through bosses and maps alike. Lightning Rod, combined with Primal Armament, Magnified Effect, and Elemental Focus, will be step one of this rotation. Adding in a Ball Lightning skill setup to detonate these Lightning Rods on the ground will be your primary setup.
Your party members can also dramatically increase the overall damage output by detonating these ground-based Lightning Rods, by using their own Ball Lightning setups.
Furthermore, using the Fixation of Yix amulet will passively increase your party's overall offensive stats and DPS output as a result. This detonation damage is based on the person who lays down the Lightning Rods, so having the hypercarry focus on DPS stats is paramount for success.
Gemling Legionnaires are the best bet for this purpose, thanks to the free Gem Quality, Gem levels, and Maximum Resistances from socketing different Gems. Deadeyes can also get impressive offensive qualities from Tailwind effects, extra projectiles, and their effects based on the distance from enemies.
These are just some of the suggestions that can work brilliantly in parties. As for co-op, having any of these builds aiding your partner will be enough to offset the incoming offensive pressure. Having all of these with one or two more dedicated carry builds will shoot your party's effectiveness to the moon.
Check out our other Path of Exile 2 features and guides:
- Path of Exile 2 gearing guide for beginners: When and how to modify gear
- Path of Exile 2 Salvaging and Disenchantment guide
- Finding the Forge quest guide (Find Renly's tools)
- Path of Exile 2: All Permanent stat bonuses you can get from the campaign
- Path of Exile 2 Attributes guide: Should you take Strength, Dex, or Int?
- A guide to Trading in Path of Exile 2: How to buy and sell items, and p2p trading etiquette