Which Path of Exile 2 class should you pick as a Diablo 4 player?
Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 do have some overlap in their classes. That’s not really surprising, though — there are plenty of themes common across the ARPG genre in general. If you’re finding that you’re a refuge in the lands of Wraeclast, but don’t know what to play, we can help you perhaps find a class that you might wind up enjoying.
That said, it’s worth pointing out that just because you liked something in Diablo 4, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll love it in Path of Exile 2. In addition, all the classes and Ascensions aren’t in the game yet, so there will be even more options in the future.
Note: This article is subjective in nature.
Which Path of Exile 2 class fits you, based on your Diablo 4 main?
There are so many different options in Path of Exile 2 compared to Diablo 4, and the entirety of the class lineup isn’t even ready yet! One thing that offers a bit of flexibility that Blizzard’s game doesn’t have, is that a particular class's skills aren’t necessarily exclusive to it.
For example, a Warrior could have some summoned skeletons, if they had the Spirit and Intelligence stats that were high enough — or simply wielded a Sceptre. You can use Ranger (Bow) skills as a Mercenary if you have a Bow equipped. There’s some really great flexibility in the game.
That said, if you’re a new Path of Exile 2 player, and were into Diablo 4, you’ve got options. Here are our personal picks. The only class really left out is the Druid, and only because PoE 2’s Druid isn’t in the game yet. I found a spot for them, though.
- Barbarian and Druid (for now) = Warrior
- Necromancer = Witch
- Spiritborn = Monk
- Sorcerer = Sorcerer
- Rogue = Mercenary
1) Barbarian and Druid (for now) = Warrior
- War Cries? Check.
- Leaping and Smashing? Check.
- Big Weapons and Lots of Damage? Check.
- Charging in, being tanky, and, in general, a bit of a menace? Double check.
Barbarian and Warrior have so much in common between Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4. They’re both huge, violent, masters of martial mayhem. Druids could certainly get along well in this class, too. They're still pretty tanky, and they have some form of summons, in their totems.
Then you combine the Warbringer’s power to summon Ancestral Spirits — well, it’s close enough to animal friends. If you want to stomp and crush through enemies in melee range, you could do no better than the Warrior. You don’t have to wear a shield either, but it sure is nice for all those Shield Charge/tanking abilities.
Read More: All Warrior Skill Gems
2) Necromancer = Witch
The Necromancer and Witch are my go-to classes in both Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 — though that might change depending on the other new classes, and how they play. That said, I’m such a big fan of summoning swarms of the undead to fight for me. Admittedly, other classes can do that as well, but not with the same degree of ease. Just grab a Sceptre, and start summoning.
They also have an Ascendancy for all you fans of Blood Wave/Blood Magic — Bloodmage! It does exactly what you imagine it might, based on the name. The standard Witch can also use a Bone Prison style move, alongside several curses and plagues that spread upon death.
Also Read: All Witch Skill Gems
3) Spiritborn = Monk
Sorry to say, Monks aren’t quite at the same level of broken as Spiritborn were at launch. Nothing was as powerful as Quill Volley at launch, that’s for sure. Both classes are martial ones with plenty of ranged skills and utilize the same type of weapon, the Quarterstaff. They both excel at controlling the field with stuns and a variety of elemental damage types.
Unfortunately, Monks are a little more restrictive compared to the animal powers of the Spiritborn, but it’s as close as I can see right now. Perhaps one of the other classes Ascensions will make a better fit in the future.
4) Sorcerer = Sorceress
There are Ascensions in other Path of Exile 2 classes that fit Sorcerer (Monk’s Invoker for example), but the best one is a little on the obvious side for Diablo 4 players. Just play more Sorcerer! They have an absolute mountain of infuriating elemental damage attacks you can hit the field with — fire walls, tons of chain lightning, and icy spells.
The Sorcerer Ascensions are also a lot of fun, according to what we’ve seen. Druids might get something out of Stormweaver as well, given its power to create powerful thunderstorms, alongside all the other arcane magic as well. Sure, it’s obvious, but that doesn’t make it bad.
Read More: All Sorceress Skill Gems
5) Rogue = Mercenary
Rogue could easily be Ranger or Mercenary in Path of Exile 2, depending on what kind of Rogue you played in Diablo 4. However, my favorite is Mercenary right now. I do love the poison attacks of Ranger, though. Those might change my mind later; but right now, Mercenary has my heart. It has so many cool elemental gun attacks that feel similar to what Rogue did with its elemental imbuements.
You also have ranged attacks in the form of Grenades, fulfilling a variety of trap roles. You can set down oil and blow it up, slow foes down, or freeze them with icy bullets. Honestly, both classes work just fine for Rogue, and you really couldn’t go wrong, but I had to pick — and I prefer Mercenary.
Check out our other Path of Exile 2 guides and features
- Path of Exile 2 review
- Path of Exile 2 dodge-roll system basics, explained
- Path of Exile 2 Controller support: What you need to know before you start