Path Of Exile 2: Ranger Ascendancy Class Guide

Want to learn about all the new Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy classes for Rangers? Good news! You're in the right place. Dive straight into the heart of character progression in PoE and uncover how Grinding Gear Games (GGG) are evolving in the acclaimed ARPG title with these pivotal new subclasses. But why stop there?

Get a headstart on understanding the dynamics of the new Ranger Ascendancies: Beastmaster, Survivalist, and Tactician. From the tactical battlefield prowess of the Tactician to the shape-shifting gameplay of the Beastmaster and the game-changing abilities of the Survivalist, we'll equip you with the knowledge to enhance your Path of Exile 2 journey.

Note on 1 July 2023: Please note that this guide is a stub. Grinding Gear Games are expected to make several changes to the new Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy Classes. Of course, we'll endeavor to update this page in response to any further changes. 

What Are Ascendancy Classes In Path Of Exile?

For the uninitiated, Ascendancy classes in Path of Exile (PoE) are advanced sub-specialization classes that provide unique skills and abilities to enhance the base class traits of a character. These classes are pivotal to PoE's gameplay, offering significant build customization and strategic gameplay depth.

Ascendancy classes are chosen by players who complete the Lord's Labyrinth for the first time, with each class featuring a selection of subclasses associated with it (except for Scion, who has a flexible single Ascendancy Skill Tree). That being said, there are currently 19 Ascendancy classes in Path of Exile.

How Are Ascendancy Classes Changing In Path Of Exile 2?

The developers are poised to overhaul the current Ascendancy system in Path of Exile 2 by introducing 19 new (i.e., doubling the existing number of) Ascendancy classes that offer unique abilities, skills, and playstyles. The new classes go beyond merely augmenting existing character traits. Instead, they introduce innovative gameplay mechanics and new systems.

Currently, we only know of seven new Ascendancy classes in Path of Exile 2 (which you can learn more about below). But, in short, these new subclasses represent powerful new build-defying customization options with an interesting array of out-of-this-world abilities.

Notably, the process of earning Ascendancy classes is also changing in PoE 2. Unlike PoE, where Ascendancy classes were earned via the Labyrinth, GGG has indicated that a new system will be implemented in PoE 2's campaign, though specifics remain undisclosed. Ultimately, however, these changes aim to deepen gameplay variety and customization, reinventing the player's approach to character progression.

All New Ranger Ascendancy Classes In Path Of Exile 2

There are three new Ascendancy classes for Ranger in Path of Exile 2. You can learn more about each of them below; however, please be informed that these details are subject to change.

The Beastmaster

The Beastmaster is one of the new Ascendancy classes introduced in Path of Exile 2, tailored for the Ranger. It brings uniqueness to the gameplay by offering a shape-shifting mechanism tied to the new edition of the game. Importantly, the Beastmaster provides exclusive access to the Werecat shape-shifting skill, accompanied by a substantial Critical Strike bonus.

What sets the Beastmaster apart is the ability to transition seamlessly between various forms, such as Werewolf, Werebear, Werecat, Human, etc., while retaining any buffs from the previous states. For instance, a character could have the Critical Strike buffs when shifting from the Werecat form to the Werewolf form, and then the Werewolf form's supposed damage bonuses would boost the Human form that it transitions into.

This Ranger Ascendancy class in PoE 2 also introduces the "Wild Shape" node, boosting shape-shift buffs by 100%. Another intriguing feature is the "Ally of the Wild" node, offering a specialized companion Wild Cat minion that can provide specific buffs tailored to your character's preferences. The choice of minions includes the Lion, Panther, and Cheetah, each offering different gameplay dynamics.

The Survivalist

The Survivalist is another new Ascendancy class designed for the Ranger in Path of Exile 2. This class offers unique game-changing abilities, such as adding entire skill gems to your weapon that likely scale with your character level. For example, the "Division" node grants both a single target and an AOE attack version of a skill from a single skill gem.

One of the Survivalist's key abilities is a massive spell dodge chance achieved through a new skill, "Spell Avoidance." This is likely to interact with the recently introduced Spell Suppression mechanic and is a toggleable ability.

The Survivalist's skill tree also includes nodes like "Multiplication," which increases the number of projectiles released every second you don't use them, allowing you to build up a powerful hit while dodging boss attacks or moving to another pack.

Further to this, the Survivalist tree will be split, with one side focusing on defenses like Spell Avoidance and the other centered around offensive nodes like Multiplication and Division, providing a balance of offense and defense that makes this Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy class extremely versatile.

The Tactician

The Tactician is another one of the new Ascendancy classes for the Ranger in Path of Exile 2, distinguished for its tactical strikes, supercharged totems, and effective control over enemies of various shapes and sizes. Although not confirmed, it's expected to be a suitable choice for the new Crossbow item class introduced in Path of Exile 2.

One remarkable node in the Tactician's tree is the "Close Combat Specialist," which turns the Bow item class into a pseudo-melee weapon, allowing the use of melee sword and axe skills and support gems with bows. It also guarantees smooth animations while attacking in melee with a bow.

Another interesting node is "Death from Above," which grants the Flare Arrow Skill. The next node in this branch, "Warmark," enables you to add another Flare Arrow, further emphasizing the Tactician's role as a ranged battlefield commander-like Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2.

Finally, the "Siege Breaker" node supercharges your last summoned Ballista Totem, causing it to gain 100% more damage, attack speed, and resistance to damage, solidifying the Tactician's role as a master of ranged totem build crafting.

And that's everything you need to know about all the new Ranger Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2. Well, at least only the ones we know of right now. We want to extend a massive thank you and credit to the YouTuber Talkative Tri for their detailed explanation of these new classes, which massively informed the contents of this guide. For more detailed insights, be sure to watch their video below.