Path of Exile 2 is a sprawling action RPG that drops you right into the dangerous lands of Wraeclast.
New players might find the vast environments, complicated systems, and all the customization a bit overwhelming.
In this guide, we will provide essential tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Path of Exile 2 Beginner Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Path of Exile 2 can seem overwhelming at first, with its massive world, countless skills, and loot to manage.
If you’re venturing into Wraeclast for the first time or returning after your first attempt, it’s easy to feel lost.
But getting started doesn't have to be as complicated as it seems.
Here’s a guide with some tips to help you get started, skip the common mistakes, and get off to a good start.
1. Roll Your Way to Victory
The battles in Path of Exile 2 are harsh and unforgiving.
click to enlarge
+ 5Taking down enemies is great, but dodging at the right moment matters just as much.
One of your go-to moves is the dodge roll, which makes you briefly invincible while you do it.
This ability is| there from the start for every character and can be a game-changer for survival.
It's key to time your dodges well so you can avoid those heavy boss attacks or groups of enemies.
You'll need to keep moving during encounters, dodging attacks, and shifting positions while keeping track of your flasks.
Picking up on a boss’ attack patterns makes a big difference.
Bosses usually give off clear signs, such as audio, visual signals, or attack animations, that indicate when to roll or attack.
The key here is not just to react but to figure out what’s coming and move. As you progress, don’t get too focused on just damage output.
The game rewards players who can stay in the right spot and survive.
Work on your roll timing to avoid incoming damage, and ensure you're in a good spot to strike back.
Take it easy and don’t rush, especially in high-stakes encounters.
2. Try Out Different Classes to Find Your Fit
Deciding on a class is one of the first steps in Path of Exile 2, and it influences your gameplay.
click to enlarge + 5The game has six classes: Warrior, Sorceress, Ranger, Monk, Mercenary, and Witch.
Since there’s a lot of customization through the passive skill tree and skill gems, it’s worth giving each class a go early.
If you're not sure which class works for you, take the time to experiment.
Play with different classes in the starting zones and see how they feel in battle.
The Warrior is a tanky option, while the Sorceress is more about blasting enemies from afar with magic.
Playing around with these classes will help you get the hang of the core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence.
They impact how you play and what gear you use, so understanding which one fits your style is key.
3. Plan Your Build Early, Don’t Just Wing It
The Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 is one of the more complicated features.
click to enlarge + 5You can tweak your character's strengths and abilities using this tree.
There are so many nodes and routes to choose from that it’s tempting to go with whatever seems fun, but that might be confusing or not the best build.
Instead, think ahead when setting up your passive tree. Start by identifying the parts of the tree that match your desired playstyle.
If you're going for a tanky character, focus on nodes that boost defense or health.
As a damage dealer, you might want to focus on nodes like attack speed or elemental damage.
Look at the options and determine where your character will head.
Path of Exile 2 allows you to respec (reset) your passive skill tree as you progress.
However, you’ll need gold to respec, and coming by at the start is hard.
Try not to make changes unless necessary until you're more familiar with the tree.
If you decide to respec, make small, drastic swaps relevant to your build rather than making significant changes.
4. Exploring Is Always Worth It
You might want to skip the main campaign, but the key to progressing is completing side quests and exploring the world.
click to enlarge + 5The maps in Path of Exile 2 are huge, and if you wander off the main route, you’ll find some valuable items, gold, and EXP.
Side quests not only give you rewards but also let you take a nice little break from the main story.
Taking on side quests is a good way to level up, making handling tougher enemies and harder situations easier.
Rather than rushing to the endgame, take the time to explore and gather additional loot and EXP.
As you wander around, you’ll bump into minibosses, tougher enemies that drop better loot, including gems and powerful items.
Defeating these minibosses is a great way to gain extra experience and gear, which will help you keep up with the game's difficulty.
5. Keep Track of Your Loot and Gold
Gold is an essential resource in Path of Exile 2; you must keep track of it because it is limited.
click to enlarge + 5You’ll need gold for respeccing your passive skill tree and picking up key items.
It’s also necessary to repair and upgrade your flasks and weapons, so be smart about how you spend it.
Early on, selling unwanted items to NPCs is a quick way to earn gold.
Don’t hesitate to buy and sell whatever you find, especially as you work on increasing your resources.
Pay attention to your item drops. Sometimes, unimportant items can fetch a reasonable price once they’re identified.
Identifying items before selling can increase their value, so always try to identify gear you think might be worth something.
As you progress, make sure to upgrade your flasks regularly.
Health flasks bring recovery during battles and can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Upgraded flasks often have more charges and better modifiers, so keep them in top shape as you continue through tougher areas.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Path of Exile 2 page.