If you’re diving into Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), consider this your friendly navigation map in Wraeclast—no jargon, just pure useful tips. This guide helps you breeze through character creation, understand core mechanics, and get a head-start on the endgame grind.

What Is POE 2?

POE 2 is the dark fantasy ARPG sequel by Grinding Gear Games, launched in early access on December 6, 2024. It builds on the first game with improved graphics, refined mechanics, and a fresh passive skill tree. You’ll choose from initial classes like Warrior, Monk, Mercenary, Sorceress, Witch, and Ranger, with the Huntress added later in updates. Gameplay deepens with new skill gems, an engine that supports dual-specialization, dodge-roll mechanics, and more than 100 endgame maps branching from a six-act storyline.

Starting Out: Game Modes & Choosing Your Class

POE 2 offers varied play styles: Standard for trading and groups, Hardcore where death means demotion to Standard, and Solo Self-Found (SSF) and Hardcore SSF for isolated, self-reliant gameplay. Pick based on your comfort level—Standard is beginner-friendly.

Select from twelve base classes, each with unique playstyles: Marauder (axes), Warrior (maces), Ranger (bows), Huntress (spears), Witch (minions), Sorceress (elemental), Duelist (swords), Mercenary (crossbows), Shadow (daggers/traps), Monk (unarmed), Templar (flails), and Druid (shapeshift). You can build beyond your class constraints—e.g., a fireball-flinging Marauder—if you're feeling creative.

Gem Systems: Active & Support Gems

Skills in POE 2 come from Skill Gems, and you’ll find uncut gems that let you gain abilities beyond your class. Experiment early to discover your favorites.

Support Gems amplify your Skill Gems. You can link up to five, creating powerful combos. Linking requires investment in-game, and mastering this can significantly boost damage and utility.

Currencies & Trading

Unlike POE 1, POE 2 introduces Gold as a direct drop and vendor currency. Although not a trade currency itself, it's vital for trade-related transactions and QoL features.

Navigating the Endgame: Atlas & League Systems

After the story, you enter the Atlas of Worlds: a web of maps leading through 15 tiers of increasingly deadly content. Navigate through systems like Breach (monster waves + splinters), Expedition (excavations for logbooks and boss fights), Delirium (foggy high-risk zones), and Ritual (repeatable boss encounters with loot). Defeat major foes like the Arbiter of Ash to earn top-tier rewards.

Key Questlines: Trial of the Sekhemas

In Act 2, you’ll access the intense Trial of the Sekhemas after defeating Balbala and retrieving the Barya coin. Progress through seven increasingly hazardous rooms, manage your “honour,” and face Rattlecage, the Earthbreaker. Succeed, and you unlock the Ascendancy system with specialized skill trees and tailored gear.

Quickstart Tips for POE 2

• Master fast travel to re-spawn zones—CTRL-click a waypoint to run instance bosses for loot.
• Experiment with various skills—keep refining until you find what clicks.
• Level up active gems via uncut versions for higher damage.
• Magic items can outperform rares. Always ID boots and aim for +10% movement speed.
• Aim for life, resistances, and sockets on your gear to survive tougher encounters.
• Stay mobile—dodge attacks by moving. Use flasks wisely, and expect to die while learning.

Wrapping Up

POE 2 is rich and layered—don’t let it intimidate. Start simple: choose a class you enjoy, experiment with gems, and learn as you go. Shift into atlas challenges, try league mechanics like Breach or Ritual, and conquer Trials for your Ascendancy path. You'll grow naturally, and your most epic build may surprise you. Welcome to the exile journey—gear up and dive in!