Path Of Exile 2 Free Weekend — Which Class Should You Play!?

Path of Exile 2 is running a Free Weekend from August 29 to September 1, giving everyone a chance to try the free-to-play ARPG without needing to purchase the $30 Early Access key. The event is available across all platforms, including PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store. For many players, this will be the first opportunity to step into the sequel, and one of the first choices you must make is which class to play. There are seven available options: Warrior, Monk, Mercenary, Sorceress, Witch, Ranger, and Huntress. Each class brings its own playstyle, strengths, and weaknesses. Here is a breakdown of what they offer and which one may suit your approach to the game.

Warrior

The Warrior is built around Strength and is the most direct melee choice in the roster. He is designed to wield heavy weapons and wear durable armor, allowing him to soak up damage while dishing out reliable hits in return. For players who are new to Path of Exile 2, the Warrior is a safe option since his durability makes mistakes less punishing. His straightforward combat style means you can focus on learning the game’s core mechanics without worrying too much about fragile defenses. If you simply want to get in the middle of fights and smash through enemies, the Warrior is the simplest way to do so.

Monk

The Monk is another melee fighter, but unlike the Warrior, his focus is on Dexterity mixed with Strength. He embodies a martial arts style that emphasizes dodging, quick combos, and fluid mobility. Instead of relying on armor to survive, the Monk depends on skillful movement to avoid incoming attacks. This makes him less forgiving for beginners but far more rewarding for players who want an active, hands-on combat experience. The Monk’s abilities often flow into one another, giving fights a fast-paced rhythm that feels different from the slower, tankier Warrior. If you want to stay agile, dart around enemies, and rely on precise execution, the Monk offers that challenge.

Mercenary

The Mercenary leans heavily on Dexterity and serves as a hybrid class that can shift between melee combat and ranged weaponry. He is unique in that he can fight with both blades and crossbows, giving him versatility in how he approaches encounters. You can slash enemies up close or switch to ranged fire when distance is safer or more effective. This flexibility makes him a good choice for players who like experimenting and adjusting to different situations. He may not excel as much as a dedicated melee or ranged class, but his adaptability makes him consistently useful. If you enjoy swapping tactics and refusing to be pinned into one role, the Mercenary is worth trying.

Sorceress

The Sorceress represents the traditional Intelligence-based caster, relying on elemental spells to deal devastating damage. She specializes in fire, ice, and lightning, unleashing large area-of-effect attacks that can wipe out groups of enemies quickly. Her drawback is her fragility. With low defenses and limited survivability, the Sorceress requires careful positioning and awareness of enemy patterns. She is the classic glass cannon: extremely powerful when left unchecked, but vulnerable if cornered. For players who like to maximize damage output and do not mind paying close attention to movement and spacing, the Sorceress delivers one of the most explosive playstyles available.

Witch

The Witch also uses Intelligence, but her theme is quite different from the Sorceress. Instead of hurling elemental blasts, she uses curses, dark magic, and summons. Minions are her specialty, allowing her to raise creatures that fight on her behalf. These pets can absorb damage and handle the frontlines while she stays back and casts supportive or debilitating spells. This makes her playstyle safer than the Sorceress, and a good option for players who prefer tactical combat and minion management. The Witch appeals especially to those who enjoy pet builds and the satisfaction of commanding an army of undead while staying out of direct danger.

Ranger

The Ranger is another Dexterity-focused class that fights with bows, traps, and mobility skills. Her design centers around keeping enemies at range, firing arrows while staying constantly on the move. Rangers are experts at kiting—striking enemies, repositioning, and repeating the process until the fight is over. She thrives when she can maintain distance but struggles if cornered or overwhelmed in close combat. The Ranger is ideal for players who like staying fast, evasive, and precise. If you enjoy playing characters who avoid being hit altogether, this is one of the most natural choices in the game.

Huntress

The Huntress is the newest class added to Path of Exile 2 and combines Dexterity and Strength with beast-themed abilities. She stands out by summoning and fighting alongside animal companions while still being able to dive into combat herself. This mix of pet support and direct fighting makes her a hybrid between a summoner and a ranged combatant. For players who enjoy thematic characters with primal or nature-inspired abilities, the Huntress offers a fresh spin on ranged combat. She also allows you to approach fights in a variety of ways, relying on pets in one moment and shifting into aggressive attacks the next. If the Ranger feels too traditional, the Huntress provides an alternative with more variety.