The release of Path of Exile 2: Abyss Awakening and the Third Edict (Patch 0.3.0) has reshaped the balance between ascendancies. Choosing the right subclass is critical for an efficient league start, and players now have a clearer picture of which ascendancies dominate early progression and which ones fall behind.

This ascendancy tier list is based on data from the Mobalytics team (Jungroan, Ben, Ruetoo, Fubgun) and highlights the best options for league starter builds in Patch 0.3.

Key Patch 0.3 Changes Affecting the Meta

• Evasion: Players can now dodge all hits except boss abilities highlighted in red. The chance to dodge was reduced, requiring more investment into evasion.
• Acrobatics keystone removed.
• Sniper talent reworked: instead of accuracy, it now applies five stacks of Critical Vulnerability when a mark is consumed.
• Minions now deal 50% more damage against non-boss enemies.

These adjustments had a direct impact on subclass rankings, shifting the meta compared to earlier patches.

S Tier – Best Ascendancies for Patch 0.3

Deadeye

Deadeye remains the fastest subclass in Path of Exile 2, with speed as its defining strength. The reworked mark nodes grant 100–200% increased critical strike chance, or in some cases four free marks. Projectile skills such as Snipe, Lightning Spear, and Lightning Arrow are stronger than ever, making Deadeye the premier choice for bow and projectile-based builds. Any build that scales projectiles reaches peak performance in this ascendancy.

A Tier – Strong and Reliable Choices

Blood Mage

Blood Mage offers the best scaling for spellcasters. The early league start may be unstable, which is why many recommend beginning with Essence Drain + Contagion + Dark Effigy + Chaos Bolt, later respeccing into Blood Mage. Other leveling alternatives include Living Bomb + Fireball or infusion-based setups. In late game, powerful combinations such as Rathpith Globe + Veil of the Night + Rondel of Fragility / Yoke of Suffering + Adonia’s Ego provide enormous survivability and scaling.

Infernalist

The top minion ascendancy in Patch 0.3. With Cold Snap used every second on bosses to generate fire infusion alongside Loyal Hellhound, Infernalist maintains excellent uptime and damage. Late-game crit scaling is boosted by Grinning Immolation, and Demon Form received major improvements thanks to weapon enabling and focus mechanics.

Lich

Lich combines strong defenses with efficient clear in early acts through Rupture the Soul. After Chaos Bolt adjustments, Blood Mage may now surpass Lich in raw damage, but Lich remains one of the most reliable spellcaster archetypes. It also provides strong synergy for minion builds, offering flexibility for hybrid setups.

Witchhunter

One of the most versatile and powerful ascendancies, Witchhunter benefits from 100 weapon mastery passives. This allows for devastating curse + shock setups, boosting total damage by 150–250%. Leaks also suggest Witchhunter received further buffs, making it even more dangerous. It provides massive base damage and strong execute potential.

B Tier – Playable but Outclassed

Stormweaver

Its strength relies heavily on infusion generation. With patch 0.3 changes, Snap can no longer generate infusions from orbs, weakening Elemental Storm builds.

Amazon

A solid projectile subclass, but overshadowed by Deadeye in almost every aspect. Reduced critical strike scaling hurts its potential, though improved accuracy helps during early leveling.

Pathfinder

Still the best poison ascendancy. Skills like Poisonburst Arrow and Acid Burst deal high damage over time and scale well with extended poison duration and crit. While poison’s overall strength is debated, Pathfinder remains dependable for DoT-focused builds.

Warbringer

Outstanding defenses through Svalinn, with a new set focused on totems. After the first Ascendancy, Corrupting Cry builds become possible. While less offensive than others, Warbringer excels as a tanky and supportive option.

C Tier – Niche but Usable

• Smith of Kitava – Gear-independent with high endgame defense, solid for leveling with mace builds.
• Tactician – Potentially one of the fastest ascendancies in this update, scaling well with cannons.
• Chronomancer – Highly dependent on the numbers behind the new curse Inevitable Agony. Offers strong defenses via Sacrosanctum, but lacks early damage.
• Acolyte of Chayula – Strength depends on Volatility synergy.
• Invoker – Decent start, strong in Hardcore, but situational.
• Titan – Solid melee choice with Boneshatter, but many unknowns remain.

D Tier – Weakest Ascendancies

• Gemling Legionnaire – Damage nerfed, charge generation weak. Some niche interactions may save it, but currently underpowered.
• Ritualist – Gear-dependent and weak early game. Endgame scaling possible, but less effective than other ascendancies.

Conclusion

The Path of Exile 2 Third Edict Ascendancy Tier List reflects how balance changes and new mechanics have shifted the meta.

• Deadeye dominates as the premier league starter.
• Blood Mage, Infernalist, Lich, and Witchhunter lead the A tier, offering reliable scaling and flexibility.
• Stormweaver, Amazon, Pathfinder, and Warbringer remain solid but fall behind top-tier options.
• Smith of Kitava, Tactician, Chronomancer, Acolyte of Chayula, Invoker, and Titan are situational picks, while Gemling Legionnaire and Ritualist sit at the bottom.

This tier list provides guidance for choosing the strongest league starter builds for Patch 0.3, but as always in Path of Exile 2, balance updates may continue to reshape the rankings.