Path of Exile 2 inherits and dramatically expands upon one of its predecessor's most beloved systems: **Ascendancy**. While the concept of conquering the Labyrinth to claim a specialized subclass remains, POE2 is rebuilding this pillar from the ground up with entirely new **Ascendancy** classes, distinct from those in the original game. This isn't mere addition; it's a reinvention that promises to deepen the fantasy of specialization, offering fresh archetypes and powerful new mechanics tailored to the sequel's revamped combat, dual-wield system, and spirit mechanics, ensuring that character identity is both familiar and thrillingly novel.

Each of the new **Ascendancy** classes is designed to hyper-focus a specific combat philosophy or thematic fantasy that aligns with POE2's more deliberate, weighty gameplay. For instance, a new class might be built entirely around mastering the **Spirit** resource, with nodes that drastically alter how Spirit is generated or spent, or that unlock unique Spirit skills unavailable to others. Another might specialize in the seamless flow between the two weapon sets, granting bonuses for frequent swapping or causing effects to trigger automatically on switch. This ensures that the Ascendancy choice is a direct response to the new core mechanics, making it a foundational decision for any build.

The depth of customization within each **Ascendancy** is also expected to evolve. While details are still emerging, the potential for more complex or branching passive trees within each class is high. Instead of a single set path, players might face meaningful choices at key nodes, allowing two players of the same Ascendancy to diverge into subtly different specializations—one Mercenary might lean into grenades and ranged damage, while another focuses on movement and blade skills, all under the same broad class umbrella. This would add another layer of strategic **theorycrafting**, as players plot their path not just through the vast global passive tree, but through their specialized Ascendancy board as well.

Furthermore, these new **Ascendancy** classes will serve as the narrative and mechanical embodiment of POE2's new world and lore. They are likely tied to the factions, histories, and threats of this later era of Wraeclast. Unlocking them will presumably involve a new iteration of the Labyrinth challenge, redesigned to test players' mastery of POE2's weightier combat and resource systems. The triumphant moment of selection will therefore feel earned within the context of the new game's rules, not just a callback to the past.

In essence, **Ascendancy** in 

POE 2 Items represents a promise of renewed depth and fantasy. It guarantees that the profound moment of specialization—the act of becoming a Juggernaut, a Necromancer, or a Raider—will be re-experienced as something fresh. For veterans, it offers the excitement of exploring uncharted synergistic possibilities. For newcomers, it presents a slate of powerful, thematic specializations built for the game they are actually playing. In the next chapter of Wraeclast, you won't just ascend; you will ascend into a new pantheon of power.