Path of Exile 2: Top Classes in The Third Edict – Build Guide & Currency Tips
Time: 2025-12-10
The Third Edict stands as one of Path of Exile 2’s most transformative updates to date: introducing a brand-new campaign act (Act 4), three interludes that redefine endgame progression, the Rise of the Abyssal league, and sweeping system overhauls—most notably the support gem rework and the debut of Deflect, a game-changing new defensive mechanic. These systemic tweaks, paired with massive skill and ascendancy balance adjustments, have upended the class meta, creating fresh opportunities for build creativity and competitive play.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top-performing classes in
Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict, exploring how the update’s new systems reshape gameplay, why specific ascendancies have risen to dominance, and which builds will give you a head start in the latest league. Plus, we’ll share a reliable tip for sourcing POE 2 Currency and gear to optimize your chosen class via
https://www.mmomax.com/poe2-currency.
Before diving into individual classes, it’s critical to understand why this update has rewritten the rulebook for build design. The Third Edict didn’t just tweak numbers—it fundamentally reimagined how players engage with combat, defense, and skill synergy.
Previously, support gems offered static effects, leading to rigid “best-in-slot” setups for most skills. The update changed this by giving many supports unique scaling paths: for example, Cold Damage supports now let players choose between “increased damage against frozen enemies” or “chance to freeze on hit,” while Projectile supports offer tradeoffs like “more pierces but reduced damage” or “faster projectile speed with area splash.” This flexibility has breathed new life into underused skill combinations (e.g., hybrid bow-magic builds) and curbed overly dominant setups, making build diversity a competitive advantage.
Deflect is a new defensive layer that mitigates damage by reflecting 10–25% of incoming hits and reducing their total impact. Unlike Armor (which only counters physical damage) or Evasion (which relies on RNG), Deflect works against both physical and elemental attacks—making it ideal for hybrid classes that don’t specialize in a single defense type. This mechanic has shifted the meta away from “glass cannon” builds and toward well-rounded characters that combine Deflect with Armor, Evasion, or Energy Shield, ensuring survivability against the update’s deadlier enemies.
The Third Edict expanded Act 4 with enemies that exploit elemental resistances and mixed-damage attacks (e.g., fire-physical hybrid beasts) and added new endgame encounters that demand adaptability. These threats punish one-note builds—instead, they reward classes that can switch between damage types, adjust defenses on the fly, or control crowds while handling single-target bosses. This is why hybrid and adaptive classes now dominate the meta.
The Deadeye has rocketed to the top of the meta, fueled by The Third Edict’s projectile reworks and cold skill buffs. The new support gem system was tailor-made for projectile-based builds: Deadeyes can now stack “Additional Projectiles” with “Pierce” supports to clear entire maps in seconds, or pair “Cold Conversion” with “Crit Multiplier” supports for devastating single-target damage against bosses.
What makes Deadeye stand out:
- Speed + Power Balance: Projectile chaining mechanics let it clear dense packs faster than ever, while conditional multipliers (e.g., “20% more damage against chilled enemies”) ensure it doesn’t fall flat against bosses.
- Defensive Depth: With Deflect, Deadeyes no longer rely solely on Evasion—pairing Deflect with “Evasion Rating on Hit” supports creates a durable, fast-moving playstyle.
- Accessibility: Start with a simple Cold Arrow build (using easily obtainable gems) and later transition to a Crit Frost Shot setup once you farm or purchase better gear. For a quick upgrade, https://www.mmomax.com/poe2-currency offers affordable POE 2 Currency to buy high-damage bows or cold-focused accessories.
The Mercenary’s rise marks the return of melee dominance in POE 2. Historically, melee classes struggled to balance power and safety—but The Third Edict’s defensive systems and melee support reworks have fixed this. Mercenaries now excel with two-handed weapon or shield-based builds, leveraging Deflect and new “Heavy Hit” bonuses (e.g., “15% more damage and 5% Deflect chance on hits that deal over 1000 damage”).
Key strengths of the Mercenary:
- Early-Game Stability: Unlike gear-dependent classes, Mercenaries hit hard from level 1—thanks to innate “Physical Damage on Melee Hits” and “Block Chance” bonuses. This makes them perfect for league starters or solo players.
- Endgame Versatility: Shield-and-Flame builds (combining Fire Conversion with Block + Deflect) handle both mobs and bosses, while two-handed Cleave builds prioritize raw damage for fast mapping.
- Tactical Depth: New weapon interactions let Mercenaries generate “Defensive Stacks” on hit, which can be spent to heal or boost damage—adding strategy to close-range combat.
Among the Witch’s three ascendancies, the Tactician has emerged as the most balanced and flexible in The Third Edict. Traditionally, Witches leaned into pure spellcasting or minion mastery—but the update encourages hybridization: Tacticians command minions while contributing direct damage with spells or weapons, creating a unique “commander” playstyle.
Why the Tactician shines:
- Support Gem Synergy: The update’s reworked minion supports let Tacticians link self-cast spells (e.g., Fireball) with minion skills (e.g., Skeleton Mages), sharing bonuses like “Area Damage” or “Elemental Penetration” between the player and their summons.
- Resilience: Minions act as frontliners, absorbing damage and triggering Deflect, while the Tactician stays back to cast area spells or heal. This makes the class forgiving for new players but deep enough for veterans.
- Scalability: Start with a basic Skeleton + Frost Bolt build, then upgrade to a Spectre + Arc setup using POE 2 Currency to buy minion-focused gear (e.g., “Minion Damage” amulets) from https://www.mmomax.com/poe2-currency.
While not as dominant as in previous updates, the Shadow’s Trickster variant remains a strong pick for experienced players—thanks to its mobility and damage consistency. The Third Edict’s changes play to the Trickster’s strengths: Deflect pairs with Energy Shield Regeneration to create a “hit-and-run” playstyle, while cast speed buffs make Damage-over-Time (DoT) builds (e.g., Poison Arrow, Bleed Melee) more effective.
Note: The Trickster requires more gear investment than other top-tier classes (e.g., “Increased DoT Duration” rings, “Energy Shield on Kill” chestpieces). If you’re struggling to gear up,
https://www.mmomax.com/poe2-currency offers a wide range of POE 2 Currency to trade for endgame gear.
For players who crave straightforward, satisfying combat, the Legionnaire is a top choice. While not the most efficient mapper, it benefits greatly from The Third Edict’s weapon-support synergy adjustments. Legionnaires excel with single, hard-hitting skills (e.g., Cleave, Earthshatter, Cyclone) that now scale in multiple ways—for example, Cleave can be built for physical AoE, fire conversion, or even hybrid chaos damage.
What makes the Legionnaire fun:
- Build Flexibility: No need to lock into one damage type—swap supports to adapt to endgame threats (e.g., switch to “Chaos Damage” supports for poison-resistant bosses).
- Feedback: Heavy hits trigger satisfying visual and audio cues, making the class feel impactful even at lower levels.
- Low Friction: Minimal skill rotation—focus on positioning and timing hits, rather than managing complex ability combos.
Use this quick guide to match a class to your preferences:
Note: Balance patches may tweak these classes post-Third Edict, but their core strengths (speed for Deadeye, tankiness for Mercenary) are unlikely to change drastically.
The Third Edict isn’t just an update—it’s a reset. By buffing underused skill families, introducing Deflect, and rewarding versatility, it has created a meta where creativity and adaptability matter more than chasing a single “best” class. Right now, Deadeyes, Mercenaries, and Tacticians lead the pack for their blend of speed, survivability, and flexibility—but POE 2’s meta evolves fast.
To keep up, you’ll need POE 2 Currency to craft gear, buy skill gems, and adapt your build to new challenges. For a reliable, cost-effective way to stock up, visit
https://www.mmomax.com/poe2-currency—whether you’re upgrading a Deadeye’s bow or a Mercenary’s shield, it has the resources to help you dominate The Third Edict.
Ultimately, the best class is the one that fits how you want to play. Whether you’re raining arrows, commanding minions, or cleaving through hordes, The Third Edict ensures there’s a top-tier option for every exile.
MMOMAX POE 2 Team
