Path of Exile 2 is Grinding Gear Games' highly anticipated action RPG sequel featuring a new campaign, 6 classes with 12 ascendancies, revamped gem and skill systems, and souls-like dodge-roll combat. Built on a new engine with improved graphics, the game maintains PoE's signature depth in character building through its massive passive skill tree and gem socketing system. Early Access launched in late 2024 with 3 acts and endgame mapping, with the full 6-act campaign releasing over time.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossbow | S | Ranger — primary ranged weapon | A new weapon type exclusive to PoE2. |
| Staff | A | Witch, Sorceress — maximum spell slots | Two-handed weapon for spellcasters providing spell damage, cast speed, and sometimes elemental bonuses. |
| Mace and Shield | A | Warrior (Titan) — maximum defense | Defensive melee option with high armor and block chance from shields. |
| Dual Daggers | B | Monk, Mercenary — fast crit builds | Fast attack speed weapons for crit-focused melee builds. |
| Spear | B | Warrior, Monk — reach-based melee | A new melee weapon type with long reach and thrust attacks. |
S-Tier: Crossbow
A new weapon type exclusive to PoE2. Different crossbow types (arbalest, siege crossbow) have different bolt mechanics. Bolts can be modified with skill gems for explosive, piercing, or elemental effects. The signature new weapon of PoE2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Ranger — primary ranged weapon |
| Key Mechanic | passive skill tree |
| Recommended Build | Warrior |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Crossbow: Pairs naturally with Warrior thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Staff
Two-handed weapon for spellcasters providing spell damage, cast speed, and sometimes elemental bonuses. Staves in PoE2 have more active skill gem slots than wand+shield. Best for builds wanting maximum spell support.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Witch, Sorceress — maximum spell slots |
| Key Mechanic | gem socketing |
| Recommended Build | Ranger |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Staff: Pairs naturally with Ranger thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Mace and Shield
Defensive melee option with high armor and block chance from shields. Shield skills provide additional defense layers. Maces deal physical damage and have stun potential. The tanky melee option.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Warrior (Titan) — maximum defense |
| Key Mechanic | endgame mapping |
| Recommended Build | Witch |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Mace and Shield: Pairs naturally with Witch thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Dual Daggers
Fast attack speed weapons for crit-focused melee builds. Daggers have inherent crit bonuses. Dual wielding increases attack speed. Poison and bleed builds benefit from high hit frequency.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Monk, Mercenary — fast crit builds |
| Key Mechanic | crafting bench |
| Recommended Build | Monk |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Dual Daggers: Pairs naturally with Monk thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Spear
A new melee weapon type with long reach and thrust attacks. Spears excel at maintaining distance in melee while dealing precise hits. Good for builds that want melee damage without being in face-hug range.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Warrior, Monk — reach-based melee |
| Key Mechanic | ascendancy classes |
| Recommended Build | Sorceress |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Spear: Pairs naturally with Sorceress thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Clearfell
- Staff → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Mace and Shield → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Crossbow → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Follow a build guide for your first character — the passive tree is overwhelming and a bad build means restarting. Community sites have proven leveling guides.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Path of Exile 2 Guides
- Path of Exile 2 Path of Exile 2 Overview
- Path of Exile 2 Best Builds
- Path of Exile 2 Tier List
- Path of Exile 2 Walkthrough
- Path of Exile 2 Beginner's Guide
- Path of Exile 2 Tips & Tricks
- Path of Exile 2 Combat Guide
- Path of Exile 2 Boss Guide
- Path of Exile 2 Maps & Locations
- Path of Exile 2 Crafting Guide
- Path of Exile 2 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Path of Exile 2, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
