Path of Exile (PoE) is one of the most complex and rewarding action RPGs available today. Its deep mechanics, expansive skill systems, and ever-evolving content can be overwhelming for newcomers. If you've just started or are thinking about diving in, knowing what to do first can set you up for success and make your journey through Wraeclast far more enjoyable.

 

This beginner guide will walk you through the essential early steps in Path of Exile-from choosing your class and understanding the game's UI, to learning core mechanics and crafting a solid early build. Follow these tips, and you'll have a strong foundation for your adventure.

 

1. Choose Your First Class Wisely

Path of Exile offers seven playable classes, each aligned with one or more of the three core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. These classes influence your starting position on the massive passive skill tree, but you can technically build any class in any way due to the game's flexibility.

 

Classes:

 

Marauder: Strength-based, durable melee fighter.

 

Ranger: Dexterity-based, excels at ranged attacks.

 

Witch: Intelligence-based caster with a focus on spells and minions.

 

Duelist: Hybrid of Strength and Dexterity, agile melee and ranged.

 

Templar: Strength and Intelligence hybrid, good for spellcasting melee.

 

Shadow: Dexterity and Intelligence, specializes in traps, mines, and critical strikes.

 

Scion: Unlocked after beating the game, flexible hybrid class.

 

Beginner Recommendation:

For your first character, consider the Marauder or Ranger. Marauder is tanky and straightforward, great for learning melee combat. Ranger offers ranged playstyle, which can be easier for beginners to stay safe. Witch is a good alternative for caster-focused players, though it requires more understanding of spell mechanics.

 

2. Understand the Passive Skill Tree and Ascendancy

One of PoE's signature features is its enormous passive skill tree. When you level up, you gain passive skill points to spend, enhancing stats, damage, defenses, and utility.

 

What to do first:

Follow a beginner-friendly build guide. Many new players get lost trying to plan the passive tree on their own. Using community guides gives you a clear roadmap.

 

Focus on survivability and damage. Prioritize life nodes early, and then add damage or utility.

 

Learn about Ascendancy Classes. Once you reach Act 3's Labyrinth, you can choose an Ascendancy-a specialized subclass that offers powerful bonuses. Pick one that complements your build and experiment with its abilities.

 

3. Learn the Core Gameplay Loop: Combat, Loot, and Progression

PoE is all about exploring maps, killing monsters, and collecting loot to improve your character.

 

What to focus on as a beginner:

Practice combat basics. Learn to kite (hit and run), manage your health and mana, and use skill gems effectively.

 

Pick up all items early on. At low levels, even simple items can be upgrades. Later, be selective-learn to identify Path of exile currency and valuable items.

 

Understand the currency system. Instead of gold, PoE uses currency items for trading and crafting. Early currencies include Orbs of Transmutation and Orbs of Alteration.

 

4. Progress Through the Acts and Story

PoE's story is split into 10 acts. For beginners, the main goal is to reach the end of Act 10 to unlock maps and endgame content.

 

Tips for progressing:

Complete quests thoroughly. They provide experience, passive skill points, and rewards.

 

Don't rush maps too early. Focus on leveling and gearing your character first.

 

Explore side areas and optional bosses. They can drop valuable loot and skill gems.

 

5. Equip and Level Up Your Skills

Your skill system revolves around Skill Gems-special items socketed into your gear that grant active skills or passive effects.

 

Beginner tips:

Use gems that match your build. For example, if you're a Ranger, bow skills like Split Arrow or Rain of Arrows are great starters.

 

Link support gems to your main skill gem. Support gems modify or boost your active skills (e.g., increased damage, faster attack speed).

 

Keep your gear updated. Swap in better weapons or armor regularly, focusing on gear that has sockets for your skill gems.

 

Remember to level up gems. Gems gain experience and level up as you use them, improving their effectiveness.

 

6. Manage Your Inventory and Stash

Inventory management is important, especially early on.

 

What you need to know:

Inventory is limited. Use your stash to store excess items and currency.

 

Organize your stash tabs. As you get currency, consider investing in additional stash tabs.

 

Identify items. Use Scrolls of Wisdom on unidentified items before selling or using them.

 

Vendor recipes. Learn some basic vendor recipes to exchange items for crafting materials or currency.

 

7. Start Trading to Improve Your Gear

While PoE's economy can be intimidating, trading is key to obtaining better equipment, especially as you progress to endgame content.

 

For beginners:

Use official trade websites or the in-game trade panel.

 

Focus on affordable upgrades. Look for low-cost unique or rare items that improve survivability or damage.

 

Trade currency to buy POE orbs. This helps you improve your gear by crafting mods.

 

8. Prepare for the Endgame: Maps and Beyond

After finishing Act 10, you unlock the Atlas of Worlds, where you can run randomized maps to farm items and experience.

 

To prepare:

Stockpile currency. You'll need it to roll mods on maps and craft powerful items.

 

Complete Atlas objectives. Unlock bonuses and increase map drop chances.

 

Join groups or leagues. Multiplayer can boost drop rates and make tougher content easier.

 

9. Learn About Crafting and Item Mods

Crafting is an essential part of PoE and can drastically improve your gear.

 

Beginner crafting tips:

Understand item rarities: Normal (white), Magic (blue), Rare (yellow), and Unique (orange).

 

Use currency items to reroll mods: For example, Orbs of Alteration reroll magic items.

 

Use the crafting bench in your hideout to add specific modifiers to gear.

 

Experiment but don't waste: Crafting can be expensive; save currency for meaningful upgrades.

 

10. Join the Community and Use Resources

PoE has an active community with tons of resources that help new players.

 

Recommended resources:

Official forums and Reddit: Great for questions and guides.

 

Path of Exile Wiki: In-depth info on skills, items, and mechanics.

 

YouTube channels and Twitch streamers: Many create beginner guides and gameplay walkthroughs.

 

Build planners and passive skill tree planners: Sites like PoE Planner help you plan your character's progression.

 

Final Words: Stay Patient and Enjoy the Journey

Path of Exile is a complex game with a steep learning curve, but it rewards dedication with unmatched depth and customization. As a beginner, focus on learning the mechanics, follow established builds, and don't hesitate to ask for help from the community.

 

Remember, dying and failing is part of the experience, but with persistence, you'll soon find yourself mastering Wraeclast and preparing for the thrilling challenges of endgame content.