In Path of Exile (PoE) , class choice plays a crucial role in shaping your gameplay experience, as each class offers unique ascendancies and playstyles. As of 2025, the community and meta analyses have identified clear class rankings based on factors such as damage output, survivability, versatility PoE 1 Currency, and ease of gearing.

S-Tier Classes
1. Duelist – Gladiator: Known for its excellent survivability and strong melee damage, the Gladiator excels in both clearing maps quickly and handling tough bosses. Its bleed and block mechanics make it a top choice for players who enjoy aggressive, tanky melee combat.
2. Witch – Elementalist: This class is a powerhouse for elemental damage builds. The Elementalist’s ability to summon powerful minions and deal massive AoE damage makes it a favorite for both beginners and veterans aiming for fast clear speed and solid survivability.
3. Shadow – Assassin: The Assassin is renowned for critical strike builds and poison damage. Its high damage potential and mobility make it ideal for players who prefer fast-paced, high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
4. Witch – Necromancer: Dominating the minion-based playstyle, the Necromancer provides excellent crowd control and survivability through powerful summons. It is versatile and effective in both solo and group play.

A-Tier Classes
1. Templar – Inquisitor: A solid hybrid class that excels in elemental damage and critical strikes. The Inquisitor is a reliable choice for players who want a balance between offense and defense.
2. Scion – Ascendant: The Scion’s flexibility allows it to adapt to many builds, making it a versatile but slightly less specialized choice compared to S-Tier classes. It shines in hybrid roles and can fill multiple niches effectively.
3. Shadow – Trickster: Known for evasion, energy shield, and mana sustain, the Trickster is excellent for players who want a survivable caster or hybrid build with strong damage-over-time capabilities.

B-Tier Classes
1. Marauder – Juggernaut: Highly tanky with great crowd control, the Juggernaut is excellent for players who prioritize survivability but may lack the damage output of higher-tier classes.
2. Witch – Occultist: A strong choice for chaos and poison builds, the Occultist offers solid damage and defensive options but requires more investment to reach peak efficiency.
3. Ranger – Raider: Known for speed and evasion, the Raider excels in fast mapping but can struggle with tougher bosses compared to higher-tier classes.
4. Duelist – Slayer: A powerful melee damage dealer with life leech, but less survivable than Gladiator, placing it slightly lower in the rankings.

Lower Tiers
Classes like Shadow – Saboteur, Ranger – Deadeye, and Templar – Hierophant fall into the C-Tier due to their niche playstyles or slower progression. D-Tier classes such as Templar – Guardian and Ranger – Pathfinder are generally considered less effective in the current meta, often requiring more effort to perform well.

Summary
The best classes in PoE 1 for 2025 revolve around strong damage, survivability, and versatility, with Gladiator, Elementalist, Assassin, and Necromancer leading the pack. Players should consider their preferred playstyle—melee, caster, minion master, or hybrid—when choosing a class. While tier lists provide guidance, personal preference and enjoyment remain key to a fulfilling Path of Exile experience PoE Currency buy.