Path of Exile 2: Can You Change Your Ascendancy?

Image Credit: Grinding Gear Games, Path of Exile 2 (POE2)

In Path of Exile 2, ascendancies are permanent choices. Once you select an ascendancy, you are locked into it for the rest of the game. Unlike in Path of Exile 1, where players could change their ascendancy by refunding all ascendancy points and completing the Labyrinth again, Path of Exile 2 does not allow ascendancy changes at all.

If you’re wondering whether you can switch to a different ascendancy or correct a misclick, here’s everything you need to know.

How Ascendancies Work in Path of Exile 2

Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2 function differently than in the first game. Instead of being chosen in a separate Ascendancy Labyrinth, you select your ascendancy during Act 2, immediately after completing a Trial. At this stage, your character is still relatively low level, and you may not have fully tested different skills or weapons before making this decision.

However, once you pick an ascendancy, it is permanent. This means that even if you realize later that another ascendancy would suit your build better, there is no way to switch.

Can You Respec Your Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2?

No, you cannot change your ascendancy once it is chosen. The only thing you can do is refund individual ascendancy points, but you will still remain in the same ascendancy class.

For example, if you pick Blood Mage but later decide it doesn’t fit your build, you can refund the points spent in Blood Mage’s tree, but you will still be a Blood Mage. You will not be able to switch to Infernalist, Witch Hunter, or any other ascendancy.

Why Can’t You Change Ascendancy?

Grinding Gear Games has not officially stated why ascendancy respecs are not an option in Path of Exile 2, but there are a few likely reasons:

• Permanent Choices Make Builds More Meaningful

  • The developers may want players to commit to their choices, making character builds more impactful.

  • This system forces players to plan ahead instead of constantly swapping ascendancies based on meta changes.

• Encouraging New Character Playthroughs

  • Since Path of Exile 2 is designed around multiple playthroughs, the game may be encouraging players to create new characters rather than respec.

  • This is similar to how other RPGs handle class selection—once you pick a class, you’re locked in.

• Early Commitment to a Playstyle

  • Players choose their ascendancy in Act 2, much earlier than in Path of Exile 1.

  • This means you may not have fully tested your build before choosing an ascendancy, leading to potential mistakes.

• Avoiding Abuses of the System

  • If ascendancy changes were possible, some players might try to exploit the system, switching ascendancies for specific encounters or mechanics.

While these design choices make sense in theory, many players have expressed frustration with the lack of a respec option, especially for those who accidentally choose the wrong ascendancy.

What to Do If You Pick the Wrong Ascendancy

If you accidentally select the wrong ascendancy or later regret your choice, you have only a few options:

• Try to Make It Work

  • If your ascendancy still provides some useful benefits, consider adjusting your build to take advantage of it.

  • Respec any ascendancy points that don’t fit your playstyle and invest in skills that complement your chosen ascendancy.

• Create a New Character

  • If your current ascendancy completely ruins your build, you may need to start over with a new character.

  • This is frustrating, but it is currently the only way to choose a different ascendancy.

  • Some players transfer their gear to their new character to speed up progression.

• Wait for Possible Future Changes

  • While Grinding Gear Games has not confirmed any plans to allow ascendancy respecs, the player community has voiced strong opinions about the issue.

  • If enough feedback is given, a future update may introduce a way to respec ascendancy choices.

How to Avoid Picking the Wrong Ascendancy

Since you can’t change your ascendancy later, it’s extremely important to pick carefully. Here are some tips to avoid mistakes:

• Do Research Before Choosing – Read about all available ascendancies to see which one fits your intended build.

• Test Your Skills First – Since ascendancy selection happens in Act 2, you won’t have access to all abilities yet. Experiment with different weapon types and playstyles before locking in your choice.

• Take Your Time – Don’t rush the decision. If you’re unsure, don’t click anything until you’ve done more research.

• Watch Out for UI Issues – Some players have reported UI glitches that resulted in incorrect selections. Double-check before confirming your ascendancy.

Final Thoughts

Path of Exile 2 does not allow ascendancy respecs, meaning that once you pick an ascendancy in Act 2, you are stuck with it for the rest of the game. While you can refund ascendancy points, you cannot switch to a different ascendancy under any circumstances.

This system forces players to plan ahead and commit to their choices, but it has also led to frustration among those who misclick or later regret their decision. If you choose the wrong ascendancy, your only real options are to adjust your build or create a new character.

If you haven’t picked an ascendancy yet, take extra time to make sure your choice aligns with your build—because once you commit, there’s no going back.

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