Character class

Path of Exile has three attributes, around which the different character classes have been placed. There are six character classes total with only five having been announced so far.

Strength

Strength confers raw brute power, and is represented on weapons by high base damage. Strength armor pieces grant physical damage reduction. Monsters aligned with Strength generally hit hard and take many blows to defeat. The announced Strength character class is the Marauder.

Dexterity

Dexterity confers agility in combat, and is represented on weapons by faster attack speeds. Dexterity armor pieces grant the ability to evade enemy blows more often. Monsters aligned with Dexterity are nimble and difficult to hit, often attacking from a distance or with multiple weapons. The announced Dexterity character class is the Ranger.

Intelligence

Intelligence confers knowledge – of both arcane magic and deadly combat techniques. It is represented on weapons through improved critical strikes. Intelligence armor pieces grant the wearer a mystical energy shield which protects them from blows and can recharge when they are out of combat. Monsters aligned with intelligence are often weak spell-casters who can be dangerous if not immediately dealt with. The announced Intelligence character class is the Witch.

Hybrid Characters

Strength/Dexterity

The Duelist is a hybrid character class that excels at both Strength and Dexterity skills.

Strength/Intelligence

The Templar is aligned with both Strength and Intelligence.

Other

Characters, monsters and items can also be aligned with multiple attributes at once. For example, a staff weapon is generally about 70% strength and 30% intelligence. It differs from a maul (which could be 100% strength) because it is better at scoring critical strikes, but doesn't hit for as much raw physical damage.

There are three playable “hybrid” character classes in Path of Exile. Only the Duelist and Templar have been announced so far.

Players can use any items or skills, providing they have enough of the relevant attribute requirements. There is the flexibility to dabble in unaligned attributes in order to use off-class skills and items. However, it is generally more efficient for players to invest in the attributes appropriate to their character class.