Since its early access launch in December 2024, Path of Exile 2 has seen its initial hype fade, with the community focusing on smaller events to stay engaged. The official speedrun races have become a highlight, where players compete to clear specific chapters as quickly as possible. Rewards include unique items and prizes like gaming laptops, offering players a chance to showcase their skills and optimization strategies.
Warrior Class — Underrated but Impressive
The Warrior class in Path of Exile 2 has long been regarded as one of the least popular choices. Many players view it as underwhelming due to its slower clear speed, difficulty scaling life through the passive tree, and heavy reliance on armor for defense. These factors have led to the class being frequently dismissed as suboptimal, especially in comparison to other, more agile or damage-focused builds. However, recent developments have shown that, when played strategically, the Warrior can outperform expectations in specific scenarios, like speedrunning.
Angormus’ Shocking Victory
Angormus stunned the community by clearing Act 3 in a blistering 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 37 seconds, setting a pace that left other competitors in the dust. His performance was a masterclass in speedrunning, showcasing not only raw skill but also an excellent understanding of game mechanics.
Key to His Success
- Animation Cancelling: Angormus cleverly used animation cancelling with the Rolling Slam and Boneshatter combo, allowing for rapid damage output while skipping slower animations.
- Movement Skills: His strategic use of movement skills like Leap Slam and Shield Charge enabled him to traverse large distances quickly, especially in the later stages of Act 3.
- Gear Drops: Early drops like 15% movement speed boots, solid armor, and a powerful 2H mace gave him a significant edge throughout the race, maintaining a commanding lead.
Speedrun Mechanics — The Warrior’s Hidden Strengths
A key to Angormus’ success was his mastery of animation cancelling, particularly with the Rolling Slam and Boneshatter combo. By cancelling the second hit of Rolling Slam with Boneshatter, he skipped the slower animation and executed a powerful area-of-effect slam, allowing for quicker clear speeds and greater damage output.
In the later stages, the Warrior’s mobility shone through. Skills like Leap Slam and Shield Charge allowed him to bypass enemies and cover large distances swiftly, which was crucial for speeding through Act 3. These movement abilities gave him a significant advantage in the final stretch, where outrunning enemies was often more effective than fighting them.
Gear Drops
Powerful gear drops further amplified his speedrun performance. Early drops like:
- 15% movement speed boots
- Solid armor
- Game-changing 2H mace with attack speed
These helped him maintain momentum, with the mace providing massive physical damage boosts, especially after augmenting it with flat physical and cold damage.
For players looking to enhance their characters quickly or acquire powerful items, platforms like BuyMMOG offer the opportunity to purchase in-game items and gold, speeding up character progression and boosting overall performance.
Reevaluating the Warrior Class in Speedruns
Despite the Warrior’s less-than-stellar reputation in Path of Exile 2, particularly in the early stages of the game’s release, it has proven to be surprisingly strong in speedrunning. The class, often criticized for its slower clear speed and reliance on armor, has shown that with the right approach, it can be incredibly effective in specific contexts.
Angormus’ victory demonstrated how a player can leverage the Warrior’s unique mechanics to great advantage. By mastering techniques like animation cancelling with Rolling Slam and Boneshatter, the Warrior can clear mobs efficiently, despite its reputation for slower combat. The ability to quickly traverse large distances using Leap Slam and Shield Charge allows the Warrior to avoid unnecessary fights and keep pace with other faster classes.
Key Takeaway
While the Warrior may not be the most popular choice for casual gameplay, its speedrun potential lies in its adaptability and the ability to maximize both offensive and defensive tools effectively. When combined with the right gear drops and precise gameplay, the Warrior class can outperform expectations, proving that its strength in speedruns should not be underestimated.
Conclusion — The Warrior’s Unexpected Status in Path of Exile 2
The Warrior class, once considered weak, has shown potential in Path of Exile 2 speedruns, with exceptional performance by Angormus, making it a worthwhile class for competitive players.
For those looking for a fresh challenge, the Warrior class offers a unique opportunity in future speedruns or in-game events. Players should definitely consider trying the Warrior and exploring its hidden strengths. Additionally, exploring other creative builds, like Palsterer’s “Shattered Totem Titan,” can provide new experiences and inspiration for players seeking diverse ways to approach the game. The Warrior’s newfound viability is a reminder to keep an open mind and experiment with different playstyles to discover what works best for you.
