PoE 2 Weapon Tier List: Spears, Crossbows, and More Ranked
Choosing the right weapon in Path of Exile 2 can make or break your run through Wraeclast. With spears piercing mobs, crossbows blasting elemental bolts and a host of other options, the game's arsenal is as wild as it is deep. But which ones reign supreme? This PoE 2 weapon rankings list ranks spears, crossbows and more so you can slice, shoot or smash your way to victory - without guessing what works. Want to skip the grind and grab top-tier gear? Head over to flarejoy.com (#) for PoE 2 resources to arm yourself properly.
Why weapons are important in PoE 2
Weapons in Path of Exile 2 aren't just stat sticks - they shape your play style. Unlike in PoE 1, skills no longer require weapon slots, so your choice is all about synergy with your build, class and vibe. Spears bring range and raw power, crossbows offer range and versatility, and each type has its quirks. Let's rank them based on damage, flexibility, and how they hold up in early access - because who has time to swing a dud?
S-Tier: The best of the best
Crossbows - A mercenary's dream
Crossbows are on top for a reason. These bad boys mix shotgun-style bursts with assault-rifle bursts thanks to the Mercenary class. Load up on elemental ammo - Incendiary for Burn, Permafrost for Freeze - and you'll be shredding from a safe distance. High base damage, solid attack speed (despite reloading) and skills like Rapid Shot make them a beast for mobs and bosses alike.
Why they shine: Range, elemental diversity, and DPS potential.
Best for: Mercenary builds or anyone who loves kiting.
Downside: Reloading can slow you down in a pinch.
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Axes - Chop through anything
Axes are S-tier for melee fans. High physical damage, bleed synergies and skills like Rolling Slam turn you into a whirlwind of pain. They're Strength-based, so Warriors and Juggernauts thrive on them, but their sheer power makes them worth a look for any melee brawler.
Why they shine: High DPS and crowd control.
Best for: Tanky melee builds.
Downside: No range - you're right in the thick of it.
A-tier: Strong opponents
Spears - Poke and win
Spears didn't make it to Early Access (they're tied to the Huntress, which comes later), but based on previews, they're A-tier material. Long reach, solid physical damage, and a hybrid strength/dexterity vibe promise versatility. Think polearm mastery stab from afar, then dodge. They're likely to pair with skills like Impale for stacking damage.
Why they shine: Range for a melee weapon, bleed potential.
Best for: Mobile fighters (when they drop).
Downside: Not here yet - stay tuned!
Bows - Steady and deadly
Bows land in A-tier with their Dexterity focus and pinpoint accuracy. Rangers love them for Lightning Arrow or Explosive Shot, clearing packs with ease. They're lighter than crossbows but lack the burst - their speed and range keep you in the fight.
Why they shine: Fast attacks, great for kiting.
Best for: Ranger or Deadeye builds.
Downside: Less power than crossbows.
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B-Tier: Solid but situational
Maces - Smash and stun
Maces provide power-based bashing with a side order of stun. Skills like Earthquake work well together, allowing you to pin down enemies while dealing chunky physical damage. They're not flashy, but they get the job done for Warriors or Monks who like to control the battlefield.
Why they shine: Stun potential and raw power.
Best for: Crowd-control melee builds.
Downside: Slow swings, no range.
Wands - The Mage's Sidekick
Wands are in the B-tier for intelligence builds. They're less about weapon damage and more about boosting spells like Fireball or Spark. Mages rely on them for Elemental Chaos, but their melee weakness keeps them situational.
Why they shine: Spell synergy, light and fast.
Best for: Casters who stand back.
Downside: Useless up close.
C-tier: Niche picker
Daggers - Fast but fragile
Daggers rely on Dexterity for quick stabs and crits, but they're stuck in C-Tier. They're great for Rogues (when Shadow drops) with skills like Vine Arrow, but low base damage and short range hold them back in the slower combat of PoE 2.
Why they shine: Speed and crit chance.
Best for: Glass Cannon builds (later).
Downside: Too risky now.
Staff - Magic melee mix
A blend of Strength and Intelligence, Staves provide spell boosts and melee damage. They're C-tier because they're jacks of all trades but masters of none - fine for Monks or Templars (when added), but outclassed by purer options.
Why they shine: Hybrid potential.
Best for: Spell-melee mixes.
Downside: Medium damage.
How to choose your weapon
Play style first: Range? Crossbows or bows. Melee brute? Axes or maces.
Class fit: Mercenaries rock crossbows, warriors dig axes - match your stats.
Endgame targets: Spears and bows scale well, daggers need work.
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Why Flarejoy is your weapon wingman
This list of PoE 2 weapon tiers - crossbows at the top, spears waiting in the wings - gives you the edge you need to dominate Wraeclast. Whether you're sniping with a crossbow or dreaming of spear glory, the right gear will make it happen. Skip the RNG drudgery and visit flarejoy.com (#) for currency, uniques and leveling boosts to wield the best.
What's your weapon of choice in PoE 2? Tell us below - we're all ears! For more tips and gear, head over to flarejoy.com (#) today.