The eagerly anticipated Huntress class is set to launch in Path of Exile 2 on April 4, 2025 as part of the Dawn of the Hunt update, also known as patch 0.2.0. Originating from the Azemeri tribe, the Huntress stands out as a spear-wielding exile, blending ingenuity with martial prowess. Equipped with a Spear for versatile melee and ranged combat, she embraces a hybrid playstyle that encourages maneuvering through enemy ranks. Complementing her spear is a traditional Buckler, enhancing her ability to parry attacks through a distinctive mechanic.
The Huntress exemplifies a class that flourishes on intricate skill interactions rather than merely relying on individual abilities. With her innate dash and dodge capability, a parry system to deflect hostility, and a unique summoning method to tame slain foes, she embodies versatility in gameplay.
Huntress Class Overview in Path of Exile 2
Primarily classified as a DEX class, the Huntress fulfills a unique role that neither the Ranger nor the upcoming Assassin can match. Her spear enables both melee and ranged options, but its true potential lies in synergistic skills that interlink rather than simplify choices between combat styles.
On the Passive Skill tree, Huntress begins her journey in the lower-right corner, mirroring the Ranger’s starting position but with access to specific modifications. As expected of a DEX-focused class, she naturally invests in Evasion, favoring dodging over enduring hits. To manage enemy aggro in late-game scenarios, she employs a unique summoning technique that allows her to tame defeated monsters.
Rather than merely tanking damage, the spear skills grant her enhanced mobility through innovative dodge maneuvers. The Buckler’s parry functionality additionally unlocks benefits that elevate her offensive capabilities.
The Huntress also demonstrates a strong synergy with Frenzy Charges, which amplify elemental spear skills in unique ways, echoing the Power Charges mechanic used by the monk class.
Gameplay Mechanics and Skill Synergies
Developers have teased various skills related to the Huntress, culminating in a significant gameplay showcase during the recent GGG Live reveal for the Dawn of the Hunt. Below is an overview of her iconic Spear and Buckler skills.
Starting with the basic functionalities, the spear grants access to a straightforward physical melee strike and a ranged spear throw, coupled with the Disengage skill, facilitating a quick retreat while inflicting damage on nearby foes. The Huntress boasts an impressive arsenal of 22 new Spear Skills.
Highlighted Skills:
Whirling Slash
- Creates a swirling vortex of spears that damages all enemies in proximity.
- Enemies within the area are blinded during the attack.
- Multiple casts increase the area effect and damage output.
- Casting onto elemental damage over time (DoT) zones absorbs the elemental effect, infusing it into the whirlwind.
Twisters
- Launches a tornado that can ricochet off surfaces, striking multiple foes.
- Casting from within a Whirling Slash generates larger, more powerful tornadoes.
Parry (Innate Skill with Bucklers)
- Activated by holding down the command, parrying disrupts all incoming attacks ahead.
- Enemies that are parried incur increased damage from your subsequent attacks.
Spear – Lightning Spear
- Impacts a target with lightning, causing chain reactions to additional enemies.
- Leaving elemental hazards that electrify foes but spare the Huntress herself.
Explosive Spear
- After a brief charge period, detonates to inflict extensive damage and ignites nearby enemies.
A notable addition is the Ice Spear, capable of freezing enemies, although detailed insights have yet to be shared.
Ascendancies: Expanding the Huntress’s Capabilities
The Huntress class features two distinct Ascendancies: the Ritualist and the Amazon, with a third expected to be introduced ahead of the full launch of Path of Exile 2.
The Ritualist
This subclass leans into occult Azmeri traditions, allowing the Huntress to fuel her powers through animal sacrifices. Unique benefits include an extra ring slot and a scaling enhancement to all ring and amulet stats.
The Amazon
Focusing on elemental vigor, the Amazon subclass elevates the Huntress’s physical might as well. An intriguing mechanic allows for the revelation of weakness on larger foes, resulting in a significant damage boost when the conditions align.
This overview encapsulates the essential aspects of the Huntress in Path of Exile 2. For those keen on diving deeper into the game’s mechanics, here are some additional helpful guides: