The latest update for Path of Exile 2, titled Dawn of the Hunt, brings an exciting array of additions to the game, notably introducing a new class, the Huntress, along with several unique Ascendancy options. The Huntress alone boasts two powerful Ascendancies, while other classes also receive notable enhancements. It’s worth mentioning that if your current class received a new Ascendancy, you’ll need to create a new character to access it. While this may be disappointing for some, starting anew may provide an opportunity for fresh gameplay experiences.
The Dawn of the Hunt update encompasses a wealth of changes and improvements to Path of Exile 2. Whether you opt for a classic character or one of the newly introduced classes, exploring the Ascendancies will surely enrich your gaming experience. Players looking to unleash devastating arrow storms or command powerful undead forces will find plenty to anticipate with this update.
New Ascendancies in the Dawn of the Hunt Update
- Ritualist (Huntress)
- Amazon (Huntress)
- Smith of Kitava (Warrior)
- Tactician (Mercenary)
- Lich (Witch)
Merging narrative elements with gameplay, the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich Ascendancies all provide distinctive skills and capabilities. Future updates are expected to expand the roster for additional classes. Additionally, the update introduces over 100 new Support Gems, alongside numerous balance tweaks and endgame enhancements. Below is a comprehensive look at each new Ascendancy and what it brings to the table.
Ritualist (Huntress)
The Ritualist harnesses dark Azmeri traditions, utilizing animal sacrifice to amplify their powers. This Ascendancy features a unique skill, As the Whispers Ask, allowing players to sacrifice defeated foes to temporarily steal one of their Attributes. Below are some key abilities:
- Corrupted Lifeforce: Unlocks the Blood Boil skill, causing slain enemies to explode and spread corrupted blood.
- Unfurled Finger: Increases ring slots by one.
- Mystic Attunement: Enhances bonuses gained from equipped rings and amulets by 25%.
- As the Whispers Demand: Sacrifice a portion of health for a random Monster Modifier; comes with an 8-second cooldown.
Amazon (Huntress)
As one of the most proficient hunters within the Azmeri, the Amazon specializes in finding and exposing enemy weaknesses for swift takedowns. This Ascendancy excels at elemental damage, delivering powerful, explosive attacks. Here are several notable skills:
- Predatory Instinct: Reveals weaknesses against Rare and Unique enemies for 50% more damage.
- Elemental Infusion: Grants elemental charges when consuming Power, Endurance, or Frenzy Charges.
- Critical Strike: Converts 25% of excess chance to hit into additional Critical Hit Chance.
- Mystic Harvest: Enhances life leech based on elemental damage.
Smith of Kitava (Warrior)
The Smith of Kitava is a fascinating Ascendancy that masters smithing, drawing power from Kitava to enhance weapons and armor. This class allows players to apply unique buffs to their basic armor, utilizing Ascendancy points effectively:
- Against the Anvil: Employs the Temper Weapon skill, causing attacks to explode, creating devastating AOE damage.
- Living Weapon: Summons an animated copy of a weapon for assistance.
- Smith’s Masterwork: Grants buffs to your Normal Body Armor, enhancing defensive capabilities.
Tactician (Mercenary)
The Tactician, a former Blackguard Elite, combines skill and strategy to dominate the battlefield. This Ascendancy potentially offers the most extensive area of effect attacks, particularly through the Unleash Hell! skill, which inundates foes with arrow assaults:
- Suppressing Fire: Projectile damage increases Pin damage.
- Right Where We Want Them: Pinned enemies are rendered unable to act.
- Whoever Pays Best: Allows multiple Banners to be placed.
- Watch How I Do It: Upgrades allies’ attack damage based on your weapon’s damage.
- Unleash Hell!: Generates a barrage of arrows in a designated area.
Lich (Witch)
The Lich Ascendancy marks a thrilling addition for Witch players, permitting them to embrace the undead. With abilities that allow for health sacrifice to bolster Energy Shield, this class embodies high-risk, high-reward gameplay:
- Crystalline Phylactery: Enhances socketed jewels and increases mana costs when out of Energy Shield.
- Necromantic Conduit: Empowers you and allies with Unholy Might, albeit sacrificing mana over time.
- Rupture the Soul: Cursed enemies may explode upon death, dealing Chaos damage to others.
- Dominion Over Flesh: Enables an additional curse application, affecting even Hexproof enemies.
The Dawn of the Hunt update not only enriches the gameplay experience for returning players but may also attract new ones eager to explore the vast possibilities presented by these fresh Ascendancies. Make sure to try them out and enjoy the numerous other enhancements!