The recently unveiled Tactician Ascendancy for the Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2 was a highlight of the Dawn of the Hunt livestream event. Set to debut with future update 0.2.0, this Ascendancy introduces a range of engaging features focused on group dynamics. Among its standout abilities is a unique off-screen minion capability that unleashes a barrage of arrows, leading to significant crowd control and damage potential for teams.
One particularly captivating aspect of the Tactician Ascendancy is the synergy between Suppressing Fire and Right Where We Want Them. This combination enables projectiles to generate Pin, immobilizing enemies. As a result, foes rendered helpless by Right Where We Want Them cannot take any action, positioning them vulnerable for devastating attacks.
Overview of Tactician Ascendancy Passives in Path of Exile 2
The anticipated Mercenary Ascendancy, known as the Tactician, indeed lives up to the hype. This Ascendancy includes hirelings in the form of an off-screen Minion through the persistent skill called Supporting Fire. Players can expect enhanced defensive capabilities, including boosts to Armour, Ailment Threshold, and Stun Threshold, or the ability to annihilate enemy groups without significant risk.
Branch 1: Strategic Enhancements
- Spirit: Increases Spirit by 8%
- A Solid Plan: Reduces the Reservation of Persistent Buffs by 50%
- Presence Area: Expands the Area of Effect of your Presence by 20%
- Watch How I Do It: Allies within your Presence gain an added Attack Damage equal to 25% of your main hand Weapon’s Damage.
Sub-Branch 1: Banner Mastery
- Banner Area: Increases the Area of Effect of Banner Skills by 20%
- Whoever Pays Best: Allows the placement of multiple Banners.
Branch 2: Pin Mastery
- Suppressing Fire: Increases Projectile Damage while building Pin.
- Pin Buildup: Enhances Pin Buildup by an additional 20%
- Right Where We Want Them: Prevents actions from Pinned enemies.
Branch 3: Defensive Capabilities
- Polish That Gear: Converts 100% of Armour into additional Stun Threshold and Evasion Rating into Ailment Threshold.
- Armor and Evasion: Provides a 15% boost to both Armour and Evasion Rating.
- Stay Light, Use Cover: Enhances defence capabilities with 200% of Armour and enforces an Accuracy Penalty on enemies based on distance, capping Evade and Physical Damage Reduction at 50%.
Branch 4: Minion Support
- Minion Damage: Provides a 20% increase in Minion Damage.
- Unleash Hell! Grants access to the “Supporting Fire” skill.
Branch 5: Totem Enhancement
- Totem Damage: Boosts Totem Damage by 20%.
- Cannons, Ready! Increases Totem Skill Speed by 30%, allowing them to activate skills only when a player fires an Attack Projectile.
Among the new skills available to the Tactician Ascendancy is Supporting Fire, which summons an off-screen artillery squad that follows the player. This squad can unleash a barrage of arrows on command, functioning as minions with the following characteristics:
- Minions receive a 1% increase in Accuracy Rating for every 3 points of the player’s Dexterity.
- Minions gain 1% more Damage for every 3 points of the player’s Strength.