A significant content update is on the horizon for Path of Exile 2, titled Dawn of the Hunt. This expansion will introduce an exciting new class, numerous maps, a plethora of endgame encounters, and over one hundred unique items. Furthermore, players can look forward to enhanced crafting options with the introduction of more than 20 new runes, offering fresh avenues for customization and engagement in gameplay. Among these features, the Huntress class stands out, showcasing a unique blend of melee and ranged capabilities.
As of December 2024, Path of Exile 2 is currently in Early Access, and the developers are actively working on additional content ahead of its full release. While the game narrative provides a sense of completion often absent in early access titles, players have expressed a need for more endgame content. Addressing this concern, the Dawn of the Hunt expansion is set to launch on April 4, 2025, promising to enrich the gaming experience.
Jonathan Rogers, Game Director at Grinding Gear Games, recently discussed the upcoming features of Dawn of the Hunt during an interview with ScreenRant and other media outlets.
Introducing the Huntress: A New Character Class in Path Of Exile 2
A Unique Hybrid of Melee and Ranged Attacks
In line with the title, Dawn of the Hunt prominently features the versatile new class, the Huntress. This character is designed for both melee and ranged combat, capable of delivering devastating strikes up close or hurling her spear from a distance. Furthermore, the Huntress can parry enemy attacks, allowing her to counter strike effectively. As new weapon types introduced in Path of Exile 2, the spear and buckler highlight her combat style. Jonathan Rogers has hinted at the addition of swords in future updates with the introduction of another class.
Additionally, the Huntress has the unique ability to tame beasts to accompany her in battle. Players must strategically select their companion, as each player can have only one beast at a time. As Rogers notes, “You can only have one companion at a time, so you have to choose what beast you want.”
Among the new creatures joining the fray is the Rhoa, a versatile bird that can assist in combat or serve as a mount, enabling swift movement during battle. However, players need to beware; taking too much damage may cause them to be dismounted. Rogers explained that the Rhoa’s integration is intentional, as “mounts are not something they want every player to use all the time, so it is limited to certain classes at certain times.”
Fresh Ascendancy Classes for Existing Characters
New Heights for the Warrior, Mercenary, and Witch
The Huntress is not alone in receiving enhancements; five new ascendancy classes are being introduced with this update, with two directly associated with the Huntress. The Warrior, Mercenary, and the popular Witch class will all gain new ascendancy options.
|
Witch |
Lich Ascendancy Class |
Masters the powers of undeath and chaos by tearing their own soul apart. |
|---|---|---|
|
Warrior |
Smith of Kitava Ascendancy Class |
Forges devastating weapons using fire and suffering. |
|
Mercenary |
Tactician Ascendancy Class |
Utilizes military-grade brutality as a former Blackguard Elite. |
|
Huntress |
Ritualist Ascendancy Class |
Harnesses blood sacrifices to unleash corrupted lifeforce on foes. |
|
Huntress |
Amazon Ascendancy Class |
The ultimate hunter, leveraging elemental fury and precision. |
Given the scale of these updates, Rogers recommends players consider starting anew, though it remains a personal choice. The alterations to character balance, alongside modifications to the skill tree, economy, and currency exchange systems, may provide a smoother experience for new character initiatives. While starting fresh is not requisite for every content update, Rogers pointed out, “Every release up to the full release of the game will introduce new Ascensions for classes, but not necessarily entirely new classes.”
Due to the anticipated frequency of new content updates, Rogers mentioned that not every update will introduce a new class; however, he assured players that additional classes are in the pipeline, although details remain under wraps.
Developers Respond to Player Feedback: New Endgame Encounters, Maps, and More
Comprehensive Mechanical Overhauls Included
Players have frequently raised concerns regarding the insufficient endgame content available in Path of Exile 2. The developers have taken note, and with the Dawn of the Hunt update, they are introducing eight new maps that come complete with challenges and rewards, as well as what Rogers describes as “more than 40 new types of encounters.” One notable addition is The Phaaryl Megaliths, where players will confront waves of formidable bosses amidst a landscape infused with energy from rune-carved stones.
To rework some existing content, the number of Towers will be significantly reduced, although this does not equate to a simpler gameplay experience. The remaining Towers will possess enhanced abilities, with tablets now capable of impacting double the number of areas, and each tower able to utilize up to three tablets simultaneously.
Over One Hundred New Unique Items Targeting Mid and Endgame Players
Introducing 100 New Support Gems to Enrich Skill Modification
Player feedback regarding the scarcity of high-level Unique items has led to the introduction of over 100 new Unique items geared toward mid and endgame content in this update. In addition, players will benefit from over 20 new runes for gear modifications. An extensive selection of more than 100 support gems will offer players diverse build options, further facilitating character enhancement.
The Dawn of the Hunt content update is scheduled to launch on April 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM PDT across all platforms. Existing Early Access leagues will also feature this update, allowing players to carry on with their current characters, although starting fresh is recommended to fully experience what the update has to offer within the leagues.
This article was informed by a hands-off preview event attended by ScreenRant.