In Path of Exile 2, mastering the Huntress class may seem daunting initially, and some players might perceive her as underpowered. However, once you discover a powerful combination of skill and support gems, you’ll find that no foe can stand in your way. These combos not only excel at clearing enemy waves rapidly but also prove effective in boss encounters, though they may come with a degree of risk.
Top Skills for Leveling the Huntress in Path of Exile 2
There are numerous strategies to effectively play as a Huntress. While some skills lend themselves more to wave clearing rather than building a long-term character strategy, the following combinations stand out for their effectiveness:
- Rake + Stomping Ground
- Parry + Disengage + Explosive/Lightning Spear
- Whirling Slash (repeated) + Twister
- Lightning Rod + Lightning Arrow
- Spear Stab + Martial Tempo + Rage
Initially, I relied heavily on the Parry skill while I worked up to the Rake + Stomping Ground combo. This method requires precise timing with Parry to earn a Frenzy Charge, making it less effective against ranged opponents but invaluable in open spaces and corridors. When executed properly, it significantly boosts your attack efficiency.
To use this technique, Parry an enemy attack and quickly follow up with Disengage. Once you create some distance, unleash either Explosive Spear, which engulfs the area in fire, or Lightning Spear, which fractures into multiple projectiles that explode. Both are excellent for clearing out foes in tight spaces.
While the Huntress class may feel weak at the start of Path of Exile 2, its capabilities can reach top-tier levels as the game continues to evolve following the 0.2.0 meta. One standout combination worth noting is Rake + Stomping Ground: acquiring a Level 3 Gem and a Level 1 Support Gem is relatively quick and easy, making this pair a favorite for many players.
The Rake skill allows you to dash towards enemies while delivering an area-of-effect bleed attack. The damage scales with your distance from the target, adding a tactical layer to positioning. When paired with Stomping Ground, which creates a shockwave with your movement, this combo becomes immensely powerful for crowd control. Furthermore, you can perform Disengage for another strike on enemies that remain unscathed.
Another effective combination is Whirling Slash (repeated) + Twister, which I found particularly useful prior to acquiring the earlier mentioned combo. This strategy involves executing several Whirling Slashes, which generate whirlwinds, then casting Twister to proliferate the damage through elemental effects. If you have elemental ground damage at your disposal, the Twisters will amplify the damage significantly.
For players not inclined toward spear tactics, switching to a bow can also yield impressive results. Utilizing Lightning Rod followed by Lightning Arrow is just as effective for the Huntress as it is for traditional Rangers.
In one-on-one confrontations, you may want to employ the Spear Stab + Martial Tempo + Rage combination. This straightforward yet effective stab attack builds rage while benefiting from the Support Gems’ enhanced speed. While I prefer to embrace a more aggressive strategy that focuses on bleeding, this setup offers a reliable alternative for critical encounters.
The Huntress in Path of Exile 2 may initially seem perplexing and weak, but with the right combinations and insights, you can master her gameplay, transforming her into a formidable force capable of tackling any challenge the game presents.