In the highly anticipated Path of Exile 2, the mysterious “cryptic craftsman” has been revealed to be the Smith of Kitava, a new Ascendancy for the Warrior class. This new class brings a wealth of exciting mechanics and abilities, allowing players to craft unique and powerful armor, especially by utilizing White (Normal) rarity body armor. During the livestream on March 27, 2025, various Ascendancies were showcased, highlighting unique gameplay styles for Warriors.
The Smith of Kitava Ascendancy is impressive in its potential for durability. With passives that enhance resistances based on other resistance modifiers, players can create highly resilient builds. For example, the Coal Stoker passive not only boosts Fire Resistance but also grants additional Cold and Lightning Resistance equal to 50% of the Fire Resistance value. Similarly, the Forged in Flame passive increases Maximum Resistance, creating a versatile defensive structure for players.
This Ascendancy stands out not only in its defensive capabilities but also in its offensive options, offering powerful fire damage capabilities. Players might consider integrating skills like Raging Spirits into their builds to harness the explosive potential of the Smith of Kitava.
Overview of the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy Passives
The passive tree of the Smith of Kitava offers a distinctive experience. Players are granted access to a complementary skill, Smith’s Masterwork, which can be allocated at any time. This unique passive allows players to enhance Body Armor attributes, but with a caveat: it requires using only Normal Body Armor. Those looking to maximize this Ascendancy must strategize accordingly.
Devoted to the god Kitava, the Smith emerges as a master craftsman capable of supercharging their weaponry and crafting personalized armor. This class not only enhances offensive fire damage but also augments their general resistance, making them formidable in solo play.
Passive Branch Breakdown
Branch 1: Fire Damage Enhancement
- Fire Damage: 20% increased Fire Damage
- Heat of the Forge: Grants the Skill “Fire Spell on Hit”
Branch 2: Maximizing Resistances
- Fire Resistance: +15% to Fire Resistance
- Coal Stoker: Fire Resistance modifiers bestow Cold and Lightning Resistance at 50% of their value
- Forged in Flame: Maximum Fire Resistance modifiers also enhance Maximum Cold and Lightning Resistance
Branch 3: Melee Damage Focus
- Melee Damage: 20% increased Melee Damage
- Against the Anvil: Grants the Skill “Temper Weapon”
Branch 4: Minion Damage Buffs
- Minion Damage: Increases damage dealt by Minions by 20%
- Living Weapon: Grants the Skill “Manifest Weapon”
The Smith’s Masterwork passive is notable for its requirement of using Normal Body Armor, but it is advantageous as it allows players to select from various buffs for their armor without being tied to a branching structure.
Smith’s Masterwork Options
- Flowing Metal: +5% to Maximum Fire Resistance from Body Armor
- Molten Symbol: Converts 25% of Physical Damage from Hits into Fire Damage
- Internal Layer: Reduces Critical Damage Bonus by 50% from incoming hits
- Leather Bindings: Provides 5% of Life Regeneration per second
- Lead Lining: Grants +75% to Lightning Resistance
- Support Straps: Enhances Strength by 20% from Body Armor
- Kitavan Engraving: Boosts maximum life by 15%
- Tantalum Alloy: Offers +75% to Fire Resistance
- Heatproofing: Ensures immunity to Ignite effects
- Heavy Bracing: Increases Stun Threshold by 100%
- Padded Plates: Provides +75% to Cold Resistance
- Dedication to Kitava: Allows Armor to apply against Chaos Damage from Hits
Within Path of Exile 2, the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy introduces three unique skills: Fire Spell on Hit, Temper Weapon, and Manifest Weapon. While the details of Fire Spell on Hit remain under wraps, it likely enhances the fire damage of physical attacks. Further updates on these skills are expected as the game progresses.
- Temper Weapon: Causes explosive impacts on attacks, creating wide-ranging area of effect damage.
- Manifest Weapon: Summons an animated version of your weapon to fight alongside you.