Path of Exile 2 introduces Huntress class, five new ascendancies, Rogue Exiles, and more features

Unveiling Dawn of the Hunt: A Major Update for Path of Exile 2

Grinding Gear Games has officially announced the debut content update for Path of Exile 2, titled Dawn of the Hunt. This eagerly anticipated release for the early access action RPG introduces an array of exciting features, including a compelling new class focused on spear and buckler combat, five innovative ascension classes, numerous endgame encounters, and over 100 new items.

Introducing the Huntress Class

The new Huntress class epitomizes agility and ferocity, wielding a spear that can effectively serve in both close-quarters and ranged combat. Adventurous players will appreciate the ability to parry incoming attacks using a buckler, stunning enemies and setting them up for powerful elemental counterattacks.

According to the developers, the Huntress boasts some of the most intricate attack and ability combo chains in the game’s history, complemented by 20 newly introduced spear skills designed to enhance the class’s versatility and tactical depth.

Exploring the New Ascendancy Classes

This update also features five enthralling new ascendancy classes, adding further customization options for character development:

Ritualist (Huntress) – Masters of corrupted lifeforce, the Ritualist utilizes blood sacrifice and plague as weapons, delving into the mystic realms of Azmeri traditions.
Amazon (Huntress) – A masterful hunter renowned for precision and elemental fury, the Amazon is dedicated to defending the Azmeri Elders with lethal accuracy.
Lich (Witch) – Harnessing chaotic powers and curses, the Lich sacrifices her own essence to manipulate undeath and amplify her Energy.
Smith of Kitava (Warrior) – This class wields the art of weapon forging, channeling the destructive power of fire and suffering through the hunger of Kitava.
Tactician (Mercenary) – Bringing military precision to the battlefield, this former Blackguard Elite excels in obliterating Wraeclast’s monstrous threats while reaping financial rewards.

New Abilities and Endgame Content Enhancements

Among the new abilities introduced in this update are Raise Spectre and Summon Rhoa Mount, enabling players to call upon monster spirits and ride a Rhoa into combat, respectively.

Dawn of the Hunt enriches gameplay with eight unique maps, each offering distinct encounters set within warped realities. Notable battles include the mirrored confrontations in The Fractured Lake and the intense challenges of The Phaaryl Megaliths. Additionally, players will find four new strongboxes, four corrupted essences, and a fresh corruption cleansing mechanic for maps.

Challenging Encounters: The Rogue Exiles

The update introduces a new faction known as the Rogue Exiles. These hostile NPCs will relentlessly engage players in combat, utilizing skills like dodge roll and powerful abilities, offering a unique combat experience characterized by increased tactical intelligence.

Dawn of the Hunt significantly rebalances the endgame. The number of towers has been drastically reduced but they have been made much more powerful. Tablets now affect twice as many areas and running higher tier Maps in Towers increases this number further still. In addition, each Tower will be able to consume up to three Tablets at once.

Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt Gameplay Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CnACIrCOkc)

Release Date and Further Information

The Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt update is scheduled for release on April 4 at 12 PM PT across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The studio recommends that players start anew in a fresh economy to optimize their experience with this new season. Complete patch notes for version 0.2.0 are expected to be announced next week.

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