Grinding Gear Games (GGG) is ramping up excitement for Path of Exile 2 with the release of Dawn of the Hunt, an update that introduces an entirely new class, additional ascendancies, and a slew of gameplay enhancements. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Dawn of the Hunt, including how to master the Huntress, take advantage of new skills and ascendancies, and prepare for the new endgame content.

Introducing the Huntress: The Ultimate Hybrid Combatant

The Huntress is a dexterity-based class specializing in Spear and Buckler combat. Unlike previous Path of Exile characters, the Huntress seamlessly blends ranged and melee combat, allowing for a fluid, adaptable playstyle.

Core Abilities and Mechanics

The Huntress is designed to stay on the offensive, constantly adapting to threats. Here are some key abilities that define her playstyle:

Parry and Counterblow - Using the Buckler, the Huntress can deflect enemy attacks and immediately counter with a devastating strike.

Disengage - A movement skill that lets the Huntress leap back after a successful parry, gaining Frenzy charges for increased attack speed.

Whirling Slash - A signature AoE melee attack that creates a whirlwind, damaging and blinding enemies before detonating upon disengagement.

Elemental Infusion - By interacting with Flame Wall, Frost Nova, or Lightning Strike, the Huntress can imbue her whirlwind with elemental damage, adding another layer of strategy to her combos.

With a mix of fast melee attacks, powerful ranged options, and defensive maneuvers, the Huntress is one of the most dynamic and skillful classes ever introduced in Path of Exile.

Five New Ascendancy Classes: Expanded Build Options

GGG is also introducing five new ascendancy classes, expanding build possibilities for Path of Exile 2 players.

Huntress Ascendancies

Ritualist - A dark, blood-magic user who sacrifices life to fuel powerful curses, plagues, and corrupt life force abilities.

Amazon - A crit-heavy, elemental warrior who excels at exploiting enemy weaknesses using infused elemental strikes.

Other New Ascendancies

Lich (Witch) - It consumes parts of its soul, sacrificing life force to power necrotic spells while gaining energy shield benefits.

Smith of Kitava (Warrior) - A weapon master who can summon enchanted weapons and forge powerful new equipment mid-battle.

Tactician (Mercenary) - A Blackguard Elite veteran who utilizes Suppression Fire, pinning enemies and preventing movement.

These new ascendancies significantly expand character customization and build diversity, ensuring Dawn of the Hunt offers fresh gameplay experiences.

New Weapon Types: Spears and Bucklers

GGG is introducing two brand-new weapon types in Dawn of the Hunt:

Spears - Designed for hybrid combat, spears excel at mid-range melee attacks and quick hit-and-run tactics.

Bucklers - A lightweight shield alternative that enhances parry mechanics and enables aggressive counterattacks.

Players can experiment with over 20 new spear skills, including multi-hit combos, impalements, and chain attacks that enhance the Huntress' gameplay.

Mounts Arrive in Wraeclast: Ride Your Rhoa Into Battle

For the first time in Path of Exile's history, mounts are making their way into the game. With the Summon Rhoa Mount skill, players can:

Summon a Rhoa - A powerful beast companion that fights alongside the player.

Mount the Rhoa - Move at increased speed while launching melee and ranged attacks from Rhoa-back.

Risk vs. Reward - Taking too much damage while mounted dismounts the player, causing a brief stun that could be fatal.

New Support Gems, Unique Items, and Crafting Options

To enhance build flexibility, GGG is introducing over 100 new Support Gems that expand skill synergies. Notable examples include:

Caltrops Support - Causes attacks to drop, slowing hazards, adding a new layer of crowd control.

Elemental Synergy - Enables stronger elemental-infused attacks when chaining multiple elements.

Additionally, Dawn of the Hunt features 100+ new unique Path of Exile 2 items, including exclusive Spears and Bucklers that allow for powerful endgame builds.

New Crafting Enhancements:

20+ new runes - Grant socketable mods that scale in power for endgame viability.

Extended crafting options - Players can now specialize mods with more depth than before.

Expanded Endgame: More Maps, Strongboxes, and Rogue Exiles

Dawn of the Hunt is expanding the endgame, adding:

Eight new maps - Offering fresh endgame content for experienced players.

Four new unique Strongboxes - Introducing new high-tier loot opportunities.

Rogue Exiles - These AI-controlled Exiles behave just like players, utilizing dodge rolls, unique skills, and advanced tactics in combat.

What makes Rogue Exiles special?

They adapt to your playstyle and counter your strategies.

Some talk trash, while others show respect before combat.

Defeating them grants high-value rewards, including powerful unique items.

While in-game methods are primary for acquiring Path of Exile 2 currency and items, some players opt to purchase currency from external sources to expedite their progress. Website MMOEXP offers various Path of Exile 2 currency items for sale, including Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for the Hunt

Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt is shaping up to be one of the most exciting expansions in the franchise's history. With a brand-new class, five unique ascendancies, powerful new weapons, mounts, and an expanded endgame, the update is set to revolutionize gameplay when it launches on April 4.