Path of Exile 2 launched on December 6, showcasing an engaging sequel with three campaign acts, a rich endgame, and six character classes. The upcoming season, Dawn of the Hunt, introduces the Huntress class, featuring unique spells and mechanics. Players can unlock two Ascension classes, explore new seasonal challenges with enemies and spirits, and experience enhanced endgame mechanics. The game aims for a free-to-play transition in 2025, promising extensive customization and loot opportunities.
Path of Exile 2: A New Era Begins
Launched with great anticipation on December 6, Path of Exile 2 has already made a significant impact, proving itself as a worthy sequel to the beloved original. Fans of hack and slash games, particularly those who enjoy the Diablo series, have plenty to explore with three of the six campaign acts available, an extensive endgame, six character classes, and endless opportunities for creating unique character builds. However, this is just the starting point of a thrilling journey for Grinding Gear Games, which has recently announced an exciting new season titled The Dawn of the Hunt, set to debut on April 4. This upcoming update promises a wealth of new features that will undoubtedly capture the interest of genre aficionados. Let’s delve into the details of what’s to come.
Introducing the Huntress: A New Class in Path of Exile 2
One of the most thrilling highlights of the Dawn of the Hunt season in Path of Exile 2 is the introduction of a brand new character class: the Huntress. As suggested by the season’s title, this formidable warrior hails from tribal origins and was exiled for using a power gem to protect her homeland and appease the spirits. Gameplay-wise, she offers a unique blend of melee and ranged combat, wielding a spear and shield with finesse.
The Huntress draws parallels to the Amazon from Diablo 2 and incorporates elements reminiscent of the Witch Doctor from Diablo 3. She comes equipped with over 20 unique spells designed to promote synergy between spear throws and melee attacks, including a blinding gust that detonates when she moves away from it. Additionally, the Huntress introduces a new defensive mechanic: blocking. This allows her to absorb damage, which can amplify the effects of certain spells.
Like other classes in Path of Exile 2, the Huntress taps into various elemental powers, such as fire and lightning, while adding bleeding effects that can wreak havoc on her foes. Her unique bond with spirits also enables her to tame beasts, including elite enemies, transforming them into valuable allies during combat. This class is certainly one to watch upon its arrival in the game.
Exciting Ascension Classes and Unique Items
In addition to the Huntress, players can look forward to unlocking two Ascension classes through challenges as they progress. These Ascensions significantly alter the Huntress’s gameplay, effectively giving players three distinct classes to explore. The first is the Ritualist, who embraces the dark customs of her tribe, gaining the ability to sacrifice enemies or her own blood to boost her powers. The second is the Amazon variant, which greatly enhances her spear combat abilities, making her an even more formidable force.
Moreover, three existing classes will also receive new Ascension options. The Warrior will now have access to the Smith Ascension, allowing him to forge weapons and armor for any combat scenario. The Witch can evolve into the Lich, a powerful necromancer who utilizes her energy shield to unleash devastating spells at the cost of her health. Lastly, the Mercenary has the opportunity to become a Tactician, skilled in setting traps and bolstering allies, making him an invaluable asset in group encounters.
Alongside the new class and five Ascensions, the Dawn of the Hunt season will introduce a plethora of Unique items in Path of Exile 2, providing players with even more options to enhance their builds and explore the vast potential of character customization. Prepare for endless loot hunts!
New Seasonal Mechanics: Tracking and Spirits
The Dawn of the Hunt season also brings innovative seasonal mechanics that will aid in efficiently acquiring new Unique items—if you can survive the challenges ahead. Players will face new enemies throughout both the campaign and endgame, in the form of Exiles who have succumbed to darkness. These formidable foes will emulate each playable class and carry Unique items, which will be displayed beneath their health bar. This experience will resemble Player versus Player combat, driven by a robust artificial intelligence.
Additionally, new spirits will haunt the world during the campaign and endgame. Players will need to purify these spirits, which will defend themselves by possessing nearby enemies. After a while, they may transform into powerful elite foes or even bosses. Successfully exorcising these spirits will yield significant rewards, but players must act swiftly, as the spirits may flee if not defeated promptly.
Endgame Enhancements in Path of Exile 2
To wrap up our exploration of the new features introduced in the Dawn of the Hunt season, let’s discuss the endgame, known as the Atlas for seasoned players. This central aspect of Path of Exile 2 has evolved considerably in its early access phase, thanks to valuable community feedback. Notably, entering the endgame will be less punishing than before. During initial Atlas map explorations, players will have access to six respawn portals, which translates to six potential deaths. However, be cautious, as enhancing a specific map will reduce the number of available portals, offering only one for higher-level maps.
Moreover, the endgame now presents players with two distinct methods to explore the Atlas. Certain regions will be afflicted by the Beast, and exploring these corrupted maps will offer various rewards. Alternatively, players can venture to the heart of a region to purify it, thereby altering the rewards associated with maps cleared of corruption.
Finally, for the most skilled Exiles, the endgame will feature new mechanics, thematic maps, and bosses that present challenges worthy of the most ambitious builds. However, players should exercise caution—overconfidence could lead to disastrous losses. This concludes our overview of the exciting new features arriving with the Dawn of the Hunt season in Path of Exile 2. While the game is currently in early access and requires purchase, it is set to transition to a free-to-play model upon its official release, tentatively scheduled for 2025 on PC and consoles.