A Singular Ascendancy to Dominate All

Path of Exile 2’s upcoming 0.2.0 update is creating quite a buzz in the gaming community, especially with the introduction of the new Huntress and Ritualist classes. From what we’ve seen so far, these classes are shaping up to be powerhouses, particularly the Ritualist with its unique nodes like Unfurled Finger and Mystic Attunement, paving the way for potent endgame builds. Players seem to be leaning towards the Ritualist, lured by its immense potential, though future updates might bring balancing changes.

Ahead of its release, Grinding Gear Games has been coy with details about the 0.2.0 patch, aptly named Dawn of the Hunt, leaving players hungry for more information. This update, set to launch on April 2, promises a wealth of new content and modifications to existing systems, including a refreshed endgame loop. Among the new offerings is the Huntress class, complemented by five fresh Ascendancies. Although predicting the meta shift can be tricky, one thing seems apparent: these additions are set to redefine the gaming experience in Path of Exile 2.

The spotlight is naturally on the Huntress, not just because it’s the latest addition but also due to its synergy with the new theme centered around ancient spirit hunting. While we eagerly await to test the new spear skills, the real show-stealer could be the Ritualist Ascendancy, which might require nerfs down the line due to its formidable power.

One compelling reason the Ritualist Ascendancy stands out is its base nodes that pack a punch in endgame scenarios. Notably, the Unfurled Finger allows an extra ring slot, while Mystic Attunement boosts bonuses from equipped rings and amulets by an impressive 25%. Given the power rings hold, enhancing Item Rarity, Life, and Resistances, this additional slot and boost can significantly amplify a build’s effectiveness.

It’s worth noting that choosing the Ritualist doesn’t lock players into specific skills. Extra ring benefits can enhance any build beyond those using spear skills.

Consider the Ingenuity Unique belt, a staple in many meta builds for its 40-to-80% bonus from equipped rings, echoing the benefits of a Ritualist. Acquiring a third ring while amplifying all three rings’ effects, alongside amulets, turns the Ritualist into a force to reckon with, positioning it as a tempting choice for players.

Given the Huntress’s appeal and the Ritualist’s extraordinary endgame prowess, it’s likely many players will be drawn to this Ascendancy. Moreover, Mystic Attunement’s accompanying node offering a 3% boost in Attributes could become more impactful if stat-stacking isn’t nerfed.

However, there could be some downsides. With the release of patch notes still pending, there’s a possibility of game-changing nerfs, especially to highly synergistic elements like Ingenuity, which might see reduced drop rates or effectiveness. Even though these changes are speculative, the Ritualist appears as a dominant Ascendancy, poised to capitalize on well-geared builds. Let’s wait and see how the community responds and what adjustments the developers might roll out in response.