Brace for a Fresh Start: Path of Exile 2’s Epic Update Approaches

Grinding Gear Games is gearing up to release the next patch for Path of Exile 2, titled “Dawn of the Hunt.” This update is set to introduce an array of exciting new features, including the spear-wielding Huntress class, fresh subclasses, and a wealth of revamped and novel items. However, players should brace themselves for some significant nerfs to their beloved powerful builds. As Rogers puts it, while you’ll encounter some incredibly broken stuff again, it won’t be the same old tricks you’re used to.

The expansive changes are largely due to the unique nature of Path of Exile 2. Unlike Diablo, where characters have distinct capabilities, Path of Exile allows classes to share spells and armor. This means that the introduction of a new class ripples across the entire game, giving existing classes access to new skills and gear.

The Huntress character is reminiscent of Diablo 2’s Amazon, a fierce female warrior who excels in mid-to-long-range spear attacks. Two standout abilities debuting with her are the rideable bird companion and the monster-soul-capturing mechanic, reminiscent of collecting Pokémon. When you trap a monster, it retains its random powers, potentially creating a vast array of creatures you can command in battle.

Each class—Mercenary, Warrior, and Witch—will get a fresh ascendancy. Mercenaries can become Tacticians, commanding an entourage of minions and ballistae. Warriors, as the Smith of Kitava, can enhance their weapons mid-fight. Meanwhile, Witches transform into a Lich, capable of commanding an undead army while becoming part of it themselves.

The upcoming patch brings a multitude of changes, which will be fully detailed before its release on April 4. In essence, the game is broadening its endgame experience with better onboarding for newcomers, introducing more predictable item crafting, and easing the challenge of high-level dungeons by allowing retries after death.

Grinding Gear Games suggests starting fresh with new characters once the patch goes live, treating it almost like a new season, though all updates will be available on the current “League” or server. But if you choose to carry on with your existing character, be prepared for the possibility that your trusty build might not perform as it once did.