Grinding Gear Games has officially announced the highly anticipated 0.2.0 update for its action role-playing game, Path of Exile 2, titled "Dawn of the Hunt." This marks the first major content update since the game entered Early Access in December 2024, and it is set to launch on April 4, 2025. The update will introduce a plethora of new features, including a new playable class, the Huntress, and several new Ascendancy classes, enhancing both gameplay and character customization.
The announcement came during a livestream event on March 27, 2025, where Grinding Gear Games showcased the new content and revealed details about the update. The Huntress class is designed as a hybrid character that excels in both ranged and melee combat, wielding a spear and a buckler. Players can expect a dynamic combat experience as the Huntress can seamlessly transition between attacking from a distance and engaging enemies up close.
One of the key features of the Huntress is her unique parry ability, which allows players to counter incoming attacks and follow up with powerful counterattacks. This mechanic not only enhances the tactical depth of combat but also introduces new gameplay strategies, as players can execute devastating combos after successfully parrying an enemy attack. The Huntress will come equipped with 20 new skills, including abilities like "Disengage," which enables her to leap back after a parry, gaining a Frenzy charge in the process.
In addition to the Huntress, the "Dawn of the Hunt" update will introduce five new Ascendancy classes, expanding the options available to players. These include:
- Ritualist (Huntress) - Focused on blood sacrifice and unleashing corrupted lifeforce upon foes.
- Amazon (Huntress) - A precision-based build that enhances elemental attacks.
- Lich (Witch) - A master of chaos and curses, sacrificing life force to enhance energy.
- Smith of Kitava (Warrior) - A smithing-based build that forges weapons and channels destructive power.
- Tactician (Mercenary) - A trained Blackguard Elite that employs military-grade brutality in combat.
The update will also bring significant enhancements to character development, featuring over 100 new support gems and unique items tailored for mid and endgame playstyles. These additions aim to diversify character builds and provide players with exciting new ways to customize their gameplay experience. Notably, players will gain access to new abilities such as "Raise Spectre," which allows them to summon the souls of defeated enemies, and "Summon Rhoa," which lets players call forth a mount to aid them in battle.
Moreover, the "Dawn of the Hunt" update will introduce seven new endgame maps, including locations like The Fractured Lake and The Silent Cave. Each map will come with unique challenges and encounters, adding fresh content for players to explore. Additionally, new mechanics will be implemented, such as the ability to cleanse corruption from certain maps after defeating powerful bosses.
Grinding Gear Games has also revealed new encounters, including Azmerian Wisps and Rogue Exiles, which will challenge players with dynamic combat scenarios. The addition of Rogue Exiles, who utilize the same skills and items as players, aims to create intense PvP-like encounters within the game.
As the update approaches, the developers have emphasized their commitment to addressing player feedback and improving the overall balance of the game. Jonathan Rogers, Game Director at Grinding Gear Games, stated, "This patch contains a full rebalance that will improve a lot of the more broken things that have been going on, which means that we don't have as many people feeling like they're forced into some of that stuff." This rebalance aims to ensure that players can experience a more fair and engaging gameplay environment.
Furthermore, the developers have confirmed that players will be able to continue using their existing characters after the update, although they encourage starting a new character to fully experience the changes and enhancements introduced in the new league.
In summary, the "Dawn of the Hunt" update for Path of Exile 2 promises to deliver a wealth of new content, mechanics, and gameplay improvements that will significantly enhance the player experience. With the introduction of the Huntress class, new Ascendancy options, and a variety of new skills and items, players can look forward to an exciting expansion on April 4, 2025.
