The Dawn of the Hunt patch for Path of Exile 2 is one of the most exciting updates to the game since its Early Access release in late 2024. This expansion introduces a wealth of new content, including a new class, Ascendancy classes, a reworked endgame, and an array of new mechanics that will elevate the experience for both new and returning players. However, it's important to note that this content will be available only to players who have purchased an Early Access Supporter Pack. Here's a breakdown of what players can expect in the 0.2.0 Dawn of the Hunt update.

New Class: The Huntress

The most significant addition to the Dawn of the Hunt patch is the introduction of the Huntress, a brand-new class in Path of Exile 2. Specializing in spears and bucklers, the Huntress blends close-combat and ranged attack skills to create a unique and dynamic playstyle. She is constantly on the move, embodying her exile from her native land, making her a nimble and evasive warrior.

Her Parry skill adds a tactical element to combat, offering players a fluid way to react to enemy attacks. Additionally, her elemental spear attacks allow for some of the longest combo chains seen in PoE 2 to date, giving her the ability to deal massive damage with quick, successive strikes. The Huntress will appeal to players who enjoy fast-paced, versatile combat with both offensive and defensive options.

New Ascendancy Classes

Alongside the introduction of the Huntress, three new Ascendancy classes have been added to the game, expanding the depth of character builds and offering fresh playstyle options. Here's a quick overview of these new Ascendancy classes:

The Smith of Kitava (Warrior)

The Smith of Kitava harnesses pain and fire to forge destructive weapons. Resonating with the chaos of Kitava, the Smith embraces pure might and elevates their smithing abilities, allowing them to craft powerful, fire-infused weapons that are capable of devastating enemies.

The Lich (Witch)

Masters of chaos and undeath, Liches tear apart their souls to manipulate the power of Chaos and Curses. They can use their life force to increase their Energy, making them a dangerous and unpredictable force on the battlefield. The Lich class allows players to explore dark, curse-infused playstyles.

The Tactician (Mercenary)

The Tactician is a battle-hardened Mercenary, a former Blackguard Elite who has honed military violence to perfection. In the heat of battle, the Tactician excels in eliminating enemies with precise strategy and brutal efficiency. This class is perfect for players who enjoy commanding the battlefield with calculated aggression.

These new Ascendancy classes add significant variety to character builds, allowing for creative and powerful combinations with the core classes.

Endgame Content Overhaul

Path of Exile has always been known for its endgame content, but with the Dawn of the Hunt patch, there are several exciting changes to keep high-level players engaged.

The Fractured Lake: This new map offers players a chance to experience an entirely new and bizarre reality, where landscapes shift and distorted beasts appear in mirrored form. It adds a new layer of difficulty and unpredictability to the game, giving players a chance to test their builds in unfamiliar terrain.

Endgame Adjustments: One of the most notable changes is the reworking of the Tower mechanics. The number of Towers has been drastically reduced, but their potency has been greatly increased. This makes tower defense mechanics more impactful, requiring players to think strategically when engaging with the new endgame content.

The Corruption Mechanic: A brand-new mechanic introduced in this patch, Corruption will spread over the land, forming expansive areas called the Corrupted Nexus. These regions are teeming with new challenges, including three new bosses that are heavily influenced by the power of corruption. After clearing these areas, players will face new enemies, bosses, and a host of rewards that can enhance their gameplay.

New Loot, Gems, and Runes

With Dawn of the Hunt, PoE 2 expands its loot pool and customization options:

Over 100 New Uniques: These Path of Exile 2 items provide high-level players with fresh opportunities to customize their builds. Whether you're looking for better stats, new abilities, or synergies with specific Ascendancy classes, these new uniques will keep the loot hunt engaging.

New Support Gems: More than 100 new support gems have been added, each offering players new ways to modify their abilities and gear. These gems allow for further customization of characters, enabling new combinations and creative builds.

20 New Runes: Runes are another new addition to PoE 2, offering players even more options to modify their abilities and equipment. These runes are key to personalizing a character's playstyle, giving players the chance to experiment with different power-ups.

When Is the Dawn of the Hunt Patch Available?

The Dawn of the Hunt update will officially be launched on April 4, 2025, at noon PDT. Players who have purchased an Early Access Supporter Pack will gain access to the expansion at this time, allowing them to experience the new content firsthand.

The patch will be available across all platforms simultaneously, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

Conclusion

The Dawn of the Hunt patch for Path of Exile 2 is packed with exciting new content that will keep players engaged for months to come. The addition of the Huntress class, new Ascendancy classes, revamped endgame content, and corruption mechanics bring fresh challenges and opportunities for creative character builds.

Remember, with the release on April 4, 2025, you'll need to make the most of your Early Access Supporter Pack to dive into this new content as soon as it drops. Get ready to explore the Fractured Lake, battle corrupted bosses, and collect a host of new PoE 2 items and Path of Exile 2 currency to enhance your journey through Wraeclast and beyond.