A Singular Ascendancy to Govern All

Path of Exile 2 is gearing up for its 0.2.0 update, and it seems like the Huntress and Ritualist classes might just become the new favorites. With a slew of new content on the horizon, this patch, dubbed Dawn of the Hunt, promises to shake up the game significantly.

While exact details have been sparse, players can expect a major update on April 2, complete with substantial system changes and a revamped endgame. Among the exciting additions are a fresh class—the Huntress—and five new Ascendancies. But even with all these new elements, some classes are already standing out.

The Huntress appears poised to become a popular choice not just because it’s a brand-new option but also because it seamlessly fits the update’s theme centered on hunting ancient spirits. Although the potential of the new spear skills remains to be seen, one Ascendancy, in particular, might dominate the meta to the extent that future nerfs could be inevitable.

Focusing on the Ritualist Ascendancy for the Huntress, it’s bound to captivate players right from the start. The strength lies in its unique base nodes, which greatly enhance endgame builds. Here’s why:

• Unfurled Finger: Grants an extra ring slot.
• Mystic Attunement: Amplifies the benefits from rings and amulets by 25%.

In Path of Exile 2, rings play a crucial role. They can bolster a character’s traits with additional Item Rarity, Life, Mana, Resistances, and even damage. Having an extra slot for a ring while also enhancing the potency of each one by 25% is a significant advantage.

It’s important to note that choosing the Ritualist doesn’t limit players to spear skills alone. The extra ring slots can complement any build. Take, for instance, the Ingenuity Unique belt; it’s a sought-after item renowned for its ability to boost ring effects by 40-to-80%. While it’s currently affordable compared to some high-demand items like the Astramentis, its power shouldn’t be underestimated. Combining a good pair of rings with the Ritualist’s abilities makes Ingenuity a highly coveted asset. With a third ring slot and the ability to enhance rings and amulets, the Ritualist Ascendancy becomes compelling for endgame players.

With the addition of the Huntress class and the Ritualist Ascendancy’s notable strengths, it’s expected that many players will flock to this choice in Path of Exile 2’s latest update. Furthermore, the small node leading to Mystic Attunement offers a 3% Attribute increase, lending even more power to stat-stacking builds—assuming no major nerfs arrive to curb this mechanic.

However, there are still uncertainties. There’s a possibility that Ingenuity might face adjustments, either through its effects or drop rates. This powerful synergy could easily lead to players achieving over 100% increased ring effect, something that Grinding Gear Games might seek to balance out. Additionally, we have yet to see the finalized patch notes for Dawn of the Hunt. Some meta builds might suffer, particularly if skills like Herald of Thunder and Ice receive a nerf. Still, in its current form, Ritualist stands as arguably the most dominant Ascendancy once players fine-tune their gear.

Path of Exile 2 continues to evolve as an engaging action RPG, offering players a rich blend of character classes, hundreds of skill gems, various unique bosses, and a deep endgame experience. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends—thanks to features like couch co-op, cross-play, and cross-progression—the journey through Wraeclast is only just beginning.