POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt Huntress and Ascenancies
- Ray Kasen
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Grinding Gear Games has unveiled the POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt update, set to launch on April 4. This significant update marks the first major content release for the early access ARPG.
The highlight of this update is the introduction of a new class, the Huntress. However, the update also includes a variety of new features for all characters, such as new ascendancy options, skills, support gems, and unique items, which will significantly impact build customization.
Additionally, the update brings new endgame features, including new map types, mechanics, crafting systems, and ways to refine loot drops. The controversial tower elements of the endgame have also been revamped to make map preparation and gameplay smoother.

The Huntress
The announced POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt class, the Huntress is a versatile fighter who wields a spear and can function as both a ranged and melee class. One of her standout abilities is the power to tame beasts encountered in the world and use them as companions, retaining any mods they had during combat. Her skill set is designed around her hybrid nature, offering bonuses for engaging and disengaging in battle.
For instance, her Whirling Slash skill creates a whirlwind that blinds nearby enemies and explodes when she leaves it, causing damage. This whirlwind can be expanded by using multiple Whirling Slashes. At range, her spear can summon tornadoes that travel forward, hitting enemies and bouncing off walls. These effects can be enhanced with elemental types found on the ground.

The Huntress can also generate elemental effects by spending frenzy charges to throw elemental spears that explode and spread the effect. These frenzy charges can be earned through her favored off-hand item, the buckler, which allows her to parry incoming attacks and follow up with counterattacks.
The update promises a variety of synergistic options for the Huntress, including bleed skills and additional elemental abilities. By endgame, players can expect their Huntress to be capable of unleashing powerful spear attacks, summoning spirit animals, and calling upon the might of Solaris.
Ritualist (Huntress)

The Ritualist ascendancy focuses on plagues and animal sacrifices. Skills like Corrupted Lifeforce cause enemies to grow blood boils that burst upon death, spreading to nearby foes. The Ritual Sacrifice skill allows players to gain temporary modifiers from the corpses of rare enemies. This ascendancy also permits wearing an extra ring, which can be further enhanced with the Mystic Attunement perk.
Amazon (Huntress)

The Amazon ascendancy is designed to maximize spear skills. It includes options like Predatory Instinct, which reveals enemy weak spots, and Critical Strike, which converts excess accuracy into critical strike chance. This ascendancy also offers elemental synergy and health leeching from elemental damage. The Azmeri Brew perk allows for life and mana recovery from flasks.
Smith of Kitava (Warrior)

The Smith of Kitava ascendancy introduces blacksmithing to the battlefield. Players can place an anvil to enhance their weapon with fiery explosions and summon an animated copy of their weapon to aid in combat. The armour side of this ascendancy is particularly interesting, as it allows players to craft their own armour mods through the Smith's Masterwork node.
Tactician (Mercenary)

The Tactician ascendancy offers co-op options, such as placing multiple banners and granting allies bonus attack damage. It also includes crowd control and damage options, like pinning enemies and commanding off-screen archers to bombard the screen with arrows.
Lich (Witch)

The Lich ascendancy focuses on chaos magic. Players can create a phylactery that enhances any jewel placed in it, though it increases mana costs when the energy shield is depleted. The Lich can imbue herself and allies with extra chaos damage and cause cursed enemies to explode with chaos energy upon death. The Dominion over Flesh notable allows for an additional curse to be applied.

The POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt update promises to be a game-changer, introducing the dynamic Huntress class and a wealth of new features and mechanics. With enhanced endgame content, diverse ascendancy options, and innovative crafting systems, players can look forward to a fresh and engaging experience. Mark your calendars for April 4 and prepare to dive into the exciting world of POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt with this monumental update.