Huntress and Ritualist classes in the upcoming Path of Exile 2 update appear set to dominate. The Ritualist stands out thanks to its unique nodes, Unfurled Finger and Mystic Attunement, making it a top pick for those aiming to conquer endgame challenges. With players anticipated to flock to the Ritualist for its formidable potential, tweaks in future patches might be on the horizon.
Leading up to next week’s release, Grinding Gear Games kept details about Path of Exile 2’s 0.2.0 patch under wraps, offering only tantalizing glimpses. Slated for April 2, the update titled "Dawn of the Hunt" promises a wealth of content, redefining the game’s mechanics, particularly the endgame. With the introduction of the Huntress class and five new Ascendancies, players are pondering which will emerge as the powerhouse of the update. The answer seems clear despite the uncertainty.
Unsurprisingly, many players are expected to gravitate towards the Huntress class. It’s the sole new base class in this update and aligns seamlessly with the hunting theme. While we await testing of the new spear skills, one Ascendancy stands out as a potential frontrunner in power—so much so that Grinding Gear Games may need to dial it back later.
The Ritualist Ascendancy connected to the Huntress could become a game-changer right from the start. This is attributed to two key nodes that significantly enhance any endgame build’s power. The nodes include:
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Unfurled Finger: Grants an additional ring slot.
- Mystic Attunement: Boosts bonuses gained from rings and amulets by 25%.
Rings in Path of Exile 2 are vital, offering significant enhancements like Item Rarity, Life, Mana, and Resistances. A third ring slot coupled with a 25% effectiveness increase across all three rings is highly advantageous.
Choosing Ritualist doesn’t limit players to spear skills, and the added rings benefit any build. Take Path of Exile 2’s Ingenuity Unique belt, a staple in current meta builds. Though not too costly or difficult to acquire compared to items like Astramentis, Ingenuity’s allure lies in its 40-to-80% increased bonuses from rings, mirroring the Ritualist’s offering. The opportunity to wield a third ring while enhancing all three, plus amulets, positions the Ritualist as exceedingly strong.
With the Huntress introduction and Ritualist’s unparalleled power in endgame settings, this Ascendancy is likely to see significant play in the new Path of Exile 2 update. Furthermore, the node preceding Mystic Attunement grants a 3% Attributes increase, adding further potency if stat-stacking remains untouched by adjustments.
However, several considerations come with picking the Ritualist. Ingenuity might face adjustments either in function or drop rate, potentially affecting the attractive synergy with the Ascendancy. It’s improbable that Grinding Gear Games will allow such a potent interaction unchecked. Moreover, pending patch notes could alter the meta significantly. If abilities like Herald of Thunder and Ice are toned down, the Ritualist’s advantage might be affected. As it stands, though, once players equip well, this Ascendancy may be the strongest available.
Path of Exile 2 promises to captivate players with its rich offerings. From the new Huntress and its synergizing Ritualist to countless enhancements, the game continues its progression as a premiere action RPG experience. With an expansive journey, diverse characters, and extensive customization, it invites both fresh players and veterans to engage in its evolving world.
