The first major content update for Path of Exile 2’s Early Access arrives on April 4th. Titled “Dawn of the Hunt,” this update brings new features, classes, and endgame improvements while leaving some concerns about narrative depth unaddressed.
The Huntress: A Spear-Wielding Hybrid Fighter
The highlight addition is the Huntress class, a spear-wielding Azmeri warrior who excels at both melee and ranged combat. Exiled for using a skill gem against her society’s traditions, she introduces 22 new skills to the game.
The Huntress creates whirlwinds with Whirling Slash that blind enemies and explode when she exits their area. Her ability to throw elemental spears adds tactical depth, while the new Parry system with bucklers rewards skillful timing. Her unique ability to tame beasts as companions and utilize blood loss mechanics makes for a dynamic play style.
Five New Ascendancy Classes
The update brings five new Ascendancy classes:
- Ritualist (Huntress) – Uses sacrifice mechanics and plague powers
- Amazon (Huntress) – Specializes in traditional fighting techniques
- Smith of Kitava (Warrior) – Enhances weapons with fiery destruction
- Tactician (Mercenary) – Uses suppressing fire and banner abilities
- Lich (Witch) – Master Chaos and Curses, sacrificing life for Energy Shield
Streamlined Endgame Content
Dawn of the Hunt significantly improves the endgame experience. The Tower system has been reduced by two-thirds while making individual towers more powerful. Tablets now add twice as many mechanics, and higher-tier Maps further increase this effect.
Eight new maps join the roster, including the Phaaryl Megaliths with ten waves of boss fights. Rogue Exiles bring PvP-like encounters where exiles use player skills and actual items. Corrupted Maps feature a new Nexus system that gives players meaningful choices about progression.
A welcome improvement is the ability to respawn in maps after death, with six attempts for new endgame players, decreasing as map modifiers increase. This provides a gentler learning curve for the challenging content.
New Systems and Items
The update adds over 100 new support gems and 100 new unique items, focused on mid and endgame content. New crafting options include multi-tier runes, Azmerian Wisp socketables, and the return of Recombination through Expedition.
The long-awaited Raise Spectre skill allows players to capture and summon almost any monster in the game. The Summon Rhoa skill provides a mountable companion that allows full-speed movement while attacking.
Story Content Concerns Remain
Despite these impressive additions, Dawn of the Hunt does little to address a major criticism of Path of Exile 2’s Early Access: its thin narrative content. The campaign remains brief, making character leveling more like a barrier than an engaging experience.
While the Huntress brings her backstory and Azmerian Wisps add some lore elements, the update overwhelmingly focuses on systems rather than expanding the world’s narrative. For players valuing immersion, this continues to disappoint.
Final Assessment
Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt delivers substantial mechanical improvements to the Early Access experience. The new content showcases Grinding Gear Games’ commitment to building a complex ARPG system.
However, the limited attention to narrative development remains concerning. As Early Access continues, hopefully, future updates will strengthen story content to make character progression feel more meaningful beyond just accessing endgame activities.