PoE 2 New Ascendancy for Different Classes in Patch 0.2.0 (Season 1)

The 0.2.0 Patch for Path of Exile 2 has been announced to launch on April 4, with the potential new league or season. The update will also introduce new ascendancies. In this article, we are going to talk about the third ascendancy options for existing classes and the new Huntress Ascendancy in PoE 2 0.2.0 Patch  (Dawn of the Hunt).

Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 New Ascendancies (Season 1)

Updated (March 28, 2025)

Path of Exile 2 0.2.0 Patch (Dawn of the Hunt update) will add 5 new Ascendancy classes, each offering unique skills and gameplay mechanics.

1. Ritualist (Huntress)

The first Huntress Ascendancy - Ritualist has embraced dark Azmeri traditions, harnessing the power of animal sacrifice and plague. With the "Corrupted Lifeforce" skill, enemies around the Ritualist develop volatile blood boils that burst upon their death, spreading Corrupted Blood to nearby foes. This class excels in utilizing magical trinkets, allowing an additional ring with "Unfurled Finger," while "Mystic Attunement" enhances the bonuses of equipped rings and amulets. The Ritualist's signature skill, "As the Whispers Ask," enables the absorption of power from slain Rare Monsters, temporarily granting one of their Modifiers, while "As the Whispers Demand" allows for self-sacrifice to empower oneself.

2. Amazon (Huntress)

The Amazon is a masterful hunter trained as the elite guard for the Azmeri Elders, utilizing traditional combat techniques. The "Predatory Instinct" skill unveils weaknesses in Rare and Unique enemies' defenses, increasing the damage dealt. The "Elemental Infusion" skill empowers projectile attacks to explode on impact when charges are consumed. Additionally, the Amazon can use "Critical Strike" to convert excess Accuracy into Critical Strike Chance, while "Mystic Harvest" enables Elemental Damage to Leech Life, and "Azmeri Brew" allows the restoration of both Life and Mana using Flasks.

3. Smith of Kitava (Warrior)

The Smith of Kitava is a warrior blacksmith who channels the power of Kitava to enhance crafting abilities. With the "Against the Anvil" notable skill, they can forge their weapon to unleash fiery explosions upon impact. This class allows the summoning of an animated weapon copy to fight alongside them. Uniquely, the Smith of Kitava can craft their Body Armour by assigning points to disconnected notable skills, tailoring their gear to grant various benefits, such as increased Life or Resistances, embodying the true spirit of a blacksmith.

4. Tactician (Mercenary)

The Tactician is a former Blackguard Elite who now uses their training to hunt monsters in Wraeclast for profit. Skills like "Suppressing Fire" enable projectiles to Pin enemies, immobilizing them and preventing actions when combined with "Right Where We Want Them." The Tactician excels in cooperative play, placing multiple Banners with "Whoever Pays Best" and sharing weapon damage with allies through "Watch How I do It." Moreover, they can command off-screen archers to "Unleash Hell!" for a devastating carpet of arrows, showcasing their tactical prowess.

5. Lich (Witch)

The Lich is a master of Chaos and Curses, capable of sacrificing her life to bolster her Energy Shield. The "Crystalline Phylactery" skill allows her to contain part of her soul within a Jewel, significantly enhancing its power, though at the risk of increased Mana costs if her Energy Shield is depleted. "Necromantic Conduit" grants Unholy Might to herself and allies, boosting damage as Chaos Damage, while "Rupture the Soul" causes cursed enemies to explode with Chaos Damage upon death. "Dominion Over Flesh" enables the application of an additional Curse, establishing the Lich as a true master of the occult.

Original: 

Players are eagerly anticipating the introduction of new (third) ascendancies for each class in the PoE 2 0.2.0 Update, which would bring a ton of new build possibilities. The images in the announcement for the 0.2.0 patch indicate the new Mercenary Ascendancy class, and another artwork hints at a blacksmith-themed ascendancy for the Warrior class. 

1. New Mercenary Ascendancy - Crossbow Wielder

The official teaser for the Path of Exile 0.2.0 patch suggests that the Mercenary will be getting a third Ascendancy focused on sword and shield combat. This implies that each class in the game might eventually have three Ascendancies, enhancing build diversity and gameplay options significantly.

Players speculate that the Mercenary Ascendancy specializes in summoning ballistae and other mechanical allies to provide ranged support while enhancing the effectiveness of companions. Players can expect unique abilities that empower their allies, boost morale, and create devastating combinations of firepower on the battlefield. 

2. New Warrior Ascendancy - Kitava Craftsman/Smith of Kitava

The third Warrior Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 is basically confirmed to be added in the 0.2.0 Update, according to the datamining, its name would be the Kitava Craftsman/Smith of Kitava. This class is speculated to focus on weapon mastery and crafting, possibly offering bonuses related to weapon and armor quality, such as increased quality levels and reduced equipment requirements. The Kitava Craftsman may also have fire-related abilities, enhancing the Warrior's elemental damage capabilities. Players might wield multiple weapons simultaneously or frequently swap weapons to empower their attacks, with potential downsides like reduced movement speed or increased damage reflection to balance the powerful offensive capabilities.

Recent artwork shows a sword in the Warrior's hand. While it’s likely that the sword itself may not come until a future update involving the Duelist class, the ascendancy is expected to introduce mechanics focused on fire and physical damage. Historically, this could resemble elements from the previous Chieftain ascendancy, where a lot of mechanics added physical damage as extra fire. It could also include features similar to the Avatar of Fire from Path of Exile 1, which converted damage from other types into fire. This thematic connection to blacksmithing could mean players will see new ways to play existing skills, encouraging a faster playstyle at endgame compared to previous Warrior options.

3. New Monk Ascendancy - Unarmed Specialist

The Unarmed Specialist ascendancy enables the Monk to master combat without weapons. This class emphasizes speed and agility, allowing players to deliver swift, powerful strikes using their bare hands. Unique abilities will enhance unarmed combat skills, providing bonuses for consecutive hits and incorporating evasive maneuvers. The Unarmed Specialist is perfect for players who enjoy fast-paced, high-skill gameplay, creating an engaging martial arts experience.

4. New Sorceress Ascendancy - Pyromancer

The Pyromancer is probably the new ascendancy for the Sorceress class in Path of Exile 2 next league is set to harness the raw power of fire. This class allows players to unleash devastating fire-based spells, amplifying fire damage with unique abilities that enhance area-of-effect spells and ignite enemies. Players can expect mechanics that revolve around controlling fire, increasing damage over time, and triggering explosive effects. The Pyromancer is perfect for those who enjoy an offensive magic playstyle, making it a formidable choice in combat.

5. New Witch Ascendancy - Occultist

The Occultist ascendancy, which is possibly added, caters to the Witch’s affinity for chaos and dark magic. This class introduces skills that manipulate chaos damage, curses, and debuffs, enhancing the Witch's ability to control the battlefield. Players will utilize abilities that inflict chaos damage over time, summon dark minions, or weaken foes with powerful curses. The Occultist is ideal for players who thrive on strategic gameplay and enjoy outsmarting their enemies through cunning chaos magic.

6. New Ranger Ascendancy - Beastmaster

For Ranger, the ascendancy would redefine its role by emphasizing a connection to nature and animal companions. This class allows players to summon powerful beasts to aid them in combat while enhancing their melee capabilities with one-handed weapons. Expect unique mechanics that foster synergy between the Ranger and their summoned allies, enabling a dynamic playstyle focused on mobility and agility. The Beastmaster is a versatile choice for both solo and group play.

7. Huntress Ascendancy - Nature-themed & Bleed Mechanics Ascendancies

There are hints that the Huntress may have Ascendancies that incorporate nature-based effects, enhancing her spear combat and mobility. These could include abilities that allow her to manipulate the battlefield, perhaps through traps or environmental effects that slow or damage enemies. The exact nature of these Ascendancies is still speculative, but they are likely to align with the Huntress's thematic focus on agility and elemental prowess.

Given the Huntress's skills that inflict bleed damage, such as Puncture, it is anticipated that one of her Ascendancies will enhance these bleed mechanics. This could involve increasing the damage over time from bleed effects or providing additional benefits when enemies are bleeding.

Which Ascendancy Class to Choose for the Next League/Patch in PoE2?

When choosing the best ascendancy for the next league/patch in Path of Exile 2, the Deadeye remains a popular choice for its fast movement speed, which excels in clearing the campaign quickly. It doesn't require unique items like Pillar of the Gods to be effective, making it accessible for players looking to generate PoE2 currency rapidly at the start of the season. For those who enjoy minion-based gameplay, the Mercenary ascendancy offers the opportunity to command companions in battle. This class might incorporate Ballista mechanics, providing a different playstyle compared to traditional minion builds. The Gemling Legionnaire also stands out as a solid option, particularly for early mapping progression. With some initial funds, Gemlings can advance quickly through content. The Invoker presents another viable option, especially for players who prefer a more self-sufficient build. While it struggles somewhat with Delirium mobs due to the lack of shattering mechanics, it remains effective for most content. For players interested in melee combat, the Warbringer offers a challenging but rewarding experience, though it may not be the most efficient farming option. The upcoming Spear performer could revolutionize gameplay if released, potentially requiring players to grind another class first to accumulate sufficient currency before switching.