PoE 2 Best New Items (Spears & Bucklers) in Dawn of the Hunt

Before the patch notes of Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt (0.2.0 Patch) officially launch, massive new items that are planned to be added in the new league have been revealed. The introduction of Spears is particularly notable as they are the primary weapon for the new Huntress class. Today, let's understand the item class and top spears and bucklers to use for your builds in PoE 2 0.2.

Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt New Items & Best Weapons/Shields

In Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt Update, several new item types have been introduced, including Spears and Bucklers. Additionally, there are a ton of new unique items, new socketable items with new modifiers, and new base types for amulets and rings. New essences, such as Essence of Hysteria, Delirium, Horror, and Insanity, have been added, which can be corrupted with Vaal Orbs for unique crafting outcomes. Fracturing Orbs are also introduced, allowing players to lock specific modifiers on gear.

PoE 2 Best Spears in Dawn of the Hunt (0.2)

Spears in Dawn of the Hunt come in two main categories: one-handed and two-handed. One-handed spears, such as the Hardwood Spear and the Spike Spear, are designed for agile combat, allowing players to wield them alongside shields for added defense. Two-handed spears provide greater damage potential and reach, making them ideal for crowd control and dealing with multiple enemies. The introduction of new spear types enhances the gameplay by offering varied attack styles and synergies with other weapons and skills, providing players with more tactical options. Spears can be used in combination with Bucklers, which are also newly added to the game. 

1. Ironhead Spear

The Ironhead Spear is a robust choice for players seeking a balance between speed and damage. Its sturdy construction provides decent physical damage output while ensuring reliable performance in various combat scenarios. This spear is particularly beneficial for early-game PoE 0.2 builds, allowing players to engage enemies effectively while also serving as a solid foundation for future upgrades. It is a great option for both melee and ranged attacks, appealing to players who want to mix their combat styles.

2. Hunting Spear

Designed specifically for agility and precision, the Hunting Spear excels in delivering swift strikes to enemies. Its lightweight design allows for quick attacks, making it ideal for players who favor a hit-and-run playstyle. Additionally, the spear’s inherent bonuses to critical strike chance enhance its effectiveness, allowing players to deal significant damage with well-timed hits. This spear is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactical approach to combat, focusing on mobility and positioning.

3. Winged Spear

The Winged Spear is recommended because of its exceptional reach and damage potential. With its extended length, it allows players to strike from a safe distance, so it is good at crowd control and engaging multiple foes at once. The spear’s unique attributes enhance its damage against larger enemies, making it a favorite for boss encounters. Players looking to maximize their area-of-effect damage will find the Winged Spear to be a valuable asset in their arsenal.

4. Barbed Spear

The Barbed Spear is notable for its devastating bleeding effects, making it an excellent choice for builds that focus on damage over time. Its design incorporates sharp barbs that inflict continuous damage on enemies, providing a strategic advantage in prolonged fights. This spear encourages a more patient playstyle, allowing players to whittle down tougher foes while maintaining mobility. The synergy between its bleeding effects and certain passive skills can lead to impressive damage output, especially in the late game.

5. Massive Spear

As its name suggests, the Massive Spear is a powerhouse designed for players who prefer brute strength in their builds. With high base damage and substantial physical attack bonuses, this spear excels in delivering lethal blows to even the toughest enemies. It’s particularly effective in melee combat, where its size allows for powerful strikes that can stagger opponents. While it may sacrifice some speed for power, the Massive Spear is perfect for players who want to dominate in close-range encounters.

PoE 2 Best Bucklers in Dawn of the Hunt (0.2)

Bucklers are a new type of shield introduced in 0.2 Dawn of the Hunt, this weapon is designed to complement the newly added spear weapons. These lightweight shields provide a blend of evasion and defense, they are ideal for agile characters who prioritize mobility. Bucklers enhance the player's ability to evade attacks while still offering some protection against damage, allowing for a unique playstyle that encourages dodging and quick strikes. With several tiers, from leather to ancient bucklers, you will find the strongest options that suit your builds and preferences.

1. Ancient Buckler

The Ancient Buckler is the first top shield choice for your Dawn of the Hunt builds as it offers a balance of evasion and energy shield. Ideal for builds that prioritize survivability, this buckler is perfect for characters who rely on dodging attacks while maintaining a solid defense. Its unique design enhances both physical and elemental resistances.

2. Spikeward Buckler

Renowned for its defensive capabilities, the Spikeward Buckler excels in absorbing damage while reflecting a portion back to attackers. This feature makes it particularly appealing for melee combatants looking to deter foes. With added bonuses to block chance and resistance to status ailments, it provides a robust defense against aggressive enemies, making it a staple for tanky builds.

3. Bladeguard Buckler

The Bladeguard Buckler is a masterclass in offensive defense, combining high evasion with sharp counterattack capabilities. Characters wielding this buckler can dish out damage while blocking incoming attacks, making it ideal for agile builds that favor hit-and-run tactics. Its aesthetic, adorned with razor-sharp edges, symbolizes the deadly finesse required in high-stakes encounters.

4. Iron Buckler

A classic choice among exiles, the Iron Buckler is favored for its straightforward durability and efficiency. It provides a solid foundation of armor, making it a go-to for early-game survival. The Iron Buckler’s simplicity belies its effectiveness, as it can be easily upgraded with crafting to enhance its defensive properties, ensuring it remains relevant well into the later stages of gameplay.

5. Coiled Buckler

The Coiled Buckler offers a unique twist on traditional bucklers with its flexible design, allowing for enhanced mobility without sacrificing protection. This buckler is particularly suited for characters who engage in rapid movements and evasive maneuvers, making it a fantastic choice for builds focused on speed and agility. Its adaptability in combat scenarios provides an edge in both offense and defense, making it a strategic asset.