Path of Exile 2’s upcoming 0.2.0 update,
titled Dawn of the Hunt, is set to drop on April 4, 2025, and it’s bringing a shiny new toy to the battlefield: the Huntress. This class has players buzzing with excitement, promising a versatile playstyle that blends melee, ranged, and elemental chaos into one deadly package. With spears as her signature weapon, she’s shaping up to be a jack-of-all-trades—and maybe even a master of some. Let’s dive into what makes the Huntress tick, based on past showcases and what’s likely to hit the live servers.
A Class That’s Got It All
The Huntress isn’t your average ARPG archetype. She’s not locked into one role—she’s built to adapt. From up-close spear combos to hurling lightning-charged javelins, she’s got options for every situation. Past gameplay demos, like the one from ExileCon, give us a sneak peek at her toolkit. While some skills might evolve by launch, the core vibe is clear: this is a class that thrives on flexibility.Think of her as a love letter to fans of Diablo 2’s Amazon, but with a modern twist. She’s fast, she’s tactical, and she’s ready to skewer anything that moves. Whether you’re into bleeding foes dry or blasting them with elemental fury, the Huntress has something up her sleeve.
Spear Skills: Melee, Ranged, and Everything In Between
The Huntress’s spear is her defining feature, and it’s no one-trick pony. Here’s a breakdown of the abilities we’ve seen so far, based on older footage and reasonable guesses for Dawn of the Hunt:
Rapid Assault: A quick melee combo that ends with a beefy final strike. It’s got lightning damage baked in, rewarding you for sticking the full sequence. Perfect for players who love chaining attacks with a satisfying payoff.
Spear Field: Slam your spear into the ground, and watch a cluster of spikes erupt. These either stick around as hazards or explode on contact—great for crowd control or zoning out pesky mobs.
Storm Spear: A ranged lightning projectile that zaps multiple targets on impact. It’s a solid pick for picking off enemies from afar without breaking a sweat.
Blazing Lance: Toss a fiery spear that leaves a burning trail, then follow up with a second throw that spreads the flames. This one’s a visual stunner and a go-to for fire enthusiasts.
Ice Spear: Launch a frosty spear that powers up mid-flight, shattering into a cone of cold damage on hit. Ideal for freezing foes in their tracks or clearing tight packs.
Puncture: A lunging melee attack that inflicts bleeding, with bonus damage based on travel distance. Pair it with a jump-back finisher to keep enemies guessing.These skills paint a picture of a class that can dart in, deal damage, and slip out before the counterattack lands. The spear’s hybrid nature—melee one second, ranged the next—keeps her unpredictable.
Why the Huntress Feels Fresh
What sets her apart? It’s the sheer variety. You’ve got physical damage with bleeding for the gritty brawlers, plus elemental options (fire, ice, lightning) for the spell-slinging crowd. Want to play it safe from a distance? Storm Spear’s got you. Prefer getting in the thick of it? Rapid Assault and Puncture deliver. From a player’s perspective, this flexibility is a goldmine. I’ve always loved tinkering with builds, and the Huntress feels like a playground for experimentation. Imagine pairing her with a buckler for some tankiness or going full two-handed spear for raw power. The community’s already buzzing about hybrid setups—think bleeding melee with a splash of elemental ranged chaos. It’s the kind of class that could keep you busy for hours tweaking passives and gear.
Will She Break the Meta?
Here’s my hot take: the Huntress could be too good. If her skills hit as hard as they look, we might see a repeat of Diablo 4’s Spiritborn fiasco—everyone and their dog rolling the same overpowered class. Picture this: a Storm Spear spam build with Herald of Thunder, shredding maps while the rest of us are still socket-swapping. I’m crossing my fingers Grinding Gear Games (GGG) balances her right—maybe by releasing the Druid alongside her to split the player base. A little competition never hurt anyone, right?That said, her speed and adaptability could make her a fan favorite even if she’s not broken. She’s got that high-skill-ceiling vibe—easy to pick up, tough to master. Casual players can enjoy the flashy spear throws, while min-maxers chase the perfect combo timing.
Spears Change the Game
Beyond the Huntress, spears themselves are a big deal. They’re not just her gimmick—other classes like the Monk or Mercenary can wield them too. This opens up new build paths across the board. Picture a spear-toting Legionnaire zipping around with mobility buffs or a Warrior stacking impale effects. The Dawn of the Hunt update isn’t just about one class; it’s a weapon revolution that could ripple through the meta.And let’s talk gear prep. With patch 0.2.0 looming, now’s the time to stockpile crafting bases—spear-specific uniques might drop like hotcakes come April. Even Eternal server hoarders can get in on the action, testing wild builds with the new weapon type.
Who’s She For?
The Huntress is a dream for ARPG vets who crave variety. If you’re the type who rerolls characters every league to try something new, she’s your gal. Casual players might love her too—she’s got enough flash and simplicity to feel rewarding without a PhD in PoE mechanics. The only folks who might skip her? Diehard tank mains who’d rather face-plant into mobs than dance around them.
Thanks for Reading
The Huntress is shaping up to be a game-changer for Path of Exile 2, blending melee grit with ranged flair in a way we haven’t quite seen before. Whether she’s skewering bosses with Puncture or raining fire with Blazing Lance, she’s got the tools to dominate Dawn of the Hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for more reveals on March 27, and stay tuned to MMOJUGG for the latest PoE 2 breakdowns as we charge toward April 4!