Grinding Gear Games has teased exciting additions coming to Path of Exile 2 in its March 0.2.0 update, most notably the introduction of new Ascendancy Classes.  Following the early access launch in December 2024, the developers are aiming for a full release in May 2025 and this update marks a significant step towards that goal.

Path of Exile 2, the sequel to the popular 2013 action RPG, features an isometric dungeon crawling experience with a complex character class system.  Currently, six of the planned twelve base classes are available in early access: Warrior, Monk, Mercenary, Sorceress, Witch, and Ranger.  Each base class branches into three Ascendancy Classes, offering diverse playstyles and builds.

The 0.2.0 update, expected in late March 2025, promises a range of gameplay changes. One of the most anticipated additions is the introduction of these new Ascendancy Classes.  A teaser image showcasing a crossbow-wielding character hints at a potential new Ascendancy for the Mercenary class, sparking speculation and excitement within the community.

Beyond the new Ascendancy classes, the update will also introduce two new Unique items: the Prism Guardian, a Sectarian Crest Shield, and The Deepest Tower, a Spiritbone Crown. These powerful items will likely require players to reach higher levels to effectively utilize them.

Grinding Gear Games has also highlighted improvements to the endgame experience, including enhancements and additional choices within the Atlas Passive Skill Tree, offering players greater customization and control over their endgame progression.  To further engage the community, special race events are planned in the lead-up to the 0.2.0 update, with the top prize being a custom-decaled Alienware laptop.

The recent popularity rankings for Path of Exile 2's current Ascendancy classes revealed Stormweaver and Invoker as the most popular choices, chosen by 19.04% of players.  Infernalist secured the third spot with 16.45% popularity, while Acolyte of Chayula trailed behind as the least-used class with only 1.15% of players opting for it. This data provides valuable insights into player preferences and may influence future balancing decisions.