Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0, titled Return of the Ancients, will be released on May 29th, marking the fifth update for PoE 2. This update is significant, and player anticipation is rapidly rising.
In Patch 0.5.0, images and names of two Ascendancy classes have been leaked: Ranger and Huntress.
Besides the leaked Ascendancy class information, let's take a look at some of the most requested classes and predict which classes from previous games will be added, including game data, tooltips, weapon descriptions, and what these classes looked like in Path of Exile 1.
Confirming Ascendancy Classes
Let's first look at the two known Ascendancy classes: Ranger's Ascendancy class - Arcane Archer, and Huntress's Ascendancy class - Wild Speaker. These two new Ascendancy classes have appeared in game data but are not yet implemented. This means they are very likely to be added in patch 0.5.0.
Let's speculate a bit. Arcane Archer might have spell-like effects when using his bow skills; I can totally imagine it. There's something similar in Path of Exile 1 called Mana Forged Arrows, which triggers skills after consuming mana. We could use that as a reference, like a magical phantom archer.
So, Arcane Archer still uses a bow, but something helps him cast effects or spells. Or perhaps it's just a simple mechanism that converts spell damage into attack damage. We can speculate on his attack effects.
Another image from Ascendancy class also reveals some information. We can see Huntress holding a spear, and three animals of different colors: an owl, a bear, and a deer. They don't look like ordinary animals; they have a magical aura.
I suspect Wild Speaker might have three different builds, allowing him to summon ghosts or animals that appear or persist under specific conditions. Its mechanics are expected to lean more towards buffs than summon-centric gameplay. Of course, it would be fantastic if more new summon types were added to Path of Exile 2.
Predicted Classes
Templar
First, let's look at Templar. In Path of Exile 2, Flails are one-handed melee weapons, requiring Strength and Intelligence to equip. Flail attacks require precise positioning and a long charge time to deal devastating damage. You can also enhance their attack power using Path of Exile 2 Currency. This means you can only wield one Flail in one hand, while the other can be a shield or similar weapon.
We can be fairly certain it's a weapon designed for Templars, especially since it requires Strength and Intelligence, which aligns with Templar's characteristics. We can speculate that Templar will be available in Path of Exile 2.
If we combine this with information from Path of Exile 1, we might deduce Templar's skill attributes in Path of Exile 2. Holy attacks are not a separate damage type; in PoE 1, the base damage of Holy skills was physical damage, with a portion then converted into fire or lightning damage. For example, in PoE 1, Templar's Righteous Fire ability deals fire damage to surrounding enemies.
In Path of Exile 1, another key characteristic of Templar is totems. Totems play a significant role in the game, as we've already seen with Druids. I believe Path of Exile 2 will also feature a specialization specifically for Templars, focusing more on totems.
Many abilities in PoE 2 have also been adjusted again. Some new abilities are introduced around Holy theme. Overall, I think Templar in PoE 2 will place greater emphasis on Holy damage, which is essentially the core theme of PoE 1.
Shadow
Shadow's attributes lean towards Intelligence and Dexterity, necessary for using Daggers. Shadow's initial role is between Magic Intelligence and Faster Attacks, so they may also possess spells cast through Daggers. These spells might be similar to Blade Vortex, allowing Shadow to make Daggers orbit around them. Claws will also apply to Shadow, although Claws may be changed in the future.
However, based on current hints, Shadow may also use traps. Unlike PoE 1, in PoE 2, traps are not skills but two-handed weapons that can be placed or thrown on the ground. When an enemy approaches, the corresponding effect is triggered.
Duelist
Many are eagerly anticipating this class, positioned between Dexterity and Strength, and it's highly likely that swordsmanship will be introduced.
Because if you look at the skill stats for swords, you'll find that they require Strength and Dexterity, and swords are usually associated with elemental damage. Therefore, we can speculate that Duelist skills will lean towards elemental, fire, or even lightning.
Axes combine Strength and Dexterity, and this skill set may also be applicable to Duelists. Compared to PoE 1, a unique aspect of Axes in PoE 2 is that you can throw Axes at enemies, causing a bleeding effect.
Claws are currently classified as a Dexterity attribute but have yet to be implemented in PoE 2. In the future, they may be classified as a Dexterity/Strength attribute, with a bleeding effect, and then also applicable to Duelist.
In terms of skills, Duelists should possess Cyclone-like abilities that can be cast with a sword. In addition, they should have faster, more classic attack methods - not the heavy ground slam followed by a short, powerful strike, but a faster-paced attack style.
Marauder
As a replacement for Warrior, Marauder, upon release in PoE 2, may receive two CTEs with Berserk attributes, moving towards a Berserker-like style, and will also be able to use two-handed weapons, etc. Skill mechanics and other aspects may also be adjusted accordingly.
This is what we can speculate about regarding the classes and their characteristics based on current game data and Path of Exile 1. Let's look forward to the new classes introduced in Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5.0!
