Here are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming Dawn of the Hunt update in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) on April 4, 2025. Check out these essential tips to prepare for a successful league start.

How to Prepare for Dawn of the Hunt

Preparing for Dawn of the Hunt
Check Out the Content Reveal Video Look Out For the 0.2.0 Patch Notes Select an Ascendancy or Skill to Focus On Plan a Leveling Build Set Goals to Improve On Save up Currency Level Up a New Character Purchase Some Stash Tabs

Check Out the Content Reveal Video

The first thing to do to prepare for the upcoming Dawn of the Hunt update release is to check out the content reveal video released by GGG on March 27 to see the general additions and improvements in the upcoming update. Identify what excites you the most and explore additional Q&A sessions and FAQs from content creators and the official Path of Exile Announcment forums.

Patch 0.2.0 Dawn of the Hunt Release Date and Latest Information

Look Out For the 0.2.0 Patch Notes

If you've played the game before, it's worth it to review the 0.2.0 patch notes. Check for changes to items, skills, ascendancies, or mechanics you have used or plan to use. GGG has hinted at a significant balance overhaul, so staying informed will help you avoid surprises in your build.

Patch Notes Expected to Release on April 2

“The patch notes will be like towards the end of the week, like maybe Thursday sort-of-ish time... We still have somethings to do.”

Jonathan Rogers on a Developer Interview

The 0.2.0 patch notes are expected to be released around April 2, as stated by Jonathan Rogers in a developer interview.

Official Path of Exile Early Access Patch Notes Forum

Select an Ascendancy or Skill to Focus On

Once you've reviewed the new and updated content, decide on an ascendancy or skill to build around. The update introduces the Huntress class with two Ascendancy Classes, third Ascendancy Classes for the Warrior, Witch, and Mercenary, and the new Spear weapon type.

You can either choose an Ascendancy and build around its core mechanics or focus on a skill first and find the best Unique items and Ascendancy that complement it.

List of Classes and Ascendancies

Plan a Leveling Build

To ensure a smooth league start, plan out which Skill Gems and Support Gems you'll use in the early acts of the campaign. Your goal is to progress efficiently until you obtain key Uniques, Ascendancy Nodes, or Passive Skills that enable your final build.

Explore our homebrew builds and community-created builds below to find inspiration:

PoE 2 Best Builds

Set Goals to Improve On Based on Previous Experience

Path of Exile 2 is a deep and evolving game with updates that introduce a massive amount of new mechanics and challenges. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, focus on mastering different aspects of the game each league.

You may want to reach the endgame Atlas for the first time, learn how to optimize an Attack build that uses Maces, or learn how Energy Shield interacts with Passive Keystones like Chaos Inoculation or Eldritch Battery. The release of the Dawn of the Hunt update is the perfect opportunity to experiment with new mechanics and refine your gameplay for your future builds!

If you plan on defeating the Pinnacle Bosses in the endgame Atlas, consider checking out our guide below to progress through the endgame Atlas map as smoothly as possible.

Mapping Guide and List of Atlas Maps

Save up Currency

If you're not planning to play in the fresh economy, it's a good idea to start saving up currency and gear for your next character. With the update's release, a surge of returning players will enter the Standard league, leading to increased trading activity. Having a stockpile of resources can help you get a head start.

Best Ways to Farm Currency

Level Up a New Character

If you plan on playing as the new Tactician, Blacksmith of Kitava, or Lich Ascendancy Classes in Standard, consider leveling up a Mercenary, Warrior, or Witch in advance. By reaching a higher level before the Dawn of the Hunt update, you can quickly clear a Trial after release and ascend into one of the new classes without starting from scratch.

How to Power Level Alts

Purchase Some Stash Tabs

For a smoother experience, it's best to purchase a few Stash Tabs to help organize all the gear and currency you'll accumulate in the new league. Stash Tab sales occur roughly every three weeks, so keeping an eye on the latest discounts can help you expand your storage efficiently.

Stash Tab Sale Schedule and Prices

Path of Exile 2 Related Guides

Path of Exile 2 Guides

Path of Exile 2 Wiki Contents
Builds	Classes
Tips and Tricks	Bosses
Walkthrough	Quests
Gems	Items
Weapons	Armors
Accessories	Passives
Skills	Ascension Trials
Glossary	Atlas of Worlds
Leagues	Characters
Cosmetics	Microtransactions
Spectres	Uniques
News and Updates	-

List of Recommended Guides

How to Prepare for Dawn of the Hunt	Best Stash Tabs to Buy
Best Class Tier List	Best Stash Tabs to Buy
Which Class Should You Play?	Easiest Class to Play
Twilight Order Reliquary Guide and Sharing Board	How to Use Loot Filters
Diablo 4 Player's Guide to PoE 2	Best Minions to Summon
Best Ways to Farm Currency	Best Unique Equipment
Best Charms to Use	Best Spectres
Best Companions	List of Spectres
All Spirit Quests and Bosses	-