Path of Exile 2 is gearing up for a big update later this March, and developer Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has begun teasing some of the exciting features players can expect in version 0.2.0. Among the highlights are new Ascendancy Classes, powerful unique Path of Exile 2 Items, and major enhancements to the endgame content, all of which promise to deepen the already rich experience of this action RPG.

Since entering early access in December 2024, Path of Exile 2 has steadily expanded its systems and classes. Currently, the game features six base classes—Warrior, Monk, Mercenary, Sorceress, Witch, and Ranger—each offering unique playstyles and abilities. At full launch, the game will have 12 base classes, each with three Ascendancy options, for a total of 36 Ascendancy Classes. Update 0.2.0 is set to introduce more of these Ascendancies, building toward that goal.

One of the new Ascendancy Classes has already been teased through an official image. The artwork shows a character holding a crossbow while commanding a soldier with a sword and shield. This strongly suggests a new Ascendancy path for the Mercenary class, likely one that emphasizes leadership, tactical command, and ranged weaponry. Flavor text accompanying the image reads, “Countless wars have left you with skills somewhat resembling a decent officer…”—hinting at a combat-savvy battlefield commander archetype.

While GGG hasn’t revealed detailed mechanics for this Ascendancy yet, players are eager to learn how it will change gameplay. As with all classes in PoE 2, the Ascendancy system is expected to offer deep customization and unique synergies with various skills and items.

In addition to the new class options, the update will also introduce two new Unique items: the Prism Guardian, a Sectarian Crest Shield, and The Deepest Tower, a Spiritbone Crown. These items are designed to empower specific build archetypes and will likely require higher-level characters to equip effectively. Unique items in Path of Exile are known for offering powerful bonuses that can transform a character’s playstyle, so theorycrafters are already speculating about the potential meta shifts.

The update will also address one of the more underwhelming aspects of early access so far: the endgame. According to GGG, the Atlas Passive Skill Tree is getting both improvements and new options to give players greater control over their progression and gameplay experience. This will make farming and mapping more engaging, with more paths to personalize your late-game activities.

One particularly exciting change is the revamp of Atlas map towers. Previously considered bland by many players, towers will now feature dynamic mechanics such as boss encounters. These encounters can also be enhanced using special tablets, allowing players to “juice” the difficulty and rewards. This adds an extra layer of strategic decision-making to mapping, a core part of PoE’s endgame loop.

GGG also noted that new support gems are being added in update 0.2.0, with a focus on expanding support options for skills that currently lack viable gem combinations. This should open up new build opportunities and help underutilized skills become more competitive. Z2U will continue to update news, guides, game transactions, and other content for PoE 2. You can also Buy Path of Exile 2 Game Service to improve your game level and immerse yourself in the game.

While most of the major features are still under wraps, the studio promises that update 0.2.0 will be a significant milestone for the game. Based on earlier estimates, the update is expected to launch during the week of March 21, 2025. Players are encouraged to keep an eye on the server status and prepare for potential downtime when the patch goes live.

Meanwhile, Grinding Gear Games has also been hosting race events in the lead-up to the patch, where players compete for speed and efficiency. First-place winners in these events can earn exclusive prizes, including a custom-decaled Alienware laptop.

As anticipation builds, player interest in the game’s evolving meta remains strong. Recent statistics show that the most popular classes are the Stormweaver and Invoker, each selected by over 19% of the player base. The Infernalist takes third place with 16.45% popularity. On the other end of the spectrum, the Acolyte of Chayula is the least-used class, with just 1.15% of players choosing it.

With new Ascendancy Classes, powerful unique items, and expanded endgame systems, update 0.2.0 is shaping up to be a major step forward for Path of Exile 2. Whether you’re a theorycrafting veteran or a new player Buy Path of Exile 2 Account to explore Wraeclast for the first time, there’s a lot to look forward to when the patch arrives later this month.