Path of Exile 2 has just received its massive 0.3.0 update, known as The Third Edict, and it brings sweeping changes that impact every corner of the game. While no new class has been added, every existing class and ascendancy has been improved, buffed, or reworked. From support gem overhauls to new defensive mechanics, minion improvements, and a reimagined crafting system, the patch dramatically shifts the meta and creates exciting opportunities for league starters in the Rise of the Abyssal League.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the major changes, the best ascendancies in 0.3.0, and top starter builds to dominate the new league.
Main Class Changes in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3.0
The Third Edict reshapes the game systems extensively:
1. Support Gem System Rework
No more one-support-per-skill restriction.
Multiple copies of the same support gem can now be applied to different skills.
Introduces multi-tier supports and lineage support gems—rare, build-defining gems that drop from bosses, providing high-end progression targets.
2. Class Buffs and Passive Tree Expansion
Each class received new skills, keystones, and over 100 notable passive nodes, often themed around ascendancy mechanics.
Examples:
Monk: Gains access to Hollow Palm techniques for unarmed combat.
Warrior: Shield skills are now more fluid, powerful, and visually impactful.
3. Major Defense Reworks
Evasion introduces the deflection mechanic: reduces damage by 40% per successful deflect, with a 100% cap.
Armor can mitigate elemental damage with new modifiers.
Block and parry are more reliable, and elemental ailments like shock, chill, and freeze now last longer, encouraging multi-element builds.
4. Minion and Spectre Improvements
Minions always hit, no accuracy needed.
Spectres are cheaper, stronger, and benefit from new command and jump abilities.
Expands the versatility of minion-based playstyles.
5. Crafting and Itemization
Higher-tier crafting POE 2 orbs improve modifiers significantly.
Exceptional POE 2 items may drop with extra sockets or quality.
Essences, omens, and sanctified items offer deeper endgame crafting opportunities.
PoE 2 0.3.0 Class Ascendancy Tier List
With these sweeping changes, certain ascendancies shine more than others. Here's the updated tier ranking for The Third Edict:
S Tier
Titan (Warrior) – Best for defensive thorns setups; flexible for minion or wind dancer builds.
Ritualist (Huntress) – Excellent defensive buffs, jewelry bonuses, and thorns synergy.
Warbringer (Warrior) – Consistent armor break, strong thorns, and Jade Heritage synergy.
Deadeye (Ranger) – Evasion + deflect buffs make this build fast, durable, and deadly.
Blood Mage (Witch) – Free Sangmancy allows powerful self-sustaining bleeding and life-based spellcasting.
Chronomancer (Sorceress) – Instant weapon swap, elemental infusion synergy, and strong burst/sustained spell damage.
A Tier
Tactician (Mercenary) – Improved totem/ballista scaling, banner buffs, and flexible support gem use.
Acolyte of Chayula (Monk) – Volatility + breach nodes for hybrid sustain and damage.
Stormweaver (Sorceress) – Multi-element weaving with infusion mechanics.
Pathfinder (Ranger) – Poison/toxic growth scaling for mapping and bossing.
Amazon (Huntress) – Fast clearing with Gas Arrow synergy.
Infernalist (Witch) – Fire stacking, weapon retention, and good early-game potential.
