Path of Exile 2: Should You Start a New Character for Dawn of the Hunt

With the launch of Path of Exile 2 version 0.2.0, Grinding Gear Games has introduced a fresh start in the form of the Dawn of the Hunt league. This marks the first major content update following the game's Early Access release, and it brings a host of new features and changes that players are eager to experience. But for those wondering if it's worth starting a new character in this league or continuing with their old characters in the Standard League, let's break down the pros and cons of each option.

Is Starting a New Character For Dawn of the Hunt Worth It?

1. A Fresh Economy

One of the biggest advantages of the Dawn of the Hunt league is the fresh economy. This reset gives all players, whether veterans or newcomers, an equal starting point. Players who've been grinding away in the Standard League for hours and have accumulated wealth will no longer have their massive advantage.

For those just beginning Path of Exile 2 or looking to jump back in, starting fresh in Dawn of the Hunt offers the chance to explore and engage with the game's economy from the ground up. Whether you're crafting, trading, or farming for Path of Exile 2 items, you won't be competing with seasoned players who've built up vast stashes of wealth over months of play. This is an excellent opportunity for new players to feel like they're on an even footing with the rest of the community.

2. New Class and Ascendancies

A major draw of Dawn of the Hunt is the inclusion of the Huntress class and new ascendancies, features that require creating a new character. For players eager to explore these new mechanics, starting fresh is the only way to go. While players in the Standard League can theoretically experiment with these new options, the experience in Dawn of the Hunt will be tailored specifically to fresh characters, giving them an optimized progression through the game.

This also means you won't have to worry about fitting the Huntress or new ascendancies into a pre-established build, allowing you to fully explore what these additions bring to the table.

3. Campaign and Quality of Life Changes

With the 0.2.0 update, Path of Exile 2 has revamped several key quality of life features, especially when it comes to the campaign. The story progression has been streamlined, and there is now a clearer in-game justification for transitioning from the campaign to the endgame. Specifically, the game introduces the concept of clearing endgame map nodes and cleansing corruption, providing a much smoother story flow for players who are leveling new characters.

Players sticking with their ultra-late-endgame characters in Standard League won't be able to experience these campaign changes unless they start over with a fresh character. If you're a fan of campaign-focused changes, Dawn of the Hunt is your best bet for experiencing the new story elements firsthand.

Access to New Content in Both Leagues

Though Dawn of the Hunt offers a more tailored experience for new characters, Standard League players aren't missing out on all the new content. The major changes introduced in Patch 0.2.0, especially those centered around the endgame (such as changes to endgame map nodes and corruption cleansing), are available to both new and old characters alike. This means that if you're mainly interested in endgame content, the Standard League offers no significant disadvantages.

However, keep in mind that Standard League players may miss out on the new economy experience and will still be operating in a world where the market and item economy are heavily influenced by past seasons. This might be less appealing for players who are hoping for a fresh start.

Item Nerfs in Dawn of the Hunt

One of the more nuanced aspects of the Dawn of the Hunt league is the nerfing of broken items. Patch 0.2.0 has adjusted many of the most powerful and game-breaking items, often severely weakening their effects. However, players who already own these items in Standard League will be able to keep their original, unaltered versions.

For players who have invested a significant amount of time into creating MF (Magic Find) builds or have high-end gear that's been heavily optimized, staying in Standard League may be preferable. In Dawn of the Hunt, any new drops of these broken items will come with the nerfed versions, potentially making them less effective for players who rely on these powerful uniques.

Conclusion: Should You Start a New Character in Dawn of the Hunt?

The decision to start a new character in Dawn of the Hunt versus sticking with your Standard League character ultimately depends on what kind of Path of Exile 2 experience you're looking for:

If you're a new player or returning after a break, Dawn of the Hunt is definitely the way to go. You'll experience all the fresh content, including the new class, ascendancies, and quality of life changes, while enjoying a completely revamped economy that puts everyone on equal footing.

If you're an experienced player who already has a well-developed character in Standard League and is mainly interested in endgame content, you might find it more convenient to stick with your current character. The new endgame mechanics are available to both leagues, so if you don't mind the old economy and want to avoid starting over, Standard League could be a solid option.

For players relying on broken items, staying in Standard League is probably the best option, as you can keep your old, unnerfed items and continue with your established build.

Ultimately, if you want to experience everything Dawn of the Hunt has to offer, from fresh economy to new classes and ascendancies, starting a new character is definitely worth it. However, if you're already heavily invested in your current Standard League character and care more about endgame progression or item hoarding, sticking to Standard League might be the better choice.

PoE2 currency orbs also plays a crucial role in your progression, whether you're starting fresh in a new league or sticking with your existing Standard League character. For players jumping into Dawn of the Hunt, the fresh economy will provide an entirely new experience in terms of crafting, trading, and acquiring valuable items.

MMOexp POE 2 Team