The highly anticipated Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 is set to launch on April 4, bringing exciting new features, balance changes, and two unique Ascendancy Classes for the Huntress: the Ritualist and the Amazon. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Ritualist, its ascendancy nodes, and how this dark-themed class can create powerful builds.
Before we begin, be sure to check out our PoE 2 Trade Store for fresh stocks of rare items once Patch 0.2.0 drops!
Ritualist Ascendancy Class Overview
The Huntress, typically aligned with the Azmeri Tribe, follows strict traditions. However, the Ritualist diverges from these teachings, embracing the dark magic and sacrificial rituals that her people fear. This thematic shift gives her access to powerful yet sinister abilities, many of which revolve around curses, debuffs, and self-inflicted effects that turn pain into power.
Ascendancy Nodes and Their Impact
Corrupted Lifeforce
One of the two ascendancy nodes that grant a unique skill, Corrupted Lifeforce, enables the Blood Boil debuff. While full details have yet to be confirmed, Blood Boil appears to cause enemies to explode on death, spreading Corrupted Blood in the area.
What is Corrupted Blood?
Corrupted Blood is similar to Bleeding, but with key differences:
• It stacks up to 10 times.
• It does not scale with physical damage.
• It is classified as a debuff, not an ailment, meaning standard Bleeding nodes will not increase its damage.
Is Corrupted Lifeforce Worth Taking?
• Great for clearing maps due to the chain reaction from enemy deaths.
• Not effective against bosses, unless they summon minions.
• Likely useful in the early game, but may be respecced later for stronger nodes.
Intricate Sigils
This ascendancy node allows you to equip an additional Charm and gain 20% more charm charges when killing enemies.
Why is this powerful?
• New unique Charms in Patch 0.2.0 make this node much stronger.
• Example: Beira's Anguish, a unique charm that ignites enemies when you are ignited.
• More charms = more bonuses, making Intricate Sigils a strong mid-game option.
Who should take this node?
• Players using Charm-focused builds.
• Those wanting to maximize buffs in boss fights or tough encounters.
Mind Phylacteries
A follow-up to Intricate Sigils, this node allows Charms to activate by spending 25% of your maximum Mana.
Is Mind Phylacteries worth taking?
• Yes, if you are using powerful Charms that require activation.
• Works well with Melting Maelstrom, a unique Mana Flask that fully restores Mana in one use.
• A niche but potentially powerful ascendancy choice.
Wildwood Persistence
If you enjoy self-damaging mechanics, this node is for you.
How it works:
• Increases life recovery by 5% per missing life percentage.
• Works with Flasks, passive regeneration, and Life Leech.
• Does not apply to instant life leech.
Potential Build Idea:
With the right items and passive tree choices, you can create an immortal mapping build using massive life regeneration.
As the Whispers Ask
The second ascendancy node that grants a skill, Ritual Sacrifice, lets you consume slain rare monsters to gain one of their modifiers for 10-30 seconds.
Pros & Cons:
✅ Functions like a mini-Headhunter ✅ Can stack powerful buffs in fights ❌ Limited to one modifier at a time
How to maximize this node?
• Use the Persistence support gem (or similar) to extend buff duration.
• Hunt for rare monsters with high-impact modifiers.
As the Whispers Demand
Instead of sacrificing monsters, this ascendancy lets you sacrifice 20% of your max life to gain a random monster modifier.
Is this viable?
• Yes, if you have strong life recovery.
• Powerful if you get buffs like:
o Soul Eater: Increased attack/cast speed per stack.
o Extra Energy Shield: Converts 25% of life into Energy Shield.
Unfurled Finger
Rings in PoE 2 provide essential bonuses like life, resistances, and attributes. Unfurled Finger grants an extra ring slot.
Why is this a must-have?
• More rings mean more life, resistances, attributes, and damage.
• Endgame builds can stack mirror-tier Breach Rings for insane buffs.
• If you need more item rarity or magic find, this node helps a lot.
Mystic Attunement
A direct synergy with Unfurled Finger, this node boosts the effects of ring and amulet modifiers by 25%.
Example: Boosting Explosive Spear
If you use Fireflower (amulet that grants +1-4 to Fire Skills), this node can boost it to +5 or even +7 (with corruption).
Best for:
• Elemental damage scaling builds
• Any build reliant on amulet/ring bonuses
Final Thoughts: Is the Ritualist Worth Playing?
The Ritualist offers an exciting mix of sacrifice mechanics, blood magic, and powerful item synergies. Here's a quick summary:
Early Game Strengths:
• Corrupted Lifeforce is great for farming and mapping.
Mid-Game & Utility:
• Charm-focused nodes (Intricate Sigils & Mind Phylacteries) cater to niche builds.
• Life recovery boosts (Wildwood Persistence) make self-damage builds viable.
Endgame Potential:
• As the Whispers Ask & Demand provide mini-Headhunter buffs.
• Unfurled Finger & Mystic Attunement create insane ring/amulet synergies.
Are you playing Ritualist in Patch 0.2.0?
Which Ascendancy Nodes are you planning to take? Let us know in the comments!
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