Path of Exile 2’s Dawn of the Hunt update, previously known as patch 0.2.0, is gearing up to launch on April 4, 2025, and it’s bringing some serious heat—literally. Among the teased highlights is the Kitava Warrior, a fiery new ascendancy for the Warrior class that’s got players hyped. Alongside it, the update promises a selection of fresh endgame encounters to spice up the grind. Let’s unpack what we know about this blazing subclass and why it’s worth getting excited about, with a bit of speculation and player insight thrown in for good measure.

The Kitava Warrior: A Blacksmith with a Fiery Twist

The Kitava Warrior—sometimes dubbed the “Smith of Kitava” in community chatter—steps into the spotlight as the Warrior’s third ascendancy option. Teased with the tagline, “You hunger for power, and by force of arms, you will take it,” this subclass screams strength and aggression. The splash art shows a hulking figure forging a sword, hinting at a craftsman-like vibe tied to Kitava, the fiery deity from PoE lore.  Unlike the Titan’s tanky stun focus or the Warbringer’s warcry-and-totem synergy, the Kitava Warrior seems poised to fill a gap: fire-based carnage. With strength as the Warrior’s core stat, fire makes perfect sense as its elemental flavor, and the current ascendancies don’t touch it. Expect skills that ignite enemies, amplify weapon damage, and maybe even turn your gear into molten tools of destruction.

What Could the Kitava Warrior Bring to the Table?

While Grinding Gear Games (GGG) hasn’t spilled all the beans, the teaser’s blacksmith theme suggests a mix of offense and utility. Here’s what might be in store:  

Fire Damage Boosts: Skills or passives that add fire damage to attacks or trigger burning effects. Think searing strikes or explosions on kill—perfect for clearing packs or roasting bosses.  Gear Enhancement: Bonuses tied to your weapons and armor, like extra quality, reduced stat requirements, or scaling perks based on equipped gear. Imagine forging your mace into a lava-dripping death machine.  

Crafting Flavor: Maybe a unique mechanic where you “temper” your equipment mid-fight for temporary buffs—extra armor, fire resistance, or boosted damage.This feels like a dream for melee fans who crave elemental flair without ditching the Warrior’s raw physical identity. I’ve always loved builds that blend brute force with a splash of chaos, and the Kitava Warrior could be that sweet spot. Picture a two-handed maul build where every swing ignites the ground—satisfying and stylish.

Meta Shaker or Flavor Win?

Here’s my take: the Kitava Warrior might not just be cool—it could shift the Warrior’s standing in the meta. Right now, Warriors lag behind flashier classes like the Sorceress or Mercenary in early access. A fire-focused ascendancy with gear-twisting perks could give them a much-needed edge, especially if it synergizes with new uniques dropping in Dawn of the Hunt.  That said, there’s a risk. If it’s too niche—like leaning hard into situational crafting buffs—it might not outshine Titan’s raw durability or Warbringer’s totem tricks. Community buzz suggests some folks worry it’ll be more “flavorful” than “dominant,” but I’m betting GGG balances it to compete. They’ve got a knack for making bold ideas work.

Beyond the Ascendancy: New Endgame Encounters

The Kitava Warrior isn’t the only star of the show. Dawn of the Hunt teases “a selection of new endgame encounters,” and one highlight is Tetzcatl, The Blazing Guardian. Tied to essences—those glowing crystals you crack open for mods—this fiery boss sounds like a beefy challenge unlocked through essence hunting. The teaser hints at multiple new fights, which is music to the ears of players craving more endgame meat.  These encounters could tie into the Kitava Warrior’s fire theme—imagine battling Tetzcatl with a build optimized for flame resistance and burning damage. It’s a chance to flex your new ascendancy while scoring exclusive loot. If GGG delivers multi-phase fights or unique mechanics, it’ll keep the grind fresh past the campaign.

Swords or Just Splash Art?

The teaser art features a sword, sparking debate about new weapons. Spears are confirmed with the Huntress, but swords? Unlikely for 0.2.0—they’re still missing from early access, and GGG’s focus seems locked on spears. That sword’s probably just thematic flair for the Kitava Warrior’s blacksmith vibe. Still, it’s fun to dream of a future patch where Warriors swing flaming blades alongside their maces.

Who’s This For?

The Kitava Warrior is tailor-made for Warrior mains who want more than slow, heavy hits. If you’re into torching foes while staying true to melee roots, this ascendancy’s your jam. It’s also a boon for theorycrafters—gear-based perks open wild build possibilities. Casual players might enjoy the fire visuals and straightforward power, while hardcore grinders chase its endgame potential against Tetzcatl and beyond.

Thanks for Reading

The Kitava Warrior is shaping up as a fiery, forceful addition to Path of Exile 2’s Dawn of the Hunt, paired with endgame encounters that promise to shake up the grind. Whether it’s forging your way through mobs or facing down blazing guardians, this ascendancy could redefine the Warrior’s legacy. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more updates as we near the April 4 reveal—things are heating up in Wraeclast!