Don’t Overlook This New Rune in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2’s recent Dawn of the Hunt update has brought some exciting changes to the game, even though it rolled out with a few disappointments. Fans have a lot to explore, including a fresh class, new Ascendancies, and over a hundred unique items and support gems. While some aspects like endgame loot still need work, patch 0.2.0 has introduced intriguing additions, particularly to the Rune system, which could dramatically enhance certain builds.

A standout feature in Path of Exile 2 is the ability to craft and customize builds, a process that feels distinct from its predecessor yet profoundly gratifying. Runes have become central to this, offering versions that scale with your character’s level, from Lesser at level 15 to Greater at 45. Among four new Greater Runes, one, in particular, can drastically improve specific builds.

This star is the Greater Rune of Alacrity. Depending on where you socket it, it has different effects. On a Martial Weapon, it boosts Skill Speed by 8%, an effect beyond mere Attack Speed, enhancing animations for various skills. For instance, the new Smith of Kitava Ascendancy pairs well with mace builds, and the Perfect Strike skill, known for its hefty single-target damage, benefits markedly. The challenge? It’s quite slow with maces lacking high Attack Speed, which this Rune can remedy.

For crossbows, known for tedious reload times, increased Skill Speed not only quickens attacks but also improves reload efficiency. However, the value of this Rune can be overlooked since players often favor damage Runes in weapons, potentially bypassing this game-changer.

Yet, the Greater Rune of Alacrity holds its own. Though it doesn’t directly ramp up DPS stats that are often flaunted on trade websites, influencing decisions, its real value lies in overall gameplay feel. Take Perfect Strike, for example—faster animations mean your attacks are more likely to hit before an enemy dodges or counters, critical for boss fights where timing is key. Speeding up attack animations also helps you better anticipate and dodge enemy strikes, crucial for survival in those intense moments.

While a weapon might showcase lower DPS with this Rune, the overall damage output of your build could actually improve when considering the broader tactical advantages it offers.