Deadeye Ascendancy Soars in Path of Exile 2: Crossbows, Spears, and the Return of the Speed Meta

Patch 0.2 of Path of Exile 2—titled Dawn of the Hunt—has brought sweeping changes to POE2 Currency ascendancies, gear, and archetypes. While many classes are scrambling to find their footing in this new meta, one familiar face has quietly risen to the top of the food chain: Deadeye. A long-standing favorite for its focus on projectile-based combat and lightning-fast movement, Deadeye has cemented its place in the upper tier of ascendancies in patch 0.2, thanks to a perfect storm of buffs, new weapons, and community support.

The addition of Crossbow support improvements, the rework of existing Deadeye notables, and the surprising synergy with Spears has pushed this class into the spotlight once again. Here’s how Deadeye became one of the strongest picks in Dawn of the Hunt—and why it’s only getting stronger.

Speed Kills: Deadeye’s Mobility Is Unmatched

One of the most defining traits of the Deadeye ascendancy is its unparalleled mobility. In a game where slow, methodical combat often rules the day, Deadeye flips the script. The notable Gathering Winds has been a favorite for quite some time, giving players a huge injection of action speed, which affects everything from movement to attack animations.

In a patch dominated by slower, bulkier classes like the Smith of Kitava or Warbringer, Deadeye’s ability to weave in and out of danger while dishing out projectiles makes it a popular choice for players who want control and fluidity. When paired with movement-based abilities and the newly improved Crossbow skills, Deadeye’s speed becomes more than a convenience—it becomes a core element of its power.

Crossbow Buffs: The Deadeye's Arsenal Gets Sharper

One of the major mechanical changes in patch 0.2 was the rebalancing and improvement of Crossbows. Previously underwhelming compared to buy Path of Exile 2 Currency bows or spells, Crossbows now offer competitive damage, excellent utility, and better scaling options through gear and skill trees.