Excitement is building within the Path of Exile community as developer Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has confirmed the upcoming release of patch 0.2.0 for Path of Exile 2. Set to arrive in March 2025, this update is one of the most highly anticipated patches in the game’s history. Patch 0.2.0 will introduce several key features, including the Gladiator class, a new addition that will shake up the game’s combat systems. In addition, there’s the possibility of new two-handed weapon subtypes, such as two-handed axes and swords, which will significantly impact character builds and combat strategies.

This article will explore the features coming in patch 0.2.0, what players can expect from the Gladiator class, and the exciting potential of new two-handed weapons, along with the addition of new skill gems that will define these new playstyles. With these updates, Path of Exile 2 is poised to deliver some truly transformative gameplay changes, and fans can’t wait to see how the game evolves.

When Is Patch 0.2.0 Coming?
On February 20, 2025, Grinding Gear Games gave the community a heads-up about the upcoming patch 0.2.0, which is scheduled to be released in about a month. Given this timing, fans can expect patch 0.2.0 to launch around the third week of March 2025. This lines up with GGG’s earlier promise of a major update in March, making it one of the biggest patches for Path of Exile 2 in recent months.

Furthermore, GGG has also scheduled three in-game competitive events leading up to the release, with the final event taking place on March 16, 2025. Since these events are designed to generate excitement and build hype around the update, it’s safe to assume that the most likely release window for patch 0.2.0 will fall between March 17 and March 20, 2025 (PDT).

As fans prepare for the big update, there’s plenty of speculation and excitement about what exactly patch 0.2.0 will bring to the game. However, there are already some confirmed features that players can look forward to, including the Gladiator class and potential updates to the weapon system.

The Gladiator Class: A New Playstyle for Path of Exile 2
One of the most exciting features coming in patch 0.2.0 is the Gladiator class, a long-awaited addition that is bound to shake up combat builds for Path of Exile 2 players. The Gladiator class will likely combine the offensive power of melee combat with strong defensive capabilities, providing a well-rounded and versatile playstyle.

While details on the Gladiator’s abilities are still under wraps, there are a few things we can expect based on past Path of Exile entries and general fantasy archetypes:

1. Master of Melee Weapons
The Gladiator class will likely have a strong focus on melee combat, specializing in a variety of weapons including swords, maces, and the newly introduced two-handed weapons. This is a natural fit for the class, as Gladiators are often depicted as fierce warriors who are adept with different types of melee equipment. Expect the Gladiator to have unique mechanics that allow for the mastery of both offense and defense, making it a solid choice for players who enjoy being in the thick of combat.

2. Defensive and Offensive Synergy
One of the defining features of the Gladiator in previous fantasy settings is their ability to balance offense with defense. It’s likely that the Gladiator will have access to defensive skills that boost block, dodge, or armor while simultaneously unleashing devastating attacks. This makes the Gladiator a perfect choice for players who want to tank damage while also dealing heavy blows.

3. Synergies with New Weapon Types
As the Gladiator is introduced alongside potential new two-handed weapons, it’s reasonable to expect that the class will have synergies with these weapons, further enhancing the Gladiator’s ability to thrive in both offensive and defensive roles. The two-handed axe and two-handed sword could be a perfect fit for the Gladiator’s combat style, allowing players to create powerful, high-impact builds.

The Potential of New Two-Handed Weapon Subtypes
In addition to the Gladiator class, another major addition coming in patch 0.2.0 is the possibility of new two-handed weapon subtypes—specifically, the introduction of two-handed axes and two-handed swords. These new weapons could drastically alter the gameplay dynamics and provide players with fresh combat strategies and build possibilities.

Path of Exile has long been known for its extensive weapon variety, but the introduction of two-handed axes and swords promises to push the boundaries even further. Here’s how these weapons might change the game:

1. Two-Handed Axes
Two-handed axes could introduce high-damage melee attacks with a focus on cleaving and area-of-effect (AoE) damage. These axes would be designed for players who want to deal massive amounts of damage to groups of enemies at once. By pairing two-handed axes with appropriate skills and support gems, players could create builds that excel in clearing large crowds quickly. Expect skills that emphasize wide-reaching strikes and devastating power.

2. Two-Handed Swords
On the other hand, two-handed swords are typically faster and more precise. These swords would likely focus on bleeding effects, precise strikes, and quick combos. With the right skill setup, players could use two-handed swords to deal rapid damage, focus on single-target DPS, or inflict debuffs that help control the battlefield. Swords could also open up unique synergies with the Gladiator class, enhancing their melee potential and offering different tactical approaches to combat.

New Skill Gems: Defining Two-Handed Playstyles
The introduction of new weapon types in patch 0.2.0 won’t just mean new weapons in your inventory—it will also come with the addition of new skill gems designed specifically to complement these two-handed axes and swords. In Path of Exile, skill gems are one of the core features of the game, allowing players to customize their abilities and define their playstyle.

With the new two-handed weapon subtypes, players can expect skill gems that are thematically linked to each weapon type. These gems will likely provide:

New Active Skills: Expect powerful, high-damage skills that leverage the size and weight of two-handed axes and swords to unleash devastating effects.
Skill Synergies: Skill gems for these weapons may come with unique support gems that enhance their effects, allowing players to customize their builds even further.
New Playstyles: Whether players prefer the heavy-hitting, area-clearing power of axes or the precise, rapid strikes of swords, new skill gems will help define how each weapon type feels and plays.
These new skills and gem combinations will give players the flexibility to create specialized builds around the new two-handed weapons, providing plenty of room for experimentation and creativity.

Conclusion: A Game-Changing Update
Patch 0.2.0 for Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates in the game’s history. The introduction of the Gladiator class and the potential addition of two-handed axes and swords will provide fresh and dynamic gameplay options for players. These updates will not only change how players approach combat but also give them new tools to build their characters in ways never before possible.

With new skill gems, powerful weapon types, and the Gladiator class on the horizon, Path of Exile 2 is poised to take the series to new heights. Fans can look forward to the release of patch 0.2.0 in March 2025, and with competitive events leading up to the patch, the excitement is only going to grow. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of Path of Exile 2.