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After waiting years since Path of Exile 2 first entered early access in December 2024, the game finally got a major update with Dawn of the Hunt. While many found it lacking in some aspects, it introduced exciting new features that expanded the game’s future potential. This update brought a fresh class, introduced Ascendancies, and added over a hundred unique items and support gems. However, some players aren’t thrilled with the post-update endgame loot. Despite these challenges, patch 0.2.0 unveiled intriguing enhancements to the Rune system, including a powerful Rune that can elevate certain builds.
For fans who enjoy crafting unique builds, Path of Exile 2 offers a new twist on customization. Runes, now more critical than ever, adjust as players reach different levels—from Lesser at level 15 to Greater at 45. Among several new Greater Runes, one stands out for its potential to transform gameplay significantly.
The Greater Rune of Alacrity is particularly interesting. When placed in martial weapons, it provides an 8% increase in Skill Speed, which is an upgrade over the traditional Attack Speed, as it enhances both attack and skill animations. Consider, for instance, how it benefits mace builds with the new Smith of Kitava Ascendancy. The Perfect Strike skill, known for its incredible damage, can be sluggish with maces lacking high attack speed. However, the Greater Rune of Alacrity resolves this issue. Similarly, crossbow users can enjoy faster reloading times and smoother animations.
Despite its advantages, many players tend to prioritize damage Runes over Skill Speed ones like the Greater Rune of Alacrity, missing out on the indirect damage boost it offers. This Rune doesn’t directly affect the DPS stats that players often seek out when trading, which might contribute to it being underrated.
However, there’s more to consider. Faster skill animations can lead to easier hits on targets, particularly in boss fights where dodging is essential. A quicker attack means less chance of an enemy evading or interrupting your assault, which can be a game-changer in challenging battles. While using the Greater Rune of Alacrity might slightly reduce a weapon’s listed DPS, the overall performance of a build can improve in more subtle but significant ways.
