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Path of Exile 2 continues to expand its early access content with every update, introducing new Ascendancy classes that bring fresh gameplay mechanics and strategies to the game. With the release of patch 0.3.0 on the horizon, dataminers and community sleuths have uncovered hints of a new Monk Ascendancy, tentatively called the Martial Artist, that promises to redefine the hand-to-hand combat style for the Monk class. While the developers at Grinding Gear Games have not officially confirmed the details, leaks suggest that this Ascendancy could be the most exciting Monk-focused update yet.

Here's everything we know so far about the Martial Artist Ascendancy and its potential impact on Path of Exile 2.

The Monk Class and Early Access Background

The Monk was one of the original characters released during Path of Exile 2's early access. Since then, the developers have gradually introduced Ascendancies for other characters, expanding strategic depth and giving players more specialized playstyles.

In the previous patch, 0.2.0, a variety of new Ascendancies were added:

·Witch: Lich Ascendancy

·Warrior: Smith of Kitava

·Mercenary: Tactician

·Huntress: Two new Ascendancies for a completely new character

Until now, the Monk had not received any new Ascendancy options, leaving its hand-to-hand combat style underutilized. However, datamined leaks and blurred promotional images hint that patch 0.3.0 may finally give the Monk the spotlight it deserves with the Martial Artist Ascendancy, emphasizing unarmed combat and speed-based attacks.

Leaked Information: Martial Artist Ascendancy

Several leaks and community discoveries suggest the following features for the new Monk Ascendancy:

1. Focus on Unarmed Combat

The Martial Artist Ascendancy is expected to specialize in hand-to-hand combat, enhancing the Monk's existing unarmed skills such as Shattering Palm and Killing Palm. While the game already supports these skills, this Ascendancy may provide significant damage boosts, new combo mechanics, and passive nodes specifically designed to make unarmed builds viable for endgame content.

This approach would also make thematic sense. The Monk has always been depicted as a martial-focused character, and the Ascendancy could reinforce this identity while adding layers of tactical depth for players who prefer melee-only playstyles.

2. Visual Teasers and Community Speculation

Reddit users first noticed hints of the Martial Artist in a blurred image, which shows a Monk in a fighting stance, with hands poised for combat. While the image is vague, it aligns with the community's expectations for an Ascendancy focused on physical prowess and fast attacks.

Additionally, datamined dialogue files reveal three character dialogues linked to the Monk:

·Two confirmed dialogues correspond to the Monk's current Ascendancies

·The third is unassigned, and community speculation suggests this may belong to the Martial Artist Ascendancy

Although none of this confirms the skill tree layout or specific abilities, it strongly hints that a new combat-oriented path is coming for the Monk.

Potential Skill and Mechanic Implications

While official skill names and mechanics have not been revealed, the Martial Artist Ascendancy could potentially interact with existing Monk abilities and introduce new ones. Here are some possibilities based on current skills and hand-to-hand combat themes:

·Enhanced Unarmed Damage: Scaling bonuses for punches, kicks, and combo attacks, likely tied to Dexterity or Strength stats

·Combo Chains: Skills such as Shattering Palm may trigger additional effects when hitting multiple enemies or landing critical strikes

·AoE Hand-to-Hand Attacks: Like Killing Palm, these skills could deal area damage, making unarmed builds competitive with weapon-based classes

·Buffs for Movement and Mobility: Martial Artists are traditionally fast and agile, so movement speed or evasion bonuses could be added

Additionally, the Ascendancy may include passive nodes that reduce energy cost, increase attack speed, or grant defensive bonuses, making it easier for players to maintain pressure in melee combat without relying on weapons.

Patch 0.3.0: The Broader Update

The Martial Artist Ascendancy is expected to arrive alongside the 0.3.0 patch, one of the largest updates Path of Exile 2 has received since early access began. Scheduled for August 29, 2025, this patch will include:

·Buffs to underused POE 2 Orbs: Making previously underpowered abilities viable for endgame content

·Quality-of-life improvements: Enhancements to the user interface and gameplay mechanics

·Chinese server launch: PoE 2 will officially release in China with separate servers, though gameplay and mechanics will remain identical to the global client

·New Ascendancy additions: Beyond the Monk, other classes may receive new paths, expanding customization options

Patch 0.3.0 is poised to be the most content-heavy update yet, providing opportunities for players to explore new mechanics and experiment with innovative builds.

Community Reactions

The leaked Martial Artist Ascendancy has generated substantial excitement among Path of Exile 2 players. Many veteran players view the Monk as an underutilized class, especially in unarmed combat, and the Ascendancy could finally give the class a competitive edge in both solo and group play.

Some key community expectations include:

·Unarmed viability in endgame: Previously, players preferred to buy Path of Exile 2 items, based on weapon builds for high damage output

·High-speed combat: Fans expect Martial Artist to emphasize mobility and rapid combo attacks

·Unique Ascendancy passives: Nodes that reward aggressive, risk-reward playstyles for players who dive into melee

As with all leaks, players are cautiously optimistic. Grinding Gear Games has not confirmed any specifics, and details could change before the official release.

The Future of Monk in Path of Exile 2

If the Martial Artist Ascendancy lives up to expectations, it could redefine how players approach the Monk class. For existing characters, patch 0.3.0 may provide opportunities to respec and explore unarmed combat, while new players may be drawn to the Monk for its unique melee-focused mechanics.

Beyond the Martial Artist, there's also speculation about new character classes, including a Druid-like class with shapeshifting mechanics. These additions, combined with the Ascendancy updates, suggest that Path of Exile 2's endgame and early access experience will become increasingly rich and varied over the next year.

Conclusion

The leaked Martial Artist Ascendancy represents one of the most anticipated updates for Path of Exile 2. Focused on unarmed combat, it has the potential to elevate the Monk class to new heights, providing exciting mechanics, fast-paced melee combat, and a more engaging playstyle.

While details remain speculative, the combination of blurred teasers, datamined dialogue, and community speculation strongly indicates that the Martial Artist Ascendancy will arrive in patch 0.3.0, alongside major buffs and content expansions. For players eager to experiment with hand-to-hand combat, this update could be a game-changer, bringing balance and diversity to PoE 2's Ascendancy roster.

Ultimately, whether you're a veteran Monk player or just curious about the Ascendancy system, patch 0.3.0 promises to deliver new ways to experience the early access content, and the Martial Artist may be the most exciting reason to dive back into the world of Path of Exile 2.