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The latest update for Path of Exile 2, known as Dawn of the Hunt, has made quite an impression. The update brought a host of new features including a new class, Ascendancies, over 100 unique items, and support gems. It also introduced changes to the endgame—though not all were warmly received. Despite some disappointments, particularly concerning endgame loot, the update laid the groundwork for future development. One standout addition is the new Rune system, which can dramatically enhance certain builds.
For fans of its predecessor, Path of Exile 2’s appeal lies heavily in buildcrafting and customization. Although the game takes a different approach compared to the original, it offers satisfying opportunities for personalizing gameplay. Runes have become particularly significant, scaling from Lesser at level 15 to Greater at level 45. Among the newly introduced Greater Runes is one that can notably boost certain builds.
### Greater Rune of Alacrity in Detail
The Greater Rune of Alacrity offers various enhancements based on where it’s socketed. On martial weapons, it increases Skill Speed by 8%, improving the speed of both attacks and animations. This is particularly beneficial for certain builds, such as the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy focused on mace skills like Perfect Strike. Although Perfect Strike excels at single-target damage, it can be sluggish without a high attack speed. Here, the Greater Rune of Alacrity offers a solution, not only enhancing attack speed but also the reload and animation speeds for crossbows.
However, many players might prioritize damage Runes over skill speed, potentially overlooking Alacrity’s benefits. Even though Skill Speed doesn’t directly boost weapon DPS, it contributes to the overall effectiveness of a build. For example, quicker animations with Perfect Strike mean more accurate hits, reducing vulnerability to enemy movements or knockbacks. Against bosses with dodgable attacks, enhanced skill speed facilitates strategic advantage, offering more time to avoid damage. While weapon DPS might decrease with Alacrity, the holistic performance of a build improves.
In conclusion, while the Greater Rune of Alacrity may not show an immediate increase in weapon DPS, its advantages in gameplay fluidity and strategic maneuvering make it worth considering for a balanced approach.
