Path of Exile 2’s recent update, Dawn of the Hunt, has introduced a slew of new elements to the game, breathing new life into its world. This update welcomes a fresh class, several Ascendancies, over 100 unique items, and a vast array of Support Gems. Central to these enhancements is the revamped Rune system, with the headliner being the Greater Rune of Alacrity, a game-changer for certain builds though often overlooked in favor of direct damage options.
Since its early access debut in December 2024, anticipation for Dawn of the Hunt has been building. While the update fell short in some areas, such as underwhelming endgame loot, it successfully laid groundwork for future expansion. Buildcrafting fans from Path of Exile 1 will find much to explore, as PoE2 shifts focus more toward customizability and strategic enhancements. Runes now scale with player levels, and the introduction of new Greater Runes, like the Rune of Alacrity, adds depth and potential to builds.
Path of Exile 2 brings fresh opportunities for fans, notably in its expanded customization features. With buildcrafting at its core, the game now emphasizes the strategic incorporation of Runes, ranging from Lesser Runes at level 15 to Greater ones at level 45. Among these, the Greater Rune of Alacrity stands out, capable of dramatically enhancing build performance through increased Skill Speed.
## Greater Rune of Alacrity: A Deeper Look
The Greater Rune of Alacrity offers distinct advantages depending on its placement. On martial weapons, it provides an 8% boost in Skill Speed—effectively speeding up both attack and skill animations. Take the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy, perfect for mace enthusiasts. While Perfect Strike, a valuable skill for single targets, tends to be slower with maces not optimized for fast attacks, the Rune of Alacrity corrects this, ensuring fluid gameplay. Similarly, crossbows benefit as the Rune hastens both attack and reload animations. However, many players prioritize higher DPS Runes over this subtle, albeit significant, enhancement.
### The Value of the Greater Rune of Alacrity
Opting for the Greater Rune of Alacrity might seem counterintuitive when chasing raw DPS numbers, yet it yields long-term benefits. Instruments of the trade, often valued by their DPS on PoE2’s trading site, overlook the Rune’s full potential as it impacts overall gameplay, not just weapon stats.
For instance, when using Perfect Strike, faster skill execution enhances the chance of landing a hit on elusive bosses who deploy dodgeable, powerful attacks. The calculations extend beyond mere DPS; faster animations allow for more strategic encounters, reducing the likelihood of enemy retaliation.
In summary, the Greater Rune of Alacrity, though underrated, offers transformative effects on build performance, encouraging a broader perspective on strategic buildcrafting that goes beyond damage stats alone.
