Big Mistakes to Avoid in PoE2 Dawn of the Hunt

Path of Exile 2's Dawn of the Hunt offers a thrilling campaign and deep mechanics, but it's easy to stumble if you're not careful. Whether you're carving through the campaign or diving into maps, avoiding key pitfalls can save you time, currency, and frustration. Let's break down five major mistakes that can derail your progress - and how to avoid them with confidence. If you find these tips helpful, be sure to bookmark our site for more guides and visit our store for gear inspiration.

Early in the campaign, it's tempting to rush through areas like Grelwood to hit the next checkpoint. But ignoring optional bosses, like the Brambleghast at level 4, is a rookie error. These fights drop uncut Skill and Support Gems - rare early-game boosts that can supercharge your damage or survivability. For example, grabbing an uncut support gem can unlock a full skill set, making Act 1 a breeze. Keep an eye out for bosses marked with a plus symbol on your map; they're your ticket to passive points and smoother leveling. Take the time to clear them for a stronger start.

Staying ahead of the curve in Dawn of the Hunt means keeping your level about three above the monsters you're fighting. Why? Higher-level enemies give better XP, and with the right skill gems (see mistake #1), you'll clear them faster. For instance, by Act 2's monster level 25, aim to hit level 22. This sweet spot will maximise your XP gains without bogging you down. If you're underleveled, backtrack to grab side quests or farm a few areas - it's worth the detour to avoid slogging through later acts.

Ascendancies are game-changers, but timing them wrong can waste hours. Don't rush to get your first Ascendancy too early in Act 2; wait until you're around level 22 and tackle the Trial of Sekhemas before facing the Dreadnot. This will ensure you're strong enough for the fight and will give you a massive power spike. Similarly, don't obsess over the fourth ascendancy in Cruel Act—it's a level 75+ challenge that demands a beefy build. Instead, focus on inscribed ultimatums for your third ascendancy; complete 10 challenges for a smoother path to power.

Mapping in Dawn of the Hunt is all about efficiency, and missing corrupted Nexus areas is a huge setback. These red, glowing zones (sometimes with black towers) unlock atlas passive points, boosting your loot and XP. When you start mapping, prioritise finding and clearing these Nexus areas. 

Pro tip: scout for towers in the gray fog—they often hint at nearby Nexus locations.Also, Don't use low level waystones with an Alchemy Orb, using regal orbs at tier 11 to 13, only use alchemy on over tier 13 waystones- don't waste high value orbs. This saves currency while securing Atlas points without risking failed runs.

Also we got a complete Endgame Progression Guide for every exiles.

Currency like runes, orbs, and jeweler's orbs can feel too precious to use early on, but hoarding them slows you down. Invest in gear upgrades that matter—like instilling an amulet for a notable passive or using lesser jeweler's orbs to unlock skill slots. For example, maxing out a skill's quality with gemcutter's prisms can add bonuses like 20% more attack speed, turning a good skill into a great one. Test items with transmutation and augmentation orbs first, but don't waste exalted orbs on mediocre gear. If you hit a solid base (say, a hammer with fire damage and attack speed), then consider a regal orb—but only if the potential's there.

Running out of waystones can grind your progress to a halt. To keep your map pool healthy, invest in atlas nodes that increase the quantity and rarity of waystones early on. Nodes such as "10% more waystones found" or "20% chance of higher level waystones" will help you build up a cushion of level 15 maps. Also, don't sleep on map bosses - they're a reliable way to upgrade your waystone tiers, getting you from level 13 to 15 faster than grinding alone.

Avoiding these mistakes sets you up for a smoother, more rewarding Path of Exile 2 experience. From smarter campaign clearing to more efficient mapping, small tweaks can make a big difference. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more tips on how to dominate Dawn of the Hunt.