Path of Exile 2 has recently rolled out the Dawn of the Hunt update, introducing a new character class, Ascendancies, and over a hundred unique items and Support Gems. The update also revamped the Rune system, offering enhanced ways to customize your gameplay. One standout addition is the Greater Rune of Alacrity, significantly boosting skill speed.
Since its early access debut in December 2024, Path of Exile 2 has faced both praise and criticism. While some updates were less thrilling than anticipated, Dawn of the Hunt lays crucial groundwork for future developments. Despite current issues like lackluster endgame loot due to recent nerfs, the update offers intriguing mechanics, particularly with Runes.
For PoE2 fans, build customization is a major attraction. Runes now scale from Lesser at level 15 to Greater at 45, playing a pivotal role in character development. Among the four new Greater Runes, the Greater Rune of Alacrity stands out for its potential to transform builds dramatically.
### Path of Exile 2’s Greater Rune of Alacrity Explored
The Greater Rune of Alacrity offers varied effects based on its socketed weapon. For martial weapons, it enhances Skill Speed by 8%, improving attack animations and timings. For instance, in the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy, a mace-focused build benefits from this Rune, enhancing moves like Perfect Strike, which are otherwise slow.
Crossbows, notorious for slow reloads, also gain from this Rune. Faster attacks and reloads translate into more fluid gameplay. However, many players prioritize damage Runes, missing out on the speed advantage offered by the Greater Rune of Alacrity.
### Why the Greater Rune of Alacrity is Worth It
Investing in the Skill Speed Rune can indirectly boost damage output, even if it’s not immediately visible on DPS charts. Weapons in player trades are often evaluated by DPS, not considering Skill Speed, making them underrated.
Take Perfect Strike as an example: quicker attacks mean more reliable hits on moving enemies and bosses, increasing your chance of success. Faster animations reduce vulnerability during attacks, allowing players to dodge incoming damage more effectively. While your weapon’s DPS might seem lower with this Rune, the overall build performance could see significant improvement in speed and efficiency.
In summary, while the Greater Rune of Alacrity might be overlooked in favor of pure damage Runes, its impact on total gameplay performance is profound and worthwhile.
