The latest Duelist preview suggests that Path of Exile 2 is giving the new class a combat system based on more than straightforward Sword attacks. Stances can change how Skills function, creating opportunities for different attack sequences and tactical decisions. Players looking to explore those options will also need to think about Path of Exile 2 Currency when preparing weapons and equipment for multiple build directions.

Ready Stance Makes Perforate Faster

Perforate is built around a sequence of attacks. It normally hits multiple times before delivering a larger strike at the end.

Ready Stance changes that sequence by allowing the Duelist to skip the smaller opening attacks and move directly toward the final hit.

This could be particularly useful when fighting enemies that need to be eliminated quickly. Rather than waiting through the complete animation sequence, the player can use the stance to emphasize the most powerful portion of the Skill.

The mechanic also makes Ready Stance feel like a deliberate preparation tool instead of simply another temporary effect.

Blood and Sand Add Extra Effects

Perforate becomes even more versatile when Blood Stance or Sand Stance is involved.

Blood Stance adds an interaction that can create a Blood Nova. This gives the Skill an additional offensive component and could make it attractive for players who want more damage around their primary target.

Sand Stance takes a different approach by generating additional Sand Disks.

These differences make stance selection meaningful. Players can potentially adapt Perforate according to the encounter rather than always using one fixed version.

Blade Conduit Links Attacks Together

Blade Conduit introduces lightning into the Duelist's toolkit.

When activated, it calls down a lightning bolt around the player and Shocks nearby enemies. More importantly, it can charge Buried Blades.

The interaction with Buried Blades creates a natural connection between different Skills.

A player might use Blade Conduit to affect surrounding enemies while simultaneously preparing another part of the build. This creates the possibility of more deliberate Skill chains, where each action contributes toward the next.

Cyclone Provides a Damage Variant

Cyclone has been previewed in two forms, with a red version and a yellow version.

The red version is associated with Blood Stance and deals additional damage.

Although the concept is simple, it reinforces the broader philosophy behind the Duelist. The same general Skill can become more powerful or behave differently when used under a particular stance.

Players therefore need to think about stance management as part of their normal rotation.

Combat Could Reward Planning

The biggest takeaway from these Skills is that the Duelist appears to reward planning.

A player can potentially decide on a stance before using a Skill, prepare another ability, and then transition into a stronger attack. This makes the combat system more about sequencing than simply reacting to cooldown availability.

That should be especially appealing to players who enjoy mastering a rotation and refining it over time.

Ascendancy Information Is Limited

The Duelist's Ascendancy Classes remain mostly hidden. Only teaser images for two of the upcoming choices have been presented.

While the details are unknown, the Ascendancies could significantly expand the class's existing mechanics.

They might strengthen stance-based gameplay, improve specific Sword Skills, or create new interactions with effects such as Blood Nova, Sand Disks, Shock, or Buried Blades.

More information will be needed before players can determine how these advanced options will shape the strongest builds.

Equipment Will Support the Experiment

Because the Duelist has several possible combat directions, equipment flexibility will be valuable.

Players may want different weapons or defensive pieces depending on whether they focus on Blood Stance, Sand Stance, Ready Stance, or a combination of all three.

This means gearing could become part of the experimentation process rather than a one-time decision.

For players planning different configurations, POE 2 Currency may be useful when evaluating equipment choices for the new class.

Those preparing to test several Skill combinations can also factor POE 2 Currency into their overall build planning. The Duelist's mechanics encourage experimentation, and having the flexibility to adjust equipment should make that process more enjoyable.