PoE 2 0.2 Smith of Kitava Ascendancy Skills and Builds (Dawn of the Hunt)

The Warrior Smith of Kitava, initially discovered in data mining, is now confirmed to be released with the Path of Exile 2 0.2.0 Patch on April 4, 2025. This article will focus on the details of the Smith of Kitava Ascendancy, mainly covering its skills and build options. 

PoE 2 0.2 Smith of Kitava Ascendancy Skills and Builds (Dawn of the Hunt)

The Smith of Kitava is a Warrior-class ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 that embodies the essence of a master blacksmith, focusing on self-enhancement through weapon and armor modification. This ascendancy allows players to literally forge their weapons and armor to adapt to different challenges, with skills that enhance damage output and defensive capabilities, and even summon weapon copies for additional damage. The Smith of Kitava plays like a versatile crafter of combat equipment, using their smithing skills to create powerful weapons and armor on the fly, making them adaptable to various combat situations.

Smith of Kitava Skills and Effects

Core Skills

• Fire Damage: Grants 20% increased Fire Damage

• Heat of the Forge: Grants Skill: Fire Spell on Hit

• Fire Resistance: Provides +15% to Fire Resistance

• Coal Stoker: Modifiers to Fire Resistance also grant Cold and Lightning Resistance at 50% of their value

• Forged in Flame: Modifiers to Maximum Fire Resistance also grant Maximum Cold and Lightning Resistance

• Melee Damage: Grants 20% increased Melee Damage

• Against the Anvil: Grants Skill: Temper Weapon

• Minion Damage: Minions deal 20% increased Damage

• Living Weapon: Grants Skill: Manifest Weapon

• Smith's Masterwork: Allows the use of only Normal Body Armor (free to allocate)

Armor Modification Skills

• Dedication to Kitava: Grants Armor also applies to Chaos damage taken from Hits

• Heavy Bracing: 100% increased Stun Threshold

• Padded Plates: +75% to Cold Resistance

• Heatproofing: Grants Unaffected by Ignite

• Tantalum Alloy: +75% to Fire Resistance

• Kitavan Engraving: 15% increased maximum Life

• Support Straps: 20% increased Strength

• Lead Lining: 75% to Lightning Resistance

• Leather Bindings: Regenerate 5% of Life per second

• Internal Layer: Hits against you have 50% reduced Critical Damage Bonus

• Flowing Metal: Grants 5% to Maximum Fire Resistance

• Molten Symbol: Grants 25% of Physical Damage from Hits taken as Fire Damage

Top Smith of Kitava Builds for PoE 2 Warrior

1. Defensive Mastery Build

This build focuses on maximizing defensive capabilities through the Smith of Kitava's armor modification skills. It utilizes Forged in Flame and Coal Stoker for resistance management, Heavy Bracing and Internal Layer for survivability, Heatproofing and Tantalum Alloy for fire resistance, Smith's Masterwork with Dedication to Kitava and Kitavan Engraving for additional defensive bonuses, Temper Weapon for damage output, and Manifest Weapon for additional damage in boss fights.

2. Offensive Fire Build

This build emphasizes fire damage and explosive attacks. It incorporates Fire Damage and Heat of the Forge for fire damage, Against the Anvil and Temper Weapon for damage explosions, Living Weapon for weapon copy, Smith's Masterwork with Molten Symbol and Flowing Metal for fire-related bonuses, and Melee Damage for increased damage output.

3. Hybrid Damage/Defense Build

This balanced approach combines damage output with survivability. It includes Forged in Flame and Coal Stoker for resistance management, Against the Anvil and Temper Weapon for damage, Living Weapon for weapon copy, Smith's Masterwork with Heatproofing and Tantalum Alloy for defensive bonuses, Minion Damage for additional damage from Manifest Weapon, and Internal Layer and Heavy Bracing for defense.

General Tips for Playing Smith of Kitava 

• Prioritize resistance management early in the game

• Use Temper Weapon before engaging large packs of enemies

• Experiment with different armor modifications based on the situation

• Save Manifest Weapon for boss fights or tough encounters

• Balance damage output with defensive capabilities

• Consider your resource management when using skills

• Adapt your build based on the content you're facing

• Experiment with different weapon types to find what works best

• Use the Smith's Masterwork node strategically based on your needs

• Don't neglect your passive skill tree progression