Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3: New QoL Features Make Combat Sharper Than Ever

Grinding Gear Games continues to refine Path of Exile 2, and the latest patch 0.3 introduces several long-awaited quality-of-life (QoL) features that may completely change how players approach combat and builds.

The headliner here is the new Aiming Mode toggle, which finally gives players full control over whether they want Ground Targeting or Cursor Targeting for projectiles and skills. But that's not all: click-to-Sprint has arrived, along with a major upgrade to weapon set swapping, letting you share weapons across sets for deeper build flexibility.

If you've ever felt like Deadeyes and other projectile-heavy classes needed just a little more precision, or if you're tired of holding buttons for sprinting, this patch might be exactly what you've been waiting for. Let's break down everything Path of Exile 2 patch 0.3 brings to the table.

Cursor Targeting vs Ground Targeting - What's the Difference?

Path of Exile 2 has inherited much of its DNA from the traditional ARPG control scheme. Like Diablo, Grim Dawn, or even the original Path of Exile, you control movement and skills using a click-to-move system. This is why Ground Targeting has always been the default:

·Ground Targeting: When you click on the isometric map, you're targeting the ground. Skills are cast at the ground position, and projectiles have an automatic offset to arc above it.

·The issue? For horizontal projectiles-like arrows, Lightning Spear, Essence Drain, or even Frost Bolt-this sometimes means shots don't go exactly where you want. If you click too far on the edge of the screen, your projectiles might overshoot or miss entirely.

That's where Cursor Targeting comes in.

·Cursor Targeting: Instead of shooting toward a point on the ground, your skill now fires through your cursor position. This means your projectiles land exactly where you're aiming, no guesswork, no offset.

The result is a much more precise aiming experience for ranged and caster builds.

Why This Matters for Projectile Builds

Projectile-heavy archetypes like Deadeyes, Lightning Casters, or even Bow Totems thrive with the new Cursor Targeting system. Instead of compensating for awkward offsets, you simply fire where your mouse points.

That makes boss fights smoother, especially for skills where accuracy is everything. Previously, a single mistimed arrow could mean wasted DPS or even a lost fight if the boss had a small damage window. Now, with Cursor Targeting, skill-based precision feels rewarding.

Importantly, ground-based skills like Lightning Rods or Totems retain their natural targeting, so Cursor Targeting won't break abilities that are designed to interact directly with terrain.

In short, Cursor Targeting gives you the best of both worlds-pinpoint precision for projectiles and natural behavior for ground-locked abilities.

Click-to-Sprint - A Small Change That Feels Huge

If you've played the Path of Exile 2 beta, you'll already know that Sprinting is one of the biggest additions to the sequel. Unlike the first game, where mobility came exclusively from skills like Flame Dash or Leap Slam, every class in PoE2 has access to a dedicated Sprint mechanic.

Previously, though, Sprinting required you to hold down the dodge button, which quickly became exhausting for long sessions. Patch 0.3 solves this with a new click-to-Sprint toggle:

·You can now click once to keep sprinting, instead of holding the button.

·Sprinting persists until you run out of stamina or toggle it off.

·This feels especially smooth for controller players, but it's a blessing for keyboard users too.

While it might sound minor, this QoL change has a massive impact on game flow. Mapping runs become faster and less tiring, boss dodges more consistently, and players with accessibility needs will find movement less demanding.

Weapon Set Sharing - A Game-Changer for Path of Exile 2 Items 

The third big addition in patch 0.3 is an overhaul to weapon set swapping.

Path of Exile 2, like its predecessor, lets you swap between two weapon sets mid-combat. Traditionally, these had to use entirely different weapons or offhands, which limited creativity. Now, patch 0.3 introduces the option to:

"Assign that you buy Path of Exile 2 Items to both of your weapon sets instead of needing to use different Items in each weapon set."

This can be toggled by right-clicking the weapon set icon on keyboard/mouse, or holding Y/Triangle with the weapon highlighted on controller.

Why This Matters for Builds

This change opens up stat-stick strategies and new build flexibility:

·You can now use the same unique weapon across both sets, while swapping only supporting gear.

·Build adjustments through Weapon Set Passives become much more meaningful.

·Archetypes like Witchhunter, which recently gained a notable passive dedicated to Weapon Set manipulation, benefit massively from this freedom.

Imagine having one set optimized for mapping Clearspeed, and another for boss damage, both using the same primary weapon. That level of adaptability could be meta-defining for certain ascendancies.

How Patch 0.3 Shapes the Meta

While Path of Exile 2 is still in closed testing phases, patch 0.3's QoL changes hint at a more fluid and responsive ARPG experience than the first game. Let's consider the impact on the meta:

·Deadeyes and other ranged classes will likely dominate early ladders thanks to Cursor Targeting precision.

·Sprint builds (such as melee characters who need to dodge often) will benefit enormously from click-to-Sprint, raising melee viability in boss-heavy content.

·Weapon swap strategies could birth entire new archetypes, especially with support for stat-stick effects and passive swapping.

These aren't just balance tweaks-they're fundamental gameplay improvements that modernize PoE2 without sacrificing its ARPG heritage.

Patch 0.3 Highlights

For quick reference, here's everything you need to know about Path of Exile 2 patch 0.3 QoL upgrades:

·Aiming Mode Toggle: Switch between Ground Targeting (default) and Cursor Targeting for precision projectile play.

·Click-to-Sprint: No more holding buttons; toggle Sprinting with a single click.

·Weapon Set Sharing: Use the same weapon across both sets for advanced stat-stick and passive synergies.

These additions may seem small compared to sweeping balance overhauls, but their impact on gameplay depth is enormous.

Final Thoughts

Patch 0.3 is proof that Grinding Gear Games is listening closely to its player base. Cursor Targeting removes long-standing ARPG clunkiness, Sprinting feels fluid and modern, and weapon set sharing opens new buildcrafting horizons.

For an ARPG where precision, mobility, and build creativity define the endgame, these changes are more than just quality-of-life-they're game-changers.

As Path of Exile 2 marches closer to release, patch 0.3 shows a clear vision: keep the hardcore complexity fans love, but smooth out the edges that held back fluid combat. And if the PTR community is anything to go by, Deadeyes and Witchhunters are about to enter an entirely new golden age of dominance.