Ratha's Assault is a distinctive Lineage Support Gem in Path of Exile 2 that changes how Crossbow Ammunition Skills handle their ammunition. For players building around fast, aggressive crossbow combat, understanding this gem is especially useful when deciding which POE2 Items and support options deserve a place in the build. Unlike a conventional support that simply adds damage, Ratha's Assault changes the reload system itself, turning Dodge into an important part of your offensive rotation.

What Is Ratha's Assault?

Ratha's Assault is classified as a Lineage, Ammunition, and Projectile Support Gem. It belongs to the Double Barrel and Rapid Attacks categories and has a 110% cost and reservation multiplier. The current version requires Level 65 and +5 Dexterity according to current database information. Most importantly, it supports Crossbow Ammunition Skills and prevents those skills from reloading through their normal method. Instead, ammunition is loaded when you Dodge.

This creates a very different combat rhythm. Normally, a crossbow character may need to consider when to stop firing and reload. Ratha's Assault removes that traditional reload action and replaces it with movement. Your Dodge becomes both a defensive tool and part of your ammunition management.

How the Reload Mechanic Works

The defining feature of Ratha's Assault is its Dodge-based reload system. The current version grants supported skills four bolts when you Dodge and allows them to load three additional bolts. It also provides 10% increased Attack Speed. These values were adjusted in version 0.5.0, when the Dodge reload amount was reduced from five to four bolts, the additional bolt count went from four to three, and the attack-speed bonus was reduced from 20% to 10%.

Because of this mechanic, positioning becomes extremely important. A player who stands still and repeatedly fires may not take full advantage of the support gem. By contrast, a player who naturally Dodges between attacks can continuously refresh ammunition while repositioning around enemies.

Why Crossbow Builds Can Benefit

Ratha's Assault is most interesting for builds that already value mobility. Crossbow Ammunition Skills can become more fluid because firing and repositioning are closely connected. Instead of treating Dodge as something used only when an enemy attack is coming, you can incorporate it into your regular combat sequence.

This can be particularly useful during encounters where enemies constantly move or create dangerous areas on the ground. Dodging can help you avoid incoming attacks while simultaneously preparing more bolts. The result is a playstyle that rewards active movement rather than passive positioning.

However, the support gem is not automatically ideal for every Crossbow setup. Giving up normal reloading means the rest of the build needs to work comfortably with the new ammunition cycle. If your preferred skill or playstyle depends heavily on standing still and manually controlling reload timing, the change may feel awkward.

Obtaining Ratha's Assault

Ratha's Assault is a drop-only Lineage Support Gem. Current references list it as a global or world drop, with Lineage Support Gems generally appearing through endgame content such as Atlas encounters, enemy drops, or chests.

Because it is a specialized endgame support, players should not expect to build around it immediately during the early campaign. It is more relevant once a character has reached the appropriate level and has access to stronger Crossbow Ammunition setups.

Building Around Ratha's Assault

When using this support, prioritize Crossbow skills that can take advantage of repeated ammunition loading. Attack speed, projectile effectiveness, mobility, and reliable defenses can all contribute to a smoother experience.

It is also worth practicing the Dodge-and-fire rhythm before committing heavily to the support. The strongest results come from making movement part of your normal rotation. If you can Dodge consistently without wasting movement, Ratha's Assault can turn ammunition management into an almost seamless part of combat.

Overall, Ratha's Assault is less about simply increasing a single damage number and more about changing the way a Crossbow character plays. If you enjoy mobile combat and want your Dodge to have an offensive purpose, it is a support worth investigating. Players looking to complete or optimize this type of build can also compare available options before they buy POE 2 Chaos Orbs for their character.