PoE 2 0.3.0 New Ascendancy (Class) Release Date and Skill Leaks

The new discovery has sparked speculation about new characters in Path of Exile 2, especially as the season approaches. Today, we’ll talk about everything we know about the new PoE 2 Ascendancy and classes in the 0.3.0 content update.

New Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 0.3.0 - PoE 2 Monk Third Ascendancy Release Date

Based on the recent information, three short voice lines were found from the data folder of Path of Exile 2, which can be triggered when a Monk dies. The last line is new to most players, and it strongly hints that Martial Artist is the official name of the Monk’s third Ascendancy. The Monk class already has two Ascendancies: Invoker and Acolyte of Chayula. The new PoE 2 Monk Ascendancy is expected to release with the next patch and season (0.3.0) on August 29, 2025. Gamescom 2025 will host a live boss-rush demo one week before 0.3.0 releases, and GGG often lets players try new Ascendancies there first.

Expect Martial Artists to focus on unarmed or fist-based melee combat. Leaked skill names like “Palm Strike” and “Flame Fist” hint at big burst damage after you chain quick hits. Players speculate that it may introduce a unique resource system allowing for high-damage finishing moves after successfully executing combos. Unlike the existing Quarterstaff route, the Martial Artist will prioritize close-quarters combat, potentially featuring fire-themed attacks such as Flame Surge. GGG has said claw gems will mostly work while unarmed, so Martial Artist may simply borrow claw tags and swap the animation to a punch or kick. Players remember the old Hollow Palm Technique from PoE1. A similar keystone could appear here, letting Martial Artists scale with Dexterity or flat physical damage.

PoE 2 0.3.0 New Class: Druid

While the Shadow class also appeared in Path of Exile 2 teaser images, most content creators and data miners are betting on the Druid class to make its debut first. Two years ago, GGG showcased a detailed ten-minute presentation of the Druid's abilities, including bear transformation, wolf summons, and tornado skills. GGG rarely displays incomplete classes, suggesting the Druid is ready for release. In the current passive skill tree, there are already placeholders next to the Primal weapon nodes (Staff, Claw, Flail), leading directly to where the Druid’s starting position is likely to be. The internal codename for the 0.3.0 update, Verdant Wilds, aligns perfectly with the Druid's nature-based theme, further solidifying expectations.

The Druid is expected to utilize the Staff weapon model already in the game, with transformations into a bear (for melee tanking), a wolf (for summoning), and a storm form (for spellcasting). Players will likely get a chance to play the Druid at Gamescom, with its official launch following alongside the new season and 0.3 patch.

Other PoE 2 Ascendancy Leaks & Expectations

• Sorceress – Pyromancer

Currently, the Sorceress has two Ascendancies: Chronomancer and Stormweaver. However, there is a noticeable absence of a fire-based option. Recent leaks suggest the inclusion of a Pyromancer Ascendancy, with data showing keywords like "Flame Surge" and "Immolate." This addition is highly anticipated to fill the gap in fire skills, potentially arriving in either the 0.3.0 or 0.3.5 updates.

• Warrior – Marauder

The community is also calling for a new Warrior Ascendancy, the Marauder, as the current options (Titan, Warbringer, and Smith of Kitava) do not include a dual-wielding berserker type. Data files hint at the Berserker class with references to dual-wielding axes/swords. It is likely that the Marauder will debut in the 0.4.0 update or possibly in a major expansion by the end of the year.

• Mercenary – Commander

Following the implementation of the Tactician as the third Ascendancy for Mercenaries in version 0.2.0, players have discovered hints about a potential Commander Ascendancy. With skill descriptions involving "battle banners" and "rallying cries," this support-oriented class could be on the horizon for the 0.3.5 update.