The next major Path of Exile 2 update, 0.4.0: The Last of the Druids, is nearly here, and there’s a wave of anticipation throughout the community. Here we will walk you through the release window, what to expect from the next major update based on the confirmed path notes and datamined details from developer announcements.

PoE 0.4 Release Date: When is the Path of Exile 2 Season 4 The Last of Druids League Coming?

UPDATE! Path of Exile 2 0.4 League - The Last of the Druids is confirmed to launch on December 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST. This aligns with Grinding Gear Games’ (GGG) ongoing commitment to a four-month league cycle, with the previous 0.3.0 patch having landed at the end of August. Rather than delaying until January (as some speculated due to the Christmas break), GGG is pushing forward with a December launch, ensuring players can jump into the new content ahead of the holidays.

A special free weekend accompanies the launch, giving players on all platforms—Steam, Xbox, and PS5—full access to the game over the first three days. The reveal livestream for the patch is set for December 4th, where all details will be officially presented by the developers.

PoE 2 0.4 Patch Notes: What to Expect in Path of Exile 2 The Last of Druids?

The 0.4.0 update is going to be a game-changer again for Path of Exile 2, with a strong focus on enhancing the endgame experience and introducing new content. Here are the confirmed path notes we know so far about the next league update:

1. The Druid Class Arrives

The headline feature of 0.4 is the long-awaited Druid class, finally confirmed for release. After previous delays (primarily due to animation issues), Druid will now join the roster, bringing all-new transformation mechanics and a fresh playstyle. The Druid is expected to revolve around shape-shifting abilities, offering unique synergies and strategies, especially suited to the more hazardous environments of the upcoming endgame changes. Players who have waited for a new approach to melee and hybrid builds will find this addition especially interesting, and the class may interact with certain support gems or mechanics, potentially even sharing some elements with the Warrior class.

2. Major Endgame & League Mechanic Changes

GGG has emphasized that 0.4.0 is focused on upgrading the endgame. There is strong evidence, both from data mining and developer hints, that the Delve mechanic (or a system inspired by it) could be a central feature. In Path of Exile 1. Delve was popular for its infinite, procedurally generated mine and deterministic crafting elements via fossils and resonators. Leaked data and in-game references suggest a similar system may return or be reimagined, providing a new avenue for progression, crafting, and long-term goals, something the community has requested to bring more variety and depth to the endgame.

Feedback from players has consistently highlighted a desire for more longevity and diversity beyond standard mapping. With the addition of a Delve-like system, players will be able to expand their gameplay loop, chase new rewards, and push their builds further.

3. Campaign, Atlas, and Passive Tree Updates

No new act is expected in 0.4.0. The campaign is currently seen as stable, with no major act expansions predicted for this update. Instead, the focus is likely to be on campaign and atlas reworks. There have been references to changes involving the Island of Kin and Sulphite mechanics, potentially tying into the rumored Delve expansion. Players can anticipate adjustments that make mapping and exploration more satisfying, while providing more opportunities to specialize their endgame experience.

The passive skill tree, especially on the strength side, remains less populated compared to other areas. Future updates are likely to address this, with potential additions or reworks to make build choices more distinct and less repetitive. There’s also hope for more passive customization tools, inspired by systems like Tattoos from Path of Exile 1. allowing even deeper character personalization.

4. New League Mechanic and Minigames

Every major update now aims to include a full-featured league mechanic rather than a minor side activity. Although the specifics remain unannounced, 0.4.0 is expected to introduce a new league feature that integrates with mapping, potentially drawing lessons from recent expansions to systems like Breach. This could also bring in the third ascendancy trial—Tooka— which serves as a side minigame and adds further variety to character progression. If implemented, this would offer one of the first true side gameplays within PoE 2. reminiscent of what made Path of Exile unique originally.

5. New Skills, Support Gems, and Uniques

The arrival of the Druid class brings with it new skills and support gems. Each new class means new abilities and mechanics, along with recommended gems that will be woven into the leveling and endgame experience. Additionally, new unique items are expected—these may include boss chase uniques, which have been somewhat underwhelming in recent patches. The hope is that new and reworked unique drops will help make bossing more enticing and rewarding.

6. Crafting System Tweaks

Further improvements to the crafting system are on the horizon. Previous updates introduced more deterministic and engaging crafting options, but the rumored return of fossils and resonators could grant players even greater control over their gear. There’s also a possibility of tweaks to underused systems like Expedition and Abyss crafting, shifting the balance and making more mechanics worth engaging with in both campaign and endgame.

7. Quality of Life & Optimization

GGG continues to prioritize quality of life improvements. Upcoming changes may target better map performance, reduced input lag, easier navigation (such as an Atlas search function), and improved clarity during boss fights. These upgrades are especially important for console players and those seeking a smoother overall experience.

8. Expected & Unlikely Features

Act Five & Templar Class: These are not expected in 0.4. The next major update (0.5) is more likely to introduce Act Five and the Templar class, based on the current development cycle.

Atlas Tree Rework: While additions are possible, a full-scale rework is probably reserved for a future patch, as GGG continues to expand the endgame with more league mechanics and specialization options.

Two New Classes: The focus is solely on the Druid for 0.4. with no indication that another class (such as Templar) will be added at the same time. Introducing a new class is a substantial task and is typically paired with the launch of a league for maximum impact.

Finally, we are getting hands-on with the Druid and seeing what changes are in store for endgame progression. While some concerns linger about the holiday timing and the potential for limited developer support during the Christmas period, the overall mood is optimistic. The upcoming reveal livestream on December 4th will clarify many of the remaining questions.

Looking further ahead, major updates are expected to continue every four months, with Act Five and the Templar class projected for early April, and possibly a full release of Path of Exile 2 by August 2026.