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 - Path of Exile 2 The Last of Druids Update Timeline

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 - Path of Exile 2 The Last of Druids Content Leaks

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. Ascendancy Classes and Additional Class Options

There is also hope for the introduction of another ascendancy or even a secondary class. Previous expansions introduced new options, such as the Amazon, and now players are looking for possibilities like a shadow templar or a new monk ascendancy. With only two monk ascendancies so far, an additional one would be very welcome, especially among dedicated monk players. Some buffs or changes to existing ascendancies are also anticipated.

3. Fate of the Vaal League and Atziri Content

Alongside "The Last of the Druids," the Fate of the Vaal League will launch at the same time, acting as temporary content similar to the Rise of the Abyssal in the previous expansion. This league introduces lore-focused content involving the figure Atziri, who has a storied history in both Path of Exile 1 and 2. In act three of Path of Exile 2, players encounter NPCs who worship Atziri, and the league will present her in a new, more corrupted form. Fate of the Vile is expected to initially appear in a more intense form and may become a permanent feature after refinement.

Characters created in the Fate of the Vile League will not be able to interact or trade with existing characters, offering a fresh start for those who want to engage with both new expansion and league content. For those who choose to remain in early access standard, only the content from The Last of the Druids will be accessible, excluding the Fate of the Vile League.

4. 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.

5. Uber Bosses and New Boss Content

With the endgame revamp, improving boss encounters and adding new, more challenging uber bosses is on the wishlist. For example, a beast boss could receive an uber version, offering more targets to farm and possibly unique loot that enables new builds. This mirrors the variety seen in the original Path of Exile, where numerous bosses provide a wealth of rewards. The potential for a new uber boss or upgrades to existing ones remains high on the list for this expansion.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. New Skill Sets: Sword Skills and More

There is ongoing anticipation for new skill sets, particularly sword skills, which are still missing from the game even after a year of early access. Many players are looking forward to the possibility of iconic abilities like cyclone, and if not sword skills, then other new skill sets could be introduced alongside the druid’s arsenal.

10. Expanded Trial Options

Plans to introduce more trial options have been discussed, moving beyond the current two: Sikas and Trial of Kell. Sikas is already a popular farming option, but Trial of Kell has become less appealing due to a diluted reward pool. Adding more depth to trials and possibly introducing a third trial would diversify endgame activities and provide fresh challenges.

11. Elemental Skill Rebalancing

Currently, lightning skills are considered much stronger than ice or fire, especially for fire, which has few viable build options outside of fireball and grenades. There are calls for improvements and buffs to wind skills for monks and fire skills for other classes, aiming to bring them up to par with lightning. While this rebalancing might not occur in 0.4, as the focus is on the druid, it is expected in a future update, such as 0.5 or closer to full release.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Twitch Promos and Community Events

Grinding Gear Games is hosting a Twitch event to coincide with the patch announcement, featuring drops like the Verdant Winds dodge roll effect. The event follows previous Twitch promotions and will run for 45 minutes, starting with the live stream and continuing for 24 hours. This is expected to generate community engagement and additional coverage as streamers co-stream the announcement and provide commentary.

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.