Path of Exile 2 0.4 is the expected release for new classes and skills. In this article, we'll talk about the new PoE 2 Ascendancy classes for the upcoming Druid and existing classes like Monk. 

PoE 2 0.4 New Ascendancy Classes Leaks and Release Date

Druid is a confirmed new class coming to Path of Exile 2 Version 0.4.0 update (The Last Of The Druids).  According to the datamines, it will have three Ascendancy classes: Shaman, Wild Heart, and Harbinger. These Druid Ascendancy classes are expected to launch with the character itself, on December 12, 2025, for most regions, with players in Singapore, India, Japan, Australia, and similar timezones getting access the next day (December 13, 2025) due to timezone differences. In addition, the third ascendancy class for Monk - Martial Artist, which was not included in the 0.3 update, is also speculated to be released along with PoE 2 0.4 Fate of the Vaal league. 

This release timeline is backed by both developer statements and credible datamines. In an interview with ZiggyD, GGG’s Jonathan confirmed that the Druid and his Ascendancies were originally planned for POE 2 0.3 but were cut due to animation and time constraints, noting “We don’t think they are very far away from it now”—a clear hint that 0.4.0 would finalize this content. He also emphasized that 0.4.0 would focus on wrapping up unfinished 0.3 content and reworking endgame, making the cut Ascendancies a natural fit. Datamines from POE2DB further support this: names like Shaman, Wild Heart, Harbinger, Martial Artist, and Beast Master lack the “[DNT]” (Do Not Translate) tag that marks temporary placeholders, and Martial Artist even has leaked artwork and advanced in-game files, confirming these are not just test names but near-final designs.

The release of these Ascendancies also follows the POE 2 Early Access content pattern, which has steadily rolled out new classes, mechanics, and refinements: 0.1 laid foundational systems, 0.2 added key features, 0.3 introduced Act 4 and the Abyss league, and 0.4.0 is poised to deliver the remaining core content. With The Last Of The Druids’ focus on the Druid class, players can confidently expect these specialized Ascendancy paths to be fully playable when the update goes live, letting them dive into shapeshifting, elemental totems, summoning, unarmed combat, and companion-focused builds as intended.

Druid Ascendancy Classes

The Druid is one of the 12 main classes in Path of Exile 2, where all classes link to one or two of three core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, and each has its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and ways to fight. This particular class ties to both Strength and Intelligence (STR/INT) and focuses on shapeshifting: it can turn into creatures like bears or werewolves, switching smoothly between human and beast forms to use different skills. The Druid uses both close-up melee attacks and elemental magic, drawing on raw, primal power for fights that mix physical strikes and spell use, ideal for players who like to alternate between hitting enemies directly and calling on elemental forces. Like every class in PoE 2, the Druid also has three sub-classes known as Ascendancies, which let players tweak their character to fit how they want to play.

1. Shaman

Players think Shaman will specialize in nature-based elemental magic, like volcano spells, lightning, and wind spells. It may also lean into totem mechanics (similar to POE 1’s Hierophant), since Druid’s starting area is near Templar’s (a class with totem synergy). This Ascendancy will likely let you cast powerful elemental abilities and place totems to boost damage, control enemies, or support your build.

2. Wild Heart

Wild Heart is widely expected to be the shape-shifting Ascendancy for Druid. It will let you transform into animal forms like bears (for tanking and melee damage) or wolves (for speed and pack attacks). Additionally, it may include summoning mechanics, since old POE 2 footage showed Druids summoning wolves, Wild Heart could let you specialize in summoning one or two strong animal companions instead of many weak minions.

3. Harbinger

This Ascendancy is thought to be a Druid’s dedicated summoner build. Unlike Wild Heart, which may mix shapeshifting and summoning, Harbinger will likely focus purely on summoning powerful nature allies, like bears, birds, or other wild creatures. Some players wonder if it will resemble POE 1’s Witch Ascendancy (Phrecia), but this is unconfirmed.

New Monk Ascendancy: Martial Artist

Martial Artist is the third Ascendancy for the Monk class and has been datamined in game files. It’s designed for players who want to fight without weapons.  Martial Artist may have unarmed damage boosts and unique unarmed skills. A possible node that lets you count as wielding all weapon types while unarmed, so you can use any weapon-focused skill gems without holding a weapon, though some players doubt this (due to extra animation work needed). It’s a highly anticipated Ascendancy because it fills a niche for unarmed-focused builds in POE 2.

New Huntress Ascendancy: Beast Master

Beast Master is a new Ascendancy for Huntress. It will focus on strengthening companion skills; unlike general minion builds, it’s expected to let you invest in one or two powerful pets instead of a horde. Players who tested companion beasts in POE 2 0.2 are excited for this Ascendancy, as it will deepen pet-based gameplay. Compared to the other ascendancies, this character is less likely to be released in version 0.4, but it's still something to look forward to.