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.
Updated:
PoE 2 0.4 New Ascendancy Classes and Release Date
The Druid is a confirmed new core class launching with Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) Version 0.4.0, titled The Last of the Druids. Contrary to earlier datamine speculations, official patch notes clarify that the Druid currently features two playable Ascendancy classes at launch: Shaman and Oracle, with a third Ascendancy to be unveiled in subsequent updates. The 0.4.0 update is scheduled to go live on December 12, 2025, with regional access adjusted for time zones; players in Singapore, India, Japan, Australia, and adjacent regions may access the update one day later than major regions, aligning with PoE 2’s typical global rollout pattern.
Regarding other potential Ascendancies, the third Ascendancy for the Monk class (previously rumored as Martial Artist) has not been officially confirmed for the 0.4.0 update. While the PoE 2 Fate of the Vaal league is launching alongside this update, GGG (Grinding Gear Games) has only explicitly tied the Druid class and its two Ascendancies to the 0.4.0 content lineup.
The 0.4.0 update follows PoE 2’s incremental Early Access roadmap, but its focus remains on finalizing core Druid content rather than unconfirmed Ascendancies: 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 emphasizing the Druid’s launch, players can expect polished shapeshifting and elemental combat mechanics.
PoE 2 Druid Ascendancy Classes
The Druid is one of the 12 core classes in Path of Exile 2. In the game, all classes are associated with one or two of the three core attributes—Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence—each boasting unique strengths, weaknesses, and combat styles. Classified as a Strength/Intelligence (STR/INT) hybrid, the Druid centers its identity around shapeshifting: it can transform into creatures like bears and wolves, with the newly added dragon form also available. Seamlessly switching between human and beast forms allows the Druid to utilize different skills. This class masterfully combines close-range melee attacks with elemental magic, harnessing raw primal power to blend physical strikes and spellcasting. It is ideal for players who enjoy alternating between direct enemy strikes and invoking elemental forces. Like every class in PoE 2, the Druid features exclusive Ascendancy classes (subclasses). However, according to the latest information from the 0.4.0 The Last of the Druids update, only two Ascendancies have been revealed so far, with the third set to be released later.
1. Shaman
The Shaman is a Druid Ascendancy focused on elemental destruction, with a core positioning similar to the Sorceress' Stormweaver and the Monk's Invoker—all centered on maximizing elemental damage output. Designed around enhancing elemental effects, this Ascendancy can significantly boost the damage scale of elemental skills such as Volcanic Eruption and Lightning Storm, delivering screen-clearing combat experiences.
In terms of mechanical synergy, the Shaman is deeply tied to the Druid's Wrath system. Upon selecting the Shaman Ascendancy, Wrath regenerates naturally and is linked to the mana regeneration rate. When combined with Ascendancy nodes like Sage's Wisdom, it can also enhance gem effects, further boosting classic spell builds such as Lightning Ball and Cast on Crit (CoC) Comet. It is important to note that there is no official confirmation for the "totem mechanics" previously speculated by players; the Shaman's core advantage has always focused on direct amplification of elemental damage rather than totem support.
2. Oracle
Centered on the core concept of foreseeing the future and alternative paths, the Oracle is an Ascendancy with more complex mechanics and greater exploration potential. Its most unique ability is unlocking an exclusive special Passive Skill Tree—through the core Ascendancy node Path of the Unseen, players gain access to over 130 new passive nodes not available in the regular Passive Skill Tree. These nodes generally offer higher power than ordinary passives and cover various build needs, including summoning, damage output, and survival; for instance, some nodes provide significant bonuses to summoner-focused builds.
Thanks to the addition of over 250 new passive skills for the Druid in PoE 2 (primarily located in the Druid-exclusive area of the Passive Skill Tree), the Oracle offers exceptional flexibility in talent customization. However, the specific power level of this Ascendancy remains unclear; its intricate talent interactions and mechanical combinations require players to explore deeply in actual gameplay to fully unlock its potential.
3. Upcoming Third Ascendancy
According to the official announcement from Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the Druid's third Ascendancy was not launched alongside the 0.4.0 update. Specific details will be revealed in subsequent updates.
It is necessary to clarify that the previously discussed "Wild Heart" and "Harbinger" are not Ascendancies of the Druid. Among them, "Harbinger" is actually a historical Ascendancy exclusive to the Witch in Path of Exile 1. As for the shapeshifting and summoning mechanics related to "Wild Heart," they have now been integrated into the Druid's base class abilities—for example, the wolf form allows summoning wolf companions, while the bear form focuses on tanking and melee damage. These mechanics do not belong to an independent Ascendancy.
Other PoE 2 Ascendancy Classes Leaks
New Monk Ascendancy: While datamines have referenced “Martial Artist” as a potential third Monk Ascendancy, GGG has not confirmed its existence or 0.4.0 release. Speculation suggests it would cater to unarmed combat builds, with hypothetical mechanics like unarmed damage boosts or skill synergies—but such details remain unsubstantiated. The niche for unarmed-focused playstyles in PoE 2 is indeed underserved, making this a highly anticipated concept, but no official artwork or finalized in-game files have been released to validate it.
New Huntress Ascendancy: “Beast Master,” rumored as a Huntress Ascendancy centered on strengthening companion pets (prioritizing 1-2 powerful allies over swarms of minions), also lacks official confirmation. Players who tested companion mechanics in PoE 2 0.2 have expressed interest in deeper pet-based gameplay, but GGG has not listed this Ascendancy in any 0.4.0 preview materials. Its release, if it progresses beyond conceptual stages, is likely to occur in post-0.4.0 updates.