Path of Exile 2 Update 0.4.0 Adds Druid Class with Shapeshifting, Free Weekend December 13-16

Path of Exile 2 is getting its biggest update yet with version 0.4.0, titled "The Last of the Druids." Grinding Gear Games revealed the massive content drop during a December 5 livestream, with the update launching on December 13, 2025 alongside a free weekend event running through December 16.

New Druid Class: Master of Shapeshifting

The headline feature is the Druid, a hybrid spellcaster-melee class built around shapeshifting into three distinct animal forms:

• Bear Form - Fire damage specialist with devastating heavy attacks
• Wolf Form Cold damage dealer focused on rapid strikes
• Wyvern Form Fire and lightning ranged attacker

In human form, the Druid provides support abilities and battlefield control. The class introduces a new weapon type called Animal Talismans that other classes can also equip, along with 30 new support gems expanding build possibilities across the roster.

Two New Ascendancy Classes

The update adds two powerful ascendancy paths:

Shaman transforms rage into spellcasting fuel with exclusive item modifiers that enhance this playstyle. Oracle introduces a unique predictive combat mechanic where players who match their "future visions" receive massive damage bonuses. The Oracle also unlocks over 130 exclusive passive skills on the skill tree, dramatically expanding build diversity.

Fate of the Vaal League

The new league content, "Fate of the Vaal," brings a dungeon-building mechanic inspired by games like Loop Hero. Players collect room tiles to construct custom dungeons, culminating in battles against Queen Atziri, the Vaal Queen. Special rooms enable advanced corruption mechanics, soul core systems, and prosthetic enhancements.

Massive Balance and Performance Overhaul

Grinding Gear Games has implemented substantial improvements:

• 25%+ minimum framerate improvement through CPU optimization
• Monster scaling revised with rewards and difficulty balanced equally
• 11 new unique items and 9 new lineage supports
• Over 90 active skills rebalanced
• 250+ new passives added to skill trees
• Reduced visual stress from Delirium fog effects
• Abyssal content integrated into core endgame

Free Weekend and Full Release Delayed to 2026

A free weekend runs December 13-16 across PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, giving new players a chance to experience the early access content.

Director Jonathan Rogers confirmed that Path of Exile 2's full release has been delayed to 2026 due to development scope. "Endgame content volume and build balance require significant ongoing work," Rogers explained, adding that the Druid is expected to attract many new players to the game.