Path of Exile 2 continues to build momentum as Grinding Gear Games (GGG) rolls out major updates throughout its early access cycle. Each patch has pushed the game closer to its ambitious vision: a deeper action RPG experience with improved combat flow, POE 2 Orbs, and reimagined class identities. With Patch 0.4 arriving right around the corner, the community is buzzing with excitement—and for good reason.

This patch is expected to introduce one of the most anticipated additions since the game was first announced: the Druid class. GGG’s own Jonathan Rogers has previously stated that the Druid is slated for Patch 0.4, making it almost certain that this new shapeshifting, nature-aligned archetype will finally enter the battlefield.

In this article, we’ll dive into everything we know—or can reasonably expect—about the Patch 0.4 Druid reveal, why this class is generating so much enthusiasm, and how its arrival may reshape the meta, the campaign experience, and endgame build crafting in PoE2.

The Arrival of Patch 0.4: A Turning Point for POE2

Since the start of early access, GGG has been delivering incremental updates designed to refine and expand Path of Exile 2’s core systems. Patch 0.3 reworked movement skills, refined several mastery trees, improved weapon balancing, and introduced new enemies and crafting tweaks. With Patch 0.4, the expectations are bigger—not just small system nudges, but game-changing features.

And at the center of that anticipation is the new class reveal.

Patch 0.4 is expected to:

Introduce the Druid as the next fully playable class

Add new skill gems and transformation mechanics

Expand the passive skill system to support Druid specialization

Deliver a new set of animations, voice lines, and unique items

Potentially introduce new areas, enemies, or acts to complement the class

Continue refining performance and controller support

While GGG has been cautious about over-revealing details ahead of time, the signals have been clear: the Druid is coming, and Patch 0.4 is designed to showcase just how transformative a new class can be in the PoE2 ecosystem.

Why Players Are Excited for the Druid Class

Druids have been one of the most requested archetypes in ARPGs for decades. Whether through shapeshifting (like Diablo II), nature magic (like World of Warcraft), or primal summoning (like Grim Dawn), this archetype resonates with players who enjoy hybrid mobility, elemental expression, and fluid combat transitions.

Path of Exile 2 already embraces the idea of class identity more deeply than the original game. Unlike PoE1, where Ascendancies largely defined your specialization, PoE2 ties class choice more strongly to starting position, aesthetic, animation set, voice narrative, and inherent mechanical design. Each base class now feels cohesive, not just a starting point.

The Druid fits perfectly into this philosophy.

Players are excited because the Druid is expected to bring:

Shapeshifting gameplay, potentially between forms such as wolf, bear, or elemental states

Nature-based spells, blending lightning, earth, and storm magic

Hybrid melee-caster playstyles, enabling seamless transitions mid-combat

Pet or companion summons, such as wolves, vines, or spirit animals

Aesthetic identity, rich in primal themes and handcrafted animations

The Druid class likely won’t just fill a “melee” or “caster” niche—it will potentially redefine hybrid gameplay altogether.

What We Know So Far About PoE2’s Druid (Based on Developer Commentary)

While GGG has kept formal previews limited, Jonathan Rogers has explicitly stated that the Druid is coming with Patch 0.4. Combined with GGG’s historical class reveal patterns and PoE2’s design philosophy, we can deduce several likely features.

1. Shapeshifting Will Be a Core Mechanic

GGG has placed enormous emphasis on fluid combat transitions, removing animation-locked skills and creating a more dynamic playstyle. A shapeshifting class fits perfectly into that vision.

Players can expect:

Instant transformation during skill use

Forms that modify attack animations and movement

Each form serving as a “stance” with bonuses and skill interactions

Imagine swapping from storm-caster to wolf-form to chase down enemies, then slamming into bear-form for tankiness—all without interrupting combat flow.

2. Storm and Earth Themes Are Likely

PoE2 has been slowly expanding elemental identity in new ways.

A Druid class would naturally align with:

Lightning storms (thunder strikes, chain lightning, tempests)

Earth magic (quakes, fissures, rock-armored enhancements)

Rain and wind spells, visually dramatic and mechanically interactive

This aligns with concept art and developer commentary suggesting the class will blend nature’s fury with animalistic combat.

3. Companion Summons May Be Part of the Kit

Summoners in PoE2 have become more dynamic, focusing on active, hybrid gameplay rather than passive minion spam.

A Druid might summon:

Wolves that leap and tear

Vines that immobilize

Spirits that buff forms or cast alongside the player

These companions could scale partially with your chosen form, making them feel more integrated than traditional summoner builds.

4. New Weapon Synergies

Every PoE2 class is designed around specific weapon identities. Druids may specialize in:

Staves – for storm and nature magic

Two-handed maces – for earth-based shapeshifting combat

Claws – for feral melee forms

Expect passive nodes, affixes, and uniques tailored to each approach.

Druid Impact on PoE2’s Build Meta

Every new class shakes up the meta, but the Druid has potential to reshape multiple archetypes at once. Here’s how.

1. Enhancement of Hybrid Builds

PoE2 has emphasized hybridization: melee-caster mixing, ranged-melee transitioning, stance dancing. Druids embody hybrid design better than almost any fantasy archetype.

A Druid class may encourage builds such as:

Caster-into-melee shapeshifters, using lightning spells to initiate and wolf-form finishers

Tanky bear-form juggernauts, empowered by earth spells

Nature-mage stormcallers, with pets and shapeshifting as situational tools

This diversity could lead to some of the most mechanically interesting builds in early PoE2.

2. New Keystone and Passive Synergies

PoE2’s passive trees are more carefully curated than PoE1’s, with keystones offering dramatic changes.

Expected nodes include:

“On Shapeshift” effects

“Increased damage per active companion”

“Gain storm charge when transforming”

“Earth spells fortify you based on damage dealt”

The result is likely a web of synergistic paths available only to Druid players or those investing heavily into the Druid section via hybrid builds.

3. Evolution of Movement and Defensive Meta

Wolf-form or bear-form movement could redefine mobility expectations. If done correctly, Druids may gain:

Dash-like lunges

Persistent movement bonuses

Tanky form-based damage reduction

Self-heal mechanics tied to nature magic

This could challenge the dominance of existing high-mobility classes in PoE2’s bossing and mapping meta.

Patch 0.4: What It Means for PoE2's Development Roadmap

The release of a new class isn’t just a balance update—it’s a milestone showing how GGG plans to support PoE2 long-term.

Patch 0.4 indicates:

1. New Classes Will Come at Regular Intervals

If the Druid arrives now, players can expect future classes—like the Monk, Warlock, or Battle Mage—to roll out in a structured cadence.

2. Future Patches Will Add New Form-Based Skills

As shapeshifting tech matures, it could support future classes or ascendancy-like specializations.

3. GGG Is Confident in Core Systems

The introduction of a new class means core game loop elements—combat, passives, crafting, gear progression—are stable enough to expand upon.

4. PoE2 Is Approaching Full Release Readiness

Though still in early access, Patch 0.4 is shaping up to be a major step toward full release or open beta, adding the polish and gameplay depth needed for a broader launch.

What Players Should Do to Prepare for the Druid

If you’re planning to dive into PoE2 with the Druid on day one, here’s how to get ready:

1. Stockpile Gear With Nature or Elemental Rolls

Look for:

Lightning damage

Physical-converted-to-elemental rolls

Increased area damage

Strike-based buffs

Gear supporting minions or companions

These affixes may synergize well with expected Druid builds.

2. Review Your Crafting Materials

Shapeshifting builds may require:

Specific unique bases

High-tier two-handers

Caster-oriented staves

Players with diverse crafting mats will have an easier time experimenting.

3. Plan Routes in the Passive Tree

Since Druids start in a new region, understanding nearby keystones and subtrees will give theorycrafters an early advantage.

4. Prepare for Temporary Meta Volatility

New classes often launch slightly overtuned or undertuned. Be ready to adapt as GGG pushes rapid balance updates during the patch launch window.

Conclusion: Patch 0.4 Marks the Next Big Evolution of Path of Exile 2

Buy POE 2 Orbs is steadily evolving into a deep, mechanically rich ARPG with more class diversity and build freedom than ever before. The arrival of the Druid class in Patch 0.4 is not just another update—it’s a landmark moment that showcases GGG’s long-term vision for PoE2.

With its expected blend of shapeshifting, storm magic, earth abilities, and companion interactions, the Druid could become one of the most versatile and satisfying classes to play. And as GGG continues to refine systems and expand content, Patch 0.4 may be remembered as a transformative moment in PoE2’s development history.

Whether you're a theorycrafter, a campaign enjoyer, or an endgame grinder, the Druid’s arrival is something worth getting excited about—and it signals an even brighter future for Path of Exile 2.