What's new with the Druid update in Path of Exile 2?
Summary
Q.What's new with the Druid update in Path of Exile 2?
A.Patch 0.4.0, “The Last of the Druids,” went live in December 2025 and adds the Druid playable class (with shapeshifting via new Talismans), two Ascendancies (Shaman and Oracle), big passive-tree expansions, and a raft of support-gem and endgame changes.
More info
The headline is simple: Patch 0.4.0, “The Last of the Druids,” introduces the Druid as a new base class that can shapeshift between human and beast forms using a new weapon type called Talismans, and launches with two Druid Ascendancies (Shaman and Oracle) plus large passive‑tree additions. This is the core of the update and was detailed in Grinding Gear’s official patch notes and multiple previews around the December 2025 launch. Official patch notes and coverage around the reveal summarize these central changes and the release timing. (See also the PC Gamer announcement for an accessible overview.)
Beyond the class itself, the update ships a lot of build tools and systemic changes: a new Spell Totem meta gem, more than 30 new support gems, dozens of reworked lineage supports, 250+ new passive nodes, item/unique rebalances, and a new league (Fate of the Vaal) with a pinnacle boss and temple-building mechanics. The patch also tweaks endgame scaling (fewer monsters but higher HP/rewards), performance improvements, and a weekend free-play window at launch—details covered in the developer notes and reporting around the 0.4.0 reveal. For full patch detail and examples of Druid forms/skills, see the patch notes and in-depth previews. Developer notes | Dot Esports coverage.
