With Patch 0.4 rapidly approaching, the Path of Exile 2 community is buzzing with anticipation. Grinding Gear Games has confirmed the reveal is coming soon, and as we stand on the edge of a major update, players are eager to discuss expectations, predictions, and hopes for what the developers might unveil. Ronarray, a well-known voice in the early access community, recently shared his insight on what he believes Patch 0.4 will include—and what he hopes it will bring.
From the long-awaited Druid class to endgame revamps, crafting changes, and new skill sets, 0.4 has the potential to be one of the most important patches in early access so far. Let’s break down the key expectations for the update and explore why each of these features could reshape the POE2 landscape.
1. The Druid Arrives — A New Era of Shapeshifting
The most obvious and most anticipated feature of Patch 0.4 is the arrival of the Druid class. Announced months ago and teased repeatedly, the Druid has long been expected to headline the update. Yet beyond simply adding a new class, the Druid opens the door to a major mechanical evolution for POE 2 Divine Orbs.
Shapeshifting as a Core Mechanic
The Druid is built around shapeshifting, a design direction that naturally encourages hybrid gameplay, dynamic transformation, and unique combat rotations. What’s interesting isn’t just how the Druid will play, but how shapeshifting might be implemented across multiple classes.
Warrior and Monk, for example, could greatly benefit from tanky, melee-focused forms depending on how the system works. If shapeshifting offers enough strength, durability, or mobility, players may find entirely new build paths that combine different classes with Druid mechanics.
A Risk of Underpowered Skills?
The big concern is balance. If certain shapeshifting skills release too weak, players are likely to abandon the fantasy and instead treat Druid as a stat stick for bow builds, quarterstaff Monk skills, or other powerful archetypes. On the flip side, overly strong shapeshifting could warp the meta entirely.
Still, even if not every Druid skill lands perfectly, the class fantasy alone will ensure shapeshifting Druids become one of the most popular archetypes of 0.4.
2. Endgame Revamp — Moving Beyond Delirium Reliance
Another major topic of discussion is the long-awaited endgame rework, something GGG has teased since before Patch 0.3. The current endgame revolves heavily around using Delirium modifiers on nearly every waystone—an approach that many players find repetitive and unengaging.
The Problem With Delirium
Delirium may be powerful, but:
it’s tedious to maintain
it’s required for competitive farming
it dominates every map decision
the visual clutter frustrates many players
Many in the community have asked GGG for a Delirium toggle, allowing players to selectively disable its fog effect while still using the mechanic. But the more crucial fix would be the addition of alternative map-buffing mechanics.
The Expected Evolution
Players hope GGG introduces:
New non-Delirium map modifiers
Multiple farmable endgame routes
Special map crafting systems
Optional challenges similar to Path of Exile 1
If 0.4 succeeds at diversifying endgame engagement, the update could dramatically improve long-term replayability.
3. Beasts Going Core — A Crafting Revolution
One of the hottest topics is whether the Beast mechanic—massively popular in 0.3—will become permanent. Beast crafting has been beloved because it adds:
Fun gameplay loops
Deep item crafting options
Deterministic upgrade paths
Incentive to farm outside traditional maps
Removing it entirely would leave POE2 feeling noticeably shallower.
Why It’s Likely Going Core
Beast crafting has become an essential part of gear progression in 0.3. Making it core—even partially—would maintain crafting depth and continue to support early-game and mid-game gearing strategies.
Given how important crafting is in POE2’s identity, it’s hard to imagine 0.4 removing one of the most beloved features the game has introduced so far.
4. Crafting Balance — Nerfs, Rarity Adjustments, and a New Meta
Even if Beasts remain, crafting will inevitably change in 0.4.
Crafting in 0.3 is extremely deterministic, letting players craft powerful gear more easily than in POE1. Many players like this direction, but it’s hard to deny that crafting has been overpowered, especially with how frequently Beast currency drops.
With Beasts potentially appearing less often, the natural consequence is a nerf—but GGG may take things further:
Some crafting currencies could become rarer
Others could become more common
Beast modifiers might receive tuning
Crafting power thresholds may be adjusted
We should expect at least moderate crafting changes, even if the core system survives untouched.
5. A New Ascendancy or Second Class? (Wishlist but Possible)
This one falls more into the “wishful thinking” category, but it isn’t impossible: Patch 0.4 might reveal a new ascendancy or even a second class.
When GGG released the Amazon variant in the past, they also added a new Witch specialization. With the Druid launching now, it’s conceivable we could see another new option, such as:
A new Shadow ascendancy
A new Templar ascendancy
A long-awaited third Monk ascendancy
Monk players in particular have been eager for their missing specialization. Adding one would be an exciting surprise and a great way to expand build diversity alongside the new Druid.
6. Campaign Expansion — More Chapters or Improvements
While the campaign is mostly complete, several gaps and unfinished areas still exist. Patch 0.4 could introduce:
new zones
new side areas
new campaign bosses
quality-of-life improvements
environmental polish
An entire new Act might be unlikely, but small additions and refinements would still improve the experience for fresh characters—and everyone will be leveling at least one Druid.
7. New Skill Sets — Sword Skills, Cyclone, and More
This is one of the most exciting wishlist items from the community: new core weapon skill sets, especially sword skills.
It’s been over a year since early access launched, and players are still waiting for iconic mechanics like:
Cyclone-style channeled melee movement
Sword-based combo systems
Higher-speed melee attack archetypes
With the Druid taking center stage, it’s unclear whether another skill set will also debut, but many fans hope so cheap POE 2 Divine Orbs. Even if sword skills don’t make it into 0.4, we might at least see teasers or early prototypes.
8. More Trial Options — Extending Sikas and Revamping Trial of Kael
Trials represent a core pillar of POE2’s endgame, but right now only two exist:
Sikas’s Trial
Trial of Kael
Sikas farming is extremely popular, but Kael has fallen off sharply in 0.3 due to:
massive dilution of the drop pool
weaker farming efficiency
limited strategic depth
Players are hoping for:
a third trial
better balance between existing trials
deeper mechanics inside Kael
more rewards that justify running it
Since GGG has already mentioned adding more trial options, it’s fair to expect progress on this front in Patch 0.4.
9. More Uber Bosses — Harder Fights and Unique Rewards
Uber bosses define endgame longevity in POE1, and POE2 desperately needs more of them. With Beast mechanics possibly becoming core, players are speculating about an Uber Beast boss as a new pinnacle challenge.
More Uber bosses would bring:
better target-farming
new unique items
additional build-enabling drops
higher skill expression
Even if Patch 0.4 doesn’t introduce multiple new Ubers, unveiling at least one would be a major win for the community.
10. Element Rebalancing — Fire and Ice Need Urgent Help
Finally, one of the most universally agreed-upon issues: Lightning skills are dominating the meta.
Compared to lightning:
Fire builds have extremely limited viable options outside Fireball and grenades
Ice builds underperform in both clear and single-target
Many elemental archetypes feel unfinished
Players hope 0.4 brings:
buffs to underperforming fire skills
meaningful adjustments to ice scaling
new elemental synergies
increased build diversity
toned-down lightning values
Maybe the Druid update won’t focus on full skill rebalancing, but players desperately need elemental parity—whether in 0.4 or the upcoming 0.5 patch.
Conclusion
Patch 0.4 has the potential to be one of the defining updates of POE2’s early access. With the Druid class, endgame reworks, crafting adjustments, new trials, boss updates, campaign improvements, and a long list of hopeful wishlist items, the update represents a major turning point for the game’s direction.
Some features—like the Druid, endgame revamp, and crafting changes—are almost guaranteed. Others, like new ascendancies or sword skills, sit firmly in the realm of optimistic speculation. But together, these ideas highlight what the community values most: depth, diversity, and long-term replayability.
As we wait for the official reveal, one thing is clear—0.4 has captured the imagination of the entire Path of Exile 2 community. Whether all these predictions come true or not, the update is poised to reshape Wraeclast in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.
From the long-awaited Druid class to endgame revamps, crafting changes, and new skill sets, 0.4 has the potential to be one of the most important patches in early access so far. Let’s break down the key expectations for the update and explore why each of these features could reshape the POE2 landscape.
1. The Druid Arrives — A New Era of Shapeshifting
The most obvious and most anticipated feature of Patch 0.4 is the arrival of the Druid class. Announced months ago and teased repeatedly, the Druid has long been expected to headline the update. Yet beyond simply adding a new class, the Druid opens the door to a major mechanical evolution for POE 2 Divine Orbs.
Shapeshifting as a Core Mechanic
The Druid is built around shapeshifting, a design direction that naturally encourages hybrid gameplay, dynamic transformation, and unique combat rotations. What’s interesting isn’t just how the Druid will play, but how shapeshifting might be implemented across multiple classes.
Warrior and Monk, for example, could greatly benefit from tanky, melee-focused forms depending on how the system works. If shapeshifting offers enough strength, durability, or mobility, players may find entirely new build paths that combine different classes with Druid mechanics.
A Risk of Underpowered Skills?
The big concern is balance. If certain shapeshifting skills release too weak, players are likely to abandon the fantasy and instead treat Druid as a stat stick for bow builds, quarterstaff Monk skills, or other powerful archetypes. On the flip side, overly strong shapeshifting could warp the meta entirely.
Still, even if not every Druid skill lands perfectly, the class fantasy alone will ensure shapeshifting Druids become one of the most popular archetypes of 0.4.
2. Endgame Revamp — Moving Beyond Delirium Reliance
Another major topic of discussion is the long-awaited endgame rework, something GGG has teased since before Patch 0.3. The current endgame revolves heavily around using Delirium modifiers on nearly every waystone—an approach that many players find repetitive and unengaging.
The Problem With Delirium
Delirium may be powerful, but:
it’s tedious to maintain
it’s required for competitive farming
it dominates every map decision
the visual clutter frustrates many players
Many in the community have asked GGG for a Delirium toggle, allowing players to selectively disable its fog effect while still using the mechanic. But the more crucial fix would be the addition of alternative map-buffing mechanics.
The Expected Evolution
Players hope GGG introduces:
New non-Delirium map modifiers
Multiple farmable endgame routes
Special map crafting systems
Optional challenges similar to Path of Exile 1
If 0.4 succeeds at diversifying endgame engagement, the update could dramatically improve long-term replayability.
3. Beasts Going Core — A Crafting Revolution
One of the hottest topics is whether the Beast mechanic—massively popular in 0.3—will become permanent. Beast crafting has been beloved because it adds:
Fun gameplay loops
Deep item crafting options
Deterministic upgrade paths
Incentive to farm outside traditional maps
Removing it entirely would leave POE2 feeling noticeably shallower.
Why It’s Likely Going Core
Beast crafting has become an essential part of gear progression in 0.3. Making it core—even partially—would maintain crafting depth and continue to support early-game and mid-game gearing strategies.
Given how important crafting is in POE2’s identity, it’s hard to imagine 0.4 removing one of the most beloved features the game has introduced so far.
4. Crafting Balance — Nerfs, Rarity Adjustments, and a New Meta
Even if Beasts remain, crafting will inevitably change in 0.4.
Crafting in 0.3 is extremely deterministic, letting players craft powerful gear more easily than in POE1. Many players like this direction, but it’s hard to deny that crafting has been overpowered, especially with how frequently Beast currency drops.
With Beasts potentially appearing less often, the natural consequence is a nerf—but GGG may take things further:
Some crafting currencies could become rarer
Others could become more common
Beast modifiers might receive tuning
Crafting power thresholds may be adjusted
We should expect at least moderate crafting changes, even if the core system survives untouched.
5. A New Ascendancy or Second Class? (Wishlist but Possible)
This one falls more into the “wishful thinking” category, but it isn’t impossible: Patch 0.4 might reveal a new ascendancy or even a second class.
When GGG released the Amazon variant in the past, they also added a new Witch specialization. With the Druid launching now, it’s conceivable we could see another new option, such as:
A new Shadow ascendancy
A new Templar ascendancy
A long-awaited third Monk ascendancy
Monk players in particular have been eager for their missing specialization. Adding one would be an exciting surprise and a great way to expand build diversity alongside the new Druid.
6. Campaign Expansion — More Chapters or Improvements
While the campaign is mostly complete, several gaps and unfinished areas still exist. Patch 0.4 could introduce:
new zones
new side areas
new campaign bosses
quality-of-life improvements
environmental polish
An entire new Act might be unlikely, but small additions and refinements would still improve the experience for fresh characters—and everyone will be leveling at least one Druid.
7. New Skill Sets — Sword Skills, Cyclone, and More
This is one of the most exciting wishlist items from the community: new core weapon skill sets, especially sword skills.
It’s been over a year since early access launched, and players are still waiting for iconic mechanics like:
Cyclone-style channeled melee movement
Sword-based combo systems
Higher-speed melee attack archetypes
With the Druid taking center stage, it’s unclear whether another skill set will also debut, but many fans hope so cheap POE 2 Divine Orbs. Even if sword skills don’t make it into 0.4, we might at least see teasers or early prototypes.
8. More Trial Options — Extending Sikas and Revamping Trial of Kael
Trials represent a core pillar of POE2’s endgame, but right now only two exist:
Sikas’s Trial
Trial of Kael
Sikas farming is extremely popular, but Kael has fallen off sharply in 0.3 due to:
massive dilution of the drop pool
weaker farming efficiency
limited strategic depth
Players are hoping for:
a third trial
better balance between existing trials
deeper mechanics inside Kael
more rewards that justify running it
Since GGG has already mentioned adding more trial options, it’s fair to expect progress on this front in Patch 0.4.
9. More Uber Bosses — Harder Fights and Unique Rewards
Uber bosses define endgame longevity in POE1, and POE2 desperately needs more of them. With Beast mechanics possibly becoming core, players are speculating about an Uber Beast boss as a new pinnacle challenge.
More Uber bosses would bring:
better target-farming
new unique items
additional build-enabling drops
higher skill expression
Even if Patch 0.4 doesn’t introduce multiple new Ubers, unveiling at least one would be a major win for the community.
10. Element Rebalancing — Fire and Ice Need Urgent Help
Finally, one of the most universally agreed-upon issues: Lightning skills are dominating the meta.
Compared to lightning:
Fire builds have extremely limited viable options outside Fireball and grenades
Ice builds underperform in both clear and single-target
Many elemental archetypes feel unfinished
Players hope 0.4 brings:
buffs to underperforming fire skills
meaningful adjustments to ice scaling
new elemental synergies
increased build diversity
toned-down lightning values
Maybe the Druid update won’t focus on full skill rebalancing, but players desperately need elemental parity—whether in 0.4 or the upcoming 0.5 patch.
Conclusion
Patch 0.4 has the potential to be one of the defining updates of POE2’s early access. With the Druid class, endgame reworks, crafting adjustments, new trials, boss updates, campaign improvements, and a long list of hopeful wishlist items, the update represents a major turning point for the game’s direction.
Some features—like the Druid, endgame revamp, and crafting changes—are almost guaranteed. Others, like new ascendancies or sword skills, sit firmly in the realm of optimistic speculation. But together, these ideas highlight what the community values most: depth, diversity, and long-term replayability.
As we wait for the official reveal, one thing is clear—0.4 has captured the imagination of the entire Path of Exile 2 community. Whether all these predictions come true or not, the update is poised to reshape Wraeclast in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.