Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has officially released Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.4, titled Last of the Druids, bringing major updates to the Druid class, itemization, and skill systems. This patch highlights the transformation-focused Druid gameplay while also refining various core mechanics, making it one of the most impactful updates for early PoE2 testing.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Patch 0.4, including all Druid primal forms, skill adjustments, and new item changes. Whether you are leveling your first Druid or planning endgame builds, understanding these changes is crucial for optimal performance in the Shaperlands.

Druid Primal Forms: Transformations Reimagined

The highlight of Patch 0.4 is the Druid's three primal forms. Unlike PoE1's older transformation mechanics, the Druid now seamlessly swaps between Bear, Werewolf, and Wyvern forms, each offering unique abilities and synergies.

Bear Form - The Tanky Juggernaut

·Maul (Basic Attack): Transform into a Bear while generating Rage with every hit. Rage powers stronger follow-up attacks.

·Furious Slam: Deals massive AoE physical damage, consuming Rage to maximize scaling. Ideal for clearing dense mobs.

·Rampage: Charge attacks that scale with Rage and interact with environmental hazards like volcano terrain.

·Ferocious Roar (Metaskill): Warcry that buffs your next attack and allows socketing additional warcries.

·Walking Calamity (Ultimate): Engulf yourself in a fiery AoE ring, boosting attack speed and damage-perfect for bosses and high-density encounters.

Werewolf Form - Agile Cold-Damage Assassin

·Basic Attack: High-speed melee for single-target and pack-clearing.

·Lunar Assault: AoE freezing skill; follow up with basic attacks for exploding ice shards.

·Pounce (Metagem): Mark an enemy, and upon death, summon a wolf minion. Supports additional curse socketing.

·Cross Slash: Detonates marks to summon wolves mid-fight, excellent for boss control.

·Arctic Howl: Creates chilled ground, buffs wolves, and increases cold damage.

·Lunar Blessing: Transform into Arctic Werewolf, consuming leftover Rage from Bear form to extend the effect.

Wyvern Form - Fire-Breathing Dragon

·Basic Attack: Melee swipe that becomes a lightning AoE when powered.

·Devour: Consume enemies for Power Charges and bonus damage.

·Wing Blast: Frontal AoE with knockback, enhanced by lightning infusion.

·Rolling Magma: Fire orbs along a line, dealing AoE damage, echoing PoE1 mechanics.

·Oil Barrage: Covers enemies in oil for Ignite synergy; lightning darts for hybrid damage.

·Flame Breath (Ultimate): Flight-based AoE attack, providing immunity while dealing devastating fire damage.

New Items and Aspects in Patch 0.4

Patch 0.4 introduces Druid-specific items and aspects, enhancing shapeshifting and elemental builds. Players can now leverage Path of Exile 2 Items to maximize damage, survivability, and utility in all three primal forms.

·Aspect of the Rampaging Werebeast: Critical strikes while in Grizzly Rage now increase damage up to 120%, improving overall scaling.

·Aspect of the Rabid Beast: Converts direct damage to Poison while shapeshifted, providing consistent DoT synergy.

·Khamsin Steppewalkers (New Boots): Boost movement speed and immobilize enemies when using Nature Magic skills.

·Greater Affix System: Non-ancestral items can now upgrade to Greater Affixes, with narrowed ranges and higher maximum values for more reliable progression.

For players who want to skip grind or access rare builds faster, it's possible to buy POE2 Items or invest in Path of Exile 2 Currency to secure these powerful aspects immediately.

Skill Adjustments and Buffs

Patch 0.4 has reworked several Druid skills to improve responsiveness and balance:

·Grizzly Rage: Cooldown reduced from 50s to 35s, duration increased to 12s, and damage reduction boosted from 20% to 30%.

·Stoneburst: Lucky Hit chance for channeled damage increased from 2% to 6%.

·Earthen Might Passive: Damage against immobilized enemies increased from 15% to 25%, and critical strike damage increased to 20%.

·Constricting Tendrils Passive: Nature Magic now deals 40% increased damage to Poisoned enemies, with Lucky Hit Poison chance increased to 1000% over 4 seconds.

These adjustments make the Druid not only more versatile but also capable of competing in both single-target and AoE scenarios, crucial for endgame content.

Seasonal Mechanics and General Updates

·Sanctification Improvements: Items with a power of 750 or higher in Torment difficulties can now be sanctified. Indestructible affixes replaced with quality ranks.

·Legendary Powers Added: More powerful abilities across items, offering new build synergies.

·Affix Balancing: Affix ranges increased, with additional Legendary powers added for greater endgame options.

·Masterworking Enhancements: Maximum item quality increased to 25, with boosted affix values per quality and a chance for a Greater Affix upon full Masterworking.

These system-wide adjustments ensure better balance in both early- and late-game, providing Druids and other classes with more tools for build optimization.

Final Thoughts

Patch 0.4 - Last of the Druids sets a new benchmark for Path of Exile 2 by solidifying the Druid's shapeshifting mechanics and improving overall game balance. With enhanced primal forms, revamped skills, and powerful new items, Druids can now seamlessly transition between tanky Bear forms, agile Werewolf attacks, and devastating Wyvern aerial assaults. This is a defining patch for early Path of Exile 2 gameplay.