PoE 2 New Classes Release Date, Skill Gems & Ascendancy (Druid, Huntress & Templar)

The upcoming Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 is expected to deliver much more than a simple economy reset, this update promises new characters, expanded endgame content, enhanced crafting systems, and a variety of new unique items. Below, we'll talk about new classes in PoE2, including Druid, Huntress, and Templar, with their release dates, skill gems, Ascendancies, gameplay, and more.

PoE 2 New Classes Release Date

The PoE2 0.2.0 patch will likely introduce multiple new character classes, with the Huntress and Druid being almost certainly confirmed based on gameplay footage seen a year ago where the class was already in a polished state. The developer's stated goal of releasing the full game within 12-14 months of early access suggests they need to maintain an aggressive update schedule, with Patch 0.2.0 representing a significant milestone in this roadmap. The release date for new classes in Path of Exile 2 is expected to be around late March 2025 with the upcoming 0.2.0 content update. Specifically, the Druid and Huntress classes, which were originally planned for the initial Early Access launch but weren't ready in December, are anticipated to debut in this update. The next Path of Exile 2 update is scheduled to arrive approximately one month after February 25, 2025, likely landing on either March 21 or March 28, with March 21 of 2025 being the more probable release date of PoE 2 Druid and Huntress since it follows the conclusion of race events ending on March 16. 

PoE 2 New Classes Features, Ascendancy & Gameplay

1. Druid

The Druid in Path of Exile 2 is a new Strength/Intelligence hybrid class focused on shapeshifting and elemental magic, offering a unique blend of melee and spellcasting abilities. Starting near the Templar on the passive skill tree, the Druid can transform between human and animal forms, such as a bear for powerful melee attacks or a human form to cast spells like Lightning Storm or Volcano. Additional abilities include summoning wolves and generating rage for devastating attacks. The Druid class is expected to launch during the Early Access phase of Path of Exile 2, along with the 0.2.0 Patch.

Ascendancy:

While specific Ascendancy details remain under wraps, Druid will have three Ascendancies, potential specializations that could enhance the Druid’s human spells, Bear form capabilities, or summoning abilities. 

2. Huntress

The Huntress appears to be the most likely new class coming in PoE 2 0.2.0, having been shown in gameplay footage from a year ago. This class emphasizes spear combat, allowing players to wield a spear as their primary weapon, sometimes paired with a shield or used two-handed. The gameplay footage shows dynamic combat with spear thrusts and mobility-focused attacks. The class seemingly draws inspiration from the Survival Hunter specialization in World of Warcraft, featuring melee combat combined with ranged capabilities and nature-themed abilities.

Ascendancy:

Although unconfirmed, the Huntress Ascendancies are expected to enhance her spear combat, mobility, and bleed mechanics, while potentially introducing nature-based effects to her arsenal.

3. Templar

The Templar in Path of Exile 2 represents a complete redesign from its PoE 1 counterpart. The new version sports long hair and a beard, with a much more imposing and visually striking appearance compared to the original game's somewhat awkward character model. Gameplay footage suggests the Templar will maintain its holy warrior archetype but with enhanced visual effects and combat animations. Based on concept art from the game's artists, the Templar's design aligns with PoE 2's overall darker and more detailed aesthetic direction.

Ascendancy:

The Templar class is going to offer three distinct Ascendancies based on its Strength-Intelligence hybrid style. One Ascendancy may enhance close-combat abilities with flails, another could focus on powerful strength-based offensive abilities combining physical might with tactical precision, and a third path remains mysterious.

The new patch is expected to include more than just new classes. Some existing classes might receive visual updates or new ascendancy options. GGG is likely to release three classes per major patch, potentially including the Templar alongside the Hunter and Druid in the 0.2 update, though this is just speculation.

PoE 2 New Classes Skill Gems

1. Huntress Skills

• Whirling Slash: This skill allows the Huntress to swing her weapon in a circular motion, creating a whirlwind effect. The more times it is cast, the larger the whirlwind becomes, and upon exiting, it will explode, dealing damage to enemies.

• Spearfield: This skill enables the Huntress to rain down spears on a designated area, slowing down enemies caught within the effect.

• Puncture: With this skill, the Huntress can teleport a short distance to an enemy, puncturing them and inflicting a bleed effect, which can be useful for both mobility and damage over time.

• Rapid Assault: This skill allows the Huntress to rapidly strike an enemy with her spear, making it effective for single-target damage.

2. Druid Skills

• Lightning Storm: Creates a persistent storm that strikes enemies with shocking bolts, dealing 1-19 damage and applying Shock.

• Volcano: Summons a volcano that fires projectiles, with channeling increasing both the damage and the number of projectiles over its 12-second duration (87-132 damage).

• Maul: A swipe attack usable in Bear form, generating rage and applying Bleeding while dealing 165% damage with a +9 strike range.

• Rampage: A charge attack in Bear form that consumes rage to deal 183-286 physical AoE damage, stunning targets.

• Furious Slam: Causes a massive shockwave that stuns enemies and deals 50-75 added damage with 274% attack damage in an AoE.

• Summon Wolf: Summons wolves to assist in combat, debuff enemies with their howl, and requires a 50 Spirit reservation and 48 Mana cost.