PoE 2 0.2.0 Release Date & Patch Notes (New Classes, League, Gems, Uniques & More)

Path of Exile 2's 0.2.0 update is shaping up to be the most impactful patch since the game’s early access launch. Teased With new classes, fresh two-handed weapon subtypes, a new league, major endgame changes, and a variety of new support gems, this update is set to redefine the game’s meta. However, some upcoming changes - particularly in mapping - have sparked debate within the community. Let’s break down everything we know so far.

PoE 2 0.2.0 Patch Release Date

Grinding Gear Games has stated that Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 is expected to launch in approximately one month from February 20, 2025. Based on past release cycles and pre-patch events, the expected release date of PoE 2 0.2.0 Patch is:

• March 17 - March 20, 2025 (PDT) – The most likely release window.

• March 28, 2025 – A fallback date in case of minor delays.

A final release date should be announced around three weeks before launch, so players should wait for confirmation before making firm plans. The ongoing race events, which conclude on March 16, 2025, suggest that Grinding Gear Games is using them to build anticipation for the update.

PoE 2 0.2.0 Patch Notes (New Class, League, Gems & More)

Patch 0.2.0 will bring a new league, a significant balance overhaul, and fresh content to shake up the game. Players can look forward to new playable classes, additional support gems, and potential endgame expansions. This patch also marks the start of a new league, meaning a complete economy reset where all players begin fresh. Below, we detail the patch notes for the upcoming massive patch:

1. New League & Economy Reset

As with previous major updates, 0.2.0 will introduce a new league, giving players the option to start fresh with a new character. This means:

• A completely new economy where all players begin with zero currency and items.

• League-specific mechanics that may eventually be integrated into the core game.

• Balance changes that could shift the current meta.

Players who prefer to keep their existing characters can remain in standard mode, though balance adjustments may impact the power levels of old builds.

2. New Classes & Ascendancies

Grinding Gear Games has hinted at the introduction of new playable classes, which could offer new skill interactions and archetypes. While details are scarce, the addition of six new weapon groupings suggests that these classes will bring fresh combat styles to the game. And one or two new classes could be expected to be released alongside the 2.0 patch:

Gladiator Class

The Gladiator class is all but confirmed for Patch 0.2.0, based on several hints from Grinding Gear Games:

• The unique item Bringer of Rain was teased with references to "Gladiatorial fighting spirit".

• On the Path of Exile 2 website, one of the grayed-out class buttons has the filename "The Gladiator".

• If the Gladiator follows its PoE1 counterpart, it will likely focus on block mechanics, bleed effects, and stance-based combat.

There is speculation that the Gladiator could be an Ascendancy rather than a base class, possibly tied to the Duelist.

Druid & Huntress Class

While there are speculations about additional classes, such as the Druid and Huntress, which are reportedly feature-complete, no other classes have been officially confirmed for the 0.2.0 patch at this time.

3. New Support Gems & Expanded Build Options

Path of Exile 2 is still building out its support gem pool, and Patch 0.2.0 will introduce a wave of new gems to enrich underutilized playstyles. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed additions:

1. Range Support

   Buffs chaos damage over time spells.

   Costs energy shield based on intelligence but scales damage with intelligence.

   Ideal for high-intelligence damage-over-time builds.

2. Volcanic Eruption

   Supports melee strike skills.

   Triggers Molten Strike-style Fireballs when hitting ignited enemies.

   Potential for fire-based melee builds.

3. Embitter

   Converts chaos-based damage bonuses into cold damage bonuses.

   Could be useful for freeze-heavy builds.

4. Concoct

   Consumes life flask charges to boost bleeding damage.

   A high-risk, high-reward choice for bleed-focused builds.

5. Commiserate

   Boosts ailment effects if you are afflicted with the same ailment.

   Removes the ailment from you when applied to enemies.

   Could synergize with self-inflicting ailment mechanics.

These gems introduce new build opportunities, and their multiplicative scaling suggests that some could become meta-defining choices.

4. New Uniques & Weapon Subtypes

Two new unique items have been teased so far:

Bringer of Rain (Reworked)

As a returning item from PoE1, it is now reworked for PoE2’s mechanics. This new unique helmet allows dual-wielding two-handed Axes and Swords. It prevents the use of chest armor, forcing players to balance offense and defense carefully.

Hammer of Faith

This new unique is a two-handed mace with moderate DPS. Grants a random Shrine buff every 10 seconds, adding an unpredictable element to gameplay.

These uniques hint at new melee playstyles, especially for Gladiator and other two-handed weapon builds.

New Two-Handed Weapon Subtypes

Patch 0.2.0 is expected to introduce new two-handed weapon subtypes, including:

• Two-Handed Axes

• Two-Handed Swords

The Bringer of Rain unique item allows dual-wielding two-handed weapons, suggesting that new weapon skills and support gems will be introduced to complement these changes.

Additionally, Grinding Gear Games has hinted that more classes could be revealed soon, possibly including the Druid and Huntress, which are known to be nearly feature-complete.

5. Major Endgame Mapping Changes & Controversy

One of the more controversial changes coming in Patch 0.2.0 relates to how Towers and mapping mechanics function.

Lost Tower Changes

• Towers will now function as actual maps, rather than simple precursor signals.

• They will include rare mobs that must be cleared before activation.

• All League mechanics available in regular maps can now appear in Towers.

• New bosses are being introduced, with Karash, The Dune Dweller as the first confirmed addition.

Towers Will Now Require Full Clears

In Patch 0.2.0, Towers will:

• Require all rare mobs to be cleared before activation.

• Potentially have new map-clear requirements, rather than just killing rare mobs.

While some players welcome the additional content inside Towers, the new clear requirements have sparked debate. Currently, many players prefer to rush through Towers, activating them immediately without clearing every enemy. The forced "kill all rares" requirement could make this process more tedious.

Potential Mapping Overhaul?

There is speculation that Grinding Gear Games may be planning broader mapping changes, beyond just Towers. The phrase “same clear requirements as regular maps” suggests that:

• New objectives (such as boss kills or breaches) may count toward clearing maps.

• This could be similar to Kirik missions in PoE1, where fulfilling a specific task (e.g., completing a breach) counted as a map completion.

If true, this would fundamentally change how players engage with maps, potentially making endgame progression more diverse and strategic.