Exiles, it has been a long wait, but the tides are finally shifting in the world of Path of Exile 2. For months, the community has been relatively quiet, with only sparse updates and few concrete details from Grinding Gear Games regarding the next phase of the game. But now, everything is changing. The developer recently confirmed that the highly anticipated update 0.4 will be arriving in early December of this year—likely on either December 5th or December 12th. This announcement has reignited discussions across forums, Discord, and Reddit, as players speculate about the changes and new content the patch will bring.
While the news itself is exciting, the details surrounding 0.4 suggest that this update may represent one of the most significant expansions in Path of Exile 2’s development yet. From innovative cosmetic systems to a possible endgame overhaul and new weapons for the druid class, 0.4 promises to breathe new life into the game. Let’s dive into the key features and subtle hints that indicate what exiles can look forward to.
Permanent Skin Transfers: A Game-Changer for Cosmetics Enthusiasts
One of the more exciting developments in POE2 Currency involves a system that could fundamentally change the endgame experience: permanent skin transfers. Currently, the game allows cosmetic modifications via a one-time skin transfer system. While players can apply a cosmetic look from one item to another, this system is limited—it doesn’t persist, nor can it be stored in a bank for repeated use. Essentially, players were restricted to swapping skins between two items, which limited the potential for true customization.
However, Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that permanent skin transfers are in development. This system will allow players to permanently unlock the appearances of base and unique items. Once unlocked, these skins will be stored in a cosmetics inventory, giving players the freedom to mix and match appearances across different characters and items. For those who love customizing their characters, this is huge.
While the timeline for this system isn’t fully confirmed, the implications are significant. Imagine unlocking a rare piece of armor or a beautifully designed weapon, and then being able to use its appearance across any character in the game permanently. For players who enjoy the aesthetic side of ARPGs—similar to how Guild Wars 2 players pursue elaborate wardrobe collections—this update could reinvigorate the endgame experience.
The community is already speculating about potential monetization models. Could there be a one-time purchase that unlocks all skins? While current microtransactions cost around $30, there’s hope for a bundled option that would allow players to permanently unlock every skin in the game. This approach would cater to dedicated players without fragmenting the experience with constant microtransactions, allowing cosmetic exploration to become a central part of the endgame rather than an afterthought.
Delve: Returning League Mechanics with a Twist
Another exciting potential addition in update 0.4 is the introduction of Delve, a fan-favorite mechanic from the original Path of Exile. For those unfamiliar, Delve is an infinite dungeon system that challenges players to dig deeper and deeper into procedurally generated environments while battling monsters and bosses. The system is accompanied by a unique crafting mechanism involving fossils and resonators, making each dive both a combat and resource-management challenge.
While Delve hasn’t been officially confirmed for POE2, several hints suggest it might make an appearance. Data mining of the game has revealed Delve socketables in the code, suggesting preparations for its integration. Additionally, in Act Four of POE2, players have discovered in-game lore and remnants, including a Delve cart station and NPC references, which strongly hint that Delve could be accessible from one of the islands in the act.
If Delve does arrive in POE2, it is expected to receive a significant revamp to fit the game’s new systems. Unlike the current Endgame Atlas, which expands infinitely outward but lacks the endless scaling challenge of Delve, this updated system could provide a true infinite dungeon experience, testing characters in new ways. Fans of the original Delve have long praised it for its replayability and ability to showcase character builds, and its integration into POE2 could address some criticisms of the game’s current endgame structure.
The potential for Delve to return in 0.4 is particularly exciting considering Grinding Gear Games’ recent focus on robust league mechanics. The previous league, Rise of the Abyssal, was widely praised for its engaging encounters, unique bosses, and meaningful rewards. If Delve is reimagined with the same level of polish and creativity, it could become a cornerstone of POE2’s endgame content.
Druid Class and the New Talisman Weapons
Update 0.4 also promises to deliver significant content for the druid class, which has been a subject of much speculation among exiles. Originally, the druid was not designed to wield traditional weapons. Instead, shapeshifting was the class’s defining feature, allowing players to transform into various forms like bears, wolves, and birds. However, recent discoveries suggest that the druid will now have access to a new type of weapon: talismans.
Talismans appear to be two-handed strength-intelligence hybrid weapons that will provide stats and abilities compatible with the druid’s shapeshifting forms buy Path of Exile 2 Currency. This is an important evolution for the class, as it ensures that shapifting does not come at the cost of losing weapon-based progression. Players will be able to equip talismans and benefit from their attributes even while in beast forms, creating a unique hybrid gameplay experience.
While there is ongoing speculation about the possibility of claws or other weapon types, current evidence points to talismans being the primary weapon choice for the druid. These weapons are expected to have unique stats and aesthetics, offering a fresh endgame chase for druid players. This addition aligns with Grinding Gear Games’ philosophy of learning from POE1’s development—ensuring that character progression and weapon utility remain meaningful throughout all stages of the game.
Revamped Endgame Systems
Beyond cosmetics and new class mechanics, update 0.4 is expected to significantly revamp POE2’s endgame. Grinding Gear Games has acknowledged that the current state of the endgame is faltering, and update 0.4 may address this issue. Permanent skin transfers, new league mechanics like Delve, and additional boss encounters all contribute to a richer, more engaging post-campaign experience.
The Infinite Atlas, POE2’s procedural map system, is likely to undergo modifications to make the endgame more dynamic and rewarding. While specific details are scarce, the developer has emphasized the need to expand endgame content, suggesting that players will encounter new challenges, areas, and crafting systems. This could transform POE2’s endgame from a relatively static experience into a more vibrant and replayable environment.
Players can also anticipate miscellaneous improvements, including potential ascendancy classes and skill adjustments. While update 0.4 may not introduce new primary classes beyond the druid, it lays the foundation for larger expansions in the future, particularly as POE2 approaches its anticipated 1.0 release in December 2026.
Community Engagement and Developer Interaction
One of the hallmarks of Grinding Gear Games is its engagement with the player community. Updates are often influenced by community feedback, and content creators play a pivotal role in shaping the game’s development. The recent announcement of update 0.4 was accompanied by encouragement for players to provide input on what they want to see in the game.
Commentary from exiles, content creators, and streamers is monitored, and high-quality suggestions have the potential to influence development decisions. While there’s no guarantee that any single comment will directly impact the game, the practice underscores GGG’s commitment to community-driven development. This interaction creates a sense of shared ownership among players and keeps the excitement around POE2 alive during periods without major updates.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Path of Exile 2
In summary, update 0.4 for Path of Exile 2 represents a turning point for the game. Exiles can look forward to:
Permanent Skin Transfers: Unlock the ability to mix and match cosmetics across characters and items permanently.
Potential Delve Integration: A revamped, infinite dungeon system that challenges characters in exciting new ways.
Druid Talismans: Unique weapons that provide stats and abilities for shapeshifting forms, enhancing the class’s gameplay depth.
Endgame Overhaul: Improvements to the Infinite Atlas, new league mechanics, bosses, and crafting systems.
While the exact release date is still tentative, the early December launch promises to rejuvenate POE2 and provide the community with substantial new content. This update demonstrates Grinding Gear Games’ commitment to refining the game based on feedback, while also adding exciting new layers to its gameplay.
For exiles eagerly awaiting new adventures, update 0.4 is shaping up to be a pivotal milestone—one that could redefine how players experience Path of Exile 2 in the months and years ahead. With permanent cosmetics, innovative league mechanics, and fresh class content, December may mark the beginning of a new era for POE2’s evolving world.

As the community prepares for the update, discussions and speculation will continue to grow. Whether it’s exploring the depths of Delve, chasing rare talismans for the druid, or perfecting character aesthetics, exiles have much to anticipate. Path of Exile 2 is set to become more immersive, challenging, and rewarding than ever before—ensuring that the wait has been worth it.