Path of Exile 2: Upcoming Updates and Endgame Plans

Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has made it clear that the future of Path of Exile 2 will be shaped by a steady and predictable update cadence. In an announcement made on July 10, 2025, the studio confirmed that both Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2 will follow a four-month expansion cycle moving forward. With PoE 2: The Last of the Druids launching on December 12, 2025, this puts the next major expansion firmly in the April window.

While many players expected sweeping changes sooner, GGG has already clarified that some highly anticipated improvements, particularly those tied to the endgame, were not polished enough to ship with Patch 0.4.0. According to game directors Jonathan Rogers and Mark Roberts, those upgrades are instead being targeted for Patch 0.5.0, which is shaping up to be one of the most important updates in the game's early lifespan.

Given Rogers' previous comments about aiming for a full 1.0 release later this year, Patch 0.5.0 could function as a pseudo-expansion rather than a routine update. If that's the case, players may see not just balance changes and quality-of-life tweaks, but also entirely new systems, possibly even a new playable class.

Endgame Plans and Major Improvements

It's no secret that Path of Exile 2's current endgame experience has received mixed feedback. While the campaign and combat systems have been widely praised, many players feel that the post-campaign loop lacks depth, long-term goals, and meaningful progression, especially when compared to the original game.

Although GGG hasn't released an official feature list for Patch 0.5.0 yet, the community has identified several areas that urgently need attention.

New Classes on the Horizon

GGG originally stated that Path of Exile 2 would ship with 12 playable classes, but as of now, only eight are available:

Warrior

Ranger

Witch

Sorceress

Monk

Mercenary

Huntress

Druid

The Huntress and Druid were introduced in Patch 0.2.0 and Patch 0.4.0, respectively, which strongly suggests that Patch 0.5.0 should add at least one more class to maintain momentum.

Community speculation currently points toward either the Shadow or the Duelist. This theory isn't without merit. The Druid marked the game's first hybrid class, blending multiple attribute paths, and it would make sense for GGG to follow up with another hybrid option.

The Shadow traditionally leans toward Dexterity and Intelligence, excelling with daggers and traps, while the Duelist favors Strength and Dexterity and specializes in sword-based combat. Rogers has previously mentioned wanting swords to play a larger role in PoE 2, fueling further belief that the Duelist could arrive in Patch 0.5.0, or shortly thereafter in Patch 0.6.0.

Expanding the Endgame Experience

One of the loudest community requests revolves around more endgame content. At present, players feel that progression plateaus too quickly, leaving fewer reasons to continue grinding for better gear or POE 2 Currency once initial goals are met.

A popular theory is the return of Delve, a fan-favorite mechanic from Path of Exile 1. Delve centers around the Azurite Mine, where players descend into increasingly dangerous depths filled with powerful enemies and exclusive rewards. Its scalable difficulty and risk-versus-reward structure could immediately address many of PoE 2's current endgame shortcomings.

However, for Delve, or any new system, to truly succeed, it would need exclusive item drops and crafting incentives that justify the time investment.

Improving the Atlas System

The Atlas in Path of Exile 2 has been one of the most divisive features since Early Access began in December 2024. While some players enjoy the variety offered by the "Endless Atlas," others strongly dislike being forced into maps they don't enjoy.

This presents a difficult design challenge for GGG. The Endless Atlas is deeply woven into PoE 2's identity, and reverting entirely to the original game's map-selection model could alienate newer players. At the same time, a lack of agency can make endgame progression feel frustrating rather than rewarding.

A hybrid solution, offering limited map targeting without abandoning randomness altogether, may be the compromise players are hoping for.

Performance and Stability Still Matter

Patch 0.4.0 made meaningful strides in performance, particularly with improved CPU utilization and graphical optimizations for Delirium encounters. These changes were widely appreciated, especially by players on mid-range systems.

That said, performance issues haven't been fully resolved. Extended loading times, intermittent stuttering, and occasional crashes remain common complaints. With Patch 0.5.0 expected to be a cornerstone update, many players are hopeful that GGG will prioritize stability alongside content additions.

Final Thoughts

Patch 0.5.0 has the potential to redefine Path of Exile 2's trajectory. Between possible new classes, expanded endgame systems, Atlas refinements, and ongoing performance improvements, this update could determine whether the game truly finds its long-term footing ahead of the 1.0 launch.

For now, all eyes remain on April, and on whether GGG can deliver the depth, challenge, and polish the community is eagerly waiting for.

MMOexp POE 2 Team