Path of Exile 2: Druid Class Guide

Path of Exile 2 introduces the Druid, one of six new classes debuting alongside the original six. The Druid adds an exciting new dynamic with its blend of shapeshifting mechanics, spellcasting abilities, and melee attacks, making it a versatile class that bridges the gap between the Warrior and Sorcerer archetypes.

Druid Class Overview

The Druid is a Strength/Intelligence (STR/INT) class, starting near the Templar's position on the passive skill tree, giving easy access to Life, Energy Shield, and Armor for defense. Offensively, Druids are built to harness physical, fire, and lightning damage, and they excel at both melee combat and elemental spellcasting.

The highlight of the Druid is its shapeshifting ability, allowing seamless transitions between animal forms (like a powerful bear) and human form. This mechanic offers fluid gameplay where using the right skills at the right time is essential for maximizing damage output.

Key Features

Shapeshifting: Automatically switch forms when activating certain skills. For example, using melee slams transforms you into a bear, while casting elemental spells returns you to human form.

Dual Loadouts: The Druid can maintain two separate weapon setups—one for human form and one for animal form—giving flexibility in combat.

STR/INT Attribute Synergy: Combines heavy physical damage with spellcasting, making it possible to mix slams with elemental spells.

Summoning Allies: Druids summon animals, like wolves, to assist in battle, further enhancing their versatility.

Druid Skill Gems

Here's a quick look at some of the key skills revealed so far:

Lightning Storm:

Summons a storm that deals lightning damage in an area.

Effective for clearing groups of enemies from a distance.

Volcano:

Creates a volcano that erupts projectiles dealing fire damage.

Slamming the ground near the volcano triggers more eruptions, adding bonus damage.

Bear Maul:

A melee attack that generates Rage, boosting further abilities.

Rampage:

Allows continuous ground slamming while moving, dealing damage in a wide area.

Furious Slam:

Slams the ground around the Druid, stunning enemies caught in the blast.

Ferocious Roar:

Exerts the next slam, causing it to unleash a second shockwave.

Excellent for setting up burst damage combos.

Summoned Wolves:

Summons wolves that distract enemies and apply debuffs.

Gameplay and Form Transitions

Human Form: Use ranged and elemental spells like Volcano and Lightning Storm to soften up enemies from a distance.

Bear Form: Engage in melee combat with Rampage and Bear Maul once enemies close in, generating Rage and dealing devastating slams.

A key feature of the Druid is fluid transformation—activating a spell brings you back to human form, while melee attacks trigger animal form. There is a slight transformation delay, making it important to time your skills effectively.

Example Skill Combo:

Cast Volcano in human form to set up an area for fire damage.

Transform to bear form with Bear Maul, generating Rage.

Use Furious Slam near the volcano to trigger additional eruptions.

Finish with Rampage, dealing continuous damage while moving.

This combination ensures both your slams and elemental spells synergize to deal massive damage.

Ascendancy Possibilities

While we don't have full details on the Druid's Ascendancies yet, here are a few potential paths:

Elementalist Druid: Focuses on empowering human form spells, maximizing elemental damage.

Primal Beast: Specializes in bear form, improving tackiness and melee damage.

Beastcaller: Focuses on summoning allies, enhancing wolves, and other summoned creatures to aid in battle.

Each of these Ascendancies will likely lean toward different aspects of the STR/INT attributes, adding even more depth to the Druid's playstyle.

Tips for Success

Manage Your Forms: Learn when to switch between animal and human forms to maintain momentum.

Dual Loadouts: Equip one weapon set for elemental spells and another for bear form slams.

Combine Skills: Smartly combining skills, like Volcano + Rampage, will result in more powerful attacks.

Summon Allies: Use Summoned Wolves to distract enemies, giving you room to execute skill combos.

Conclusion

The Druid brings a fresh and exciting playstyle to Path of Exile 2. Whether you enjoy crushing enemies with bear slams or unleashing elemental spells, the Druid offers incredible build diversity. With the flexibility to shapeshift and summon allies, it's poised to become a fan favorite.

As Path of Exile 2 evolves, staying on top of Path of Exile currency and valuable Path of Exile items will ensure your build remains competitive. Keep an eye out for more updates on Druid Ascendancies as the game approaches launch!