Path of Exile 2: Druid - Overview, Skills, and Guide

The Druid class in Path of Exile 2 is one of the six new classes introduced alongside the original six, bringing exciting new gameplay and build diversity to the game. In this guide, we'll dive into everything we know about the Druid class, including its attributes, gameplay mechanics, skills, and potential build options.

PoE 2 Druid Overview

The Druid class is a Strength (STR) and Intelligence (INT) hybrid, much like the Templar class. This positioning on the passive skill tree allows Druids to explore a mix of physical and elemental damage, with a heavy emphasis on shapeshifting, summoning, and spellcasting.

While PoE 2 introduces the Druid with a focus on shapeshifting and spells, it's not a tank class like many might expect from the animal-based fantasy. Instead, the Druid offers a blend of melee and spellcasting abilities that give players a dynamic and versatile experience. The class will also likely focus on life, armor, and energy shield for defense, while providing an offense based on a combination of physical, fire, and lightning damage.

Shapeshifting Gameplay

Shapeshifting is the core feature of the Druid class, enabling players to transform between human and animal forms to utilize unique abilities. While in human form, the Druid casts spells, and upon transforming into animal forms (such as Bear), they gain access to powerful melee abilities.

While using a skill, the Druid will automatically transform into the appropriate form. However, this transformation comes with a slight delay, requiring careful management of the skill order for optimal performance. For example, players may cast spells while in human form and then shift into Bear form to deal devastating melee damage.

The Druid also benefits from the Dual Specialization system, where players can configure different weapon loadouts-one for human form and one for animal form. This allows players to optimize their gear for different playstyles.

Easter Egg: If you're in town, the Druid can roll around in Bear form, but when dodge rolling in combat, the Druid will automatically revert to human form.

Druid Skill Gems

Below are the currently known skill gems for the Druid class:

Lightning Storm

Casts an area of lightning damage to enemies, dealing elemental damage in a large area.

Volcano

Creates a volcano that shoots out fire projectiles. The volcano can be held longer to increase the number of projectiles fired. When slamming near the volcano in Bear form, additional projectiles are triggered.

Bear Maul

Generates Rage when used, a crucial mechanic for Druid gameplay.

Rampage

Continuously slams the ground as you move, dealing damage to enemies within range.

Furious Slam

A powerful slam attack that deals significant damage and has a chance to stun enemies.

Ferocious Roar

Exerts your next slam, causing it to have a second aftershock, adding even more damage to your abilities.

Summoned Wolves

Summons a pack of wolves to distract enemies and debuff them, adding a tactical summoning element to your arsenal.

Combining Skills for Maximum Damage

To get the most out of the Druid's capabilities, combining spells and slams effectively is key. For instance, you could start by casting Volcano in human form, then shift into Bear form and use Rampage to trigger aftershocks. While in Bear form, Furious Slam can stun enemies, followed by Ferocious Roar to exert your next attack. This combination will maximize the damage output from both your Rampage and Volcano spells, creating a devastating synergy.

Druid Ascendancy Classes

While specific details on the Druid's Ascendancy classes have not been released, we can expect three possible Ascendancy options, each with its theme based on the Druid's strengths:

Human Empowerment Ascendancy

This path may enhance the Druid's human spells, allowing for a more spellcasting-focused build while still utilizing shapeshifting abilities to complement the damage.

Bear Tank Ascendancy

A tank-focused Ascendancy could boost the Druid's Bear form, increasing its survivability and damage while transformed. This would allow players to focus on melee attacks with the Bear form while soaking up damage.

Summoner Ascendancy

This Ascendancy could shift the Druid into a more summoning-oriented role, allowing players to command a horde of animals (such as wolves) to fight alongside them, enhancing both offensive and defensive strategies.

Wrap Up

The Druid class is a fresh and exciting addition to Path of Exile 2, introducing a new dynamic to the game that combines spellcasting with shapeshifting and summoning mechanics. The class offers a unique approach to gameplay, blending the physical prowess of a warrior with the elemental power of a spellcaster, all while allowing players to harness the power of nature itself.

While the class's full potential will likely unfold once the Ascendancy classes are revealed, the Druid class promises to be one of the most versatile and flavorful additions to Path of Exile 2. Whether you're a fan of shapeshifting or enjoy a mix of summoning, elemental damage, and physical power, the Druid will offer something for all types of players.

PoE 2 has a robust trade system, allowing players to buy, sell, and trade PoE 2 currency, PoE 2 items, and gear for their Druid builds. Given the introduction of new mechanics, players will likely focus on acquiring specific items and crafting materials that enhance the Druid's versatility, making these items valuable in the market.