Path of Exile 2 is one of the most anticipated action role-playing games, and its new classes are a big focus for players. GGG has already revealed some classes, but there are still four unreleased ones. This guide will talk about the most possible new class after Druid class, the release of Shadow class and potential Ascendancies added in PoE 2 0.5 league.

PoE 2 Next Class After Druid, 0.5 New Ascendancies & Shadow Release Date

Currently, GGG has not shown four classes to the public. We can guess some of their designs based on their names and how they appeared in the first Path of Exile (PoE 1). Here is a brief introduction to each unreleased class:

• Shadow: A hybrid class that uses Intelligence and Dexterity. We have no official information about it yet, but we have seen a big clue in PoE 2: Traps and Mines are now items you can equip, craft, and use. For this reason, most players think the Shadow will focus on Traps and Mines.

• Templar: A hybrid class of Strength and Intelligence. There is no information about it right now. In PoE 1, Templars were often played as mages who summon Totems to fight, or as tough spell users who can take more damage than pure Intelligence mages while still dealing lots of elemental damage. In PoE 2, it may focus more on Flails, holy magic, and summoning.

• Marauder: A Strength-based class. We know very little about it in PoE 2, and we are not even sure if it will still be called the Marauder. Players think it will be a tough, attack-focused class that uses Axes, but GGG may surprise us with new ideas.

• Duelist: A hybrid class of Dexterity and Strength. No details have been revealed yet. It will most likely be another attack-focused class, and it may use Shields or dual-wielding in new and interesting ways.

What Is the Shadow Class in PoE 2?

The Shadow is one of the four unreleased classes in PoE 2, and it is a hybrid of Intelligence and Dexterity. Unlike some other classes, GGG has not shared any official details about its skills, playstyle, or unique features yet. However, we can make reasonable guesses based on in-game clues and PoE 1’s Shadow. In PoE 1, the Shadow was a fast, stealthy class that often used Daggers and focused on Traps, Mines, or poison damage. In PoE 2, the biggest hint about the Shadow is the change to Traps and Mines: they are now equippable items that any character can use, but this change is most likely designed for the Shadow. This makes it very likely that the Shadow will be a Trap/Mine-focused class in PoE 2. It may also keep some of its PoE 1 traits, such as high speed and precision, to feel unique among other classes. Another small clue comes from PoE 2’s database: all other unreleased classes (Templar, Marauder, Duelist) have unique text descriptions in the game, but the Shadow does not. Some players think this means the Shadow is the least developed class right now, as GGG has not even finished its basic text. This is just a guess, but it gives us a small hint about the class’s progress.

When Will the Shadow Class Be Released?

GGG has not announced an official release date for the Shadow class. However, we can predict its release order based on player discussions, data mines, and GGG’s past actions.

Many players believe the Shadow will be the last of the four unreleased classes to come out. One main reason is the missing text description we mentioned earlier—if the Shadow is less developed than the others, it will take longer to finish. Another reason is player speculation about release order: most people think GGG will release the Duelist first, then the Templar, followed by the Marauder, and finally the Shadow. Some players also think the order could be Duelist, Templar, Shadow, then Marauder, but the Shadow is almost always predicted to be one of the last two. It is important to note that GGG has said they may release PoE 2 1.0 version without all classes if needed. They have stated that a proper endgame and full campaign are more important than having all classes at launch. So, if the Shadow is not ready by 1.0, it may come out as a post-launch update.

What Is the Next Class After the Druid in PoE 2?

The Druid was released in PoE 2 0.4 patch, and players are eager to know which class will come next. Based on community speculation and data mines, the Duelist is the most likely candidate to be the next class after the Druid.

Why the Duelist? First, many players feel the Duelist is more developed than the other unreleased classes. Second, data mines have shown hints of Swords (the Duelist’s signature weapon) in PoE 2’s files, which suggests the class is close to being ready. Third, community discussions are full of requests for the Duelist—many players want to play a sword-wielding, fast-paced attack class, and the Duelist fits that role perfectly.

As for the release date of the next Path of Exile 2 class (likely the Duelist), it will not be in the 0.5 patch. GGG typically hypes new classes heavily—they spend a lot of time on marketing and reveals, just like they did with the Druid. Since the 0.5 patch focus is on endgame updates, the next class will probably come in a later patch, possibly 0.6 or closer to PoE 2’s 1.0 launch.

Will Any New Classes Be Released with PoE 2 0.5 Patch & New League?

No, there will not be a new class in the 0.5 patch or its accompanying league. Here is why, based on GGG’s announcements and community analysis:

• The 0.5 patch’s focus is endgame: Jonathan Rogers, PoE 2’s game director, announced that in late April, GGG will showcase a major endgame expansion for PoE 2. The 0.5 patch is centered on improving PoE 2’s endgame, not adding new classes. GGG wants to make sure the endgame is fun and polished before adding more classes.

• New classes get heavy hype: GGG puts a lot of effort into revealing new classes. They create trailers, detailed previews, and marketing content to build excitement. For example, the Druid was heavily hyped before its release. If a new class were coming in 0.5, GGG would have already started teasing it—but there have been no hints of a new class for 0.5.

• 0.5 will likely add new Ascendancies instead: Data mines have shown two new Ascendancies (Arcane Archer and Wild Speaker) that may come in 0.5. Ascendancies are sub-classes that add new playstyles to existing classes. GGG is more likely to add these Ascendancies in 0.5, as they do not require the same level of hype and development as full new classes.

PoE 2 0.5 Release Timeline & Ascendancies

Jonathan Rogers announced that GGG will showcase the 0.5 updates in late April. This means the 0.5 patch itself will probably launch in late April or early May—later than many players expected. 

GGG originally planned a 4-month cycle for PoE 2 leagues. The 0.4 patch came out in December, so players expected 0.5 in April. However, the showcase is in late April, so the patch may launch in early May. This would make the 0.4 league a 5-month league, which is longer than GGG’s original plan. The delay is not necessarily bad. GGG was criticized for rushing the 0.4 patch, which had some bugs and incomplete features. The extra time for 0.5 will let GGG fix bugs, polish the endgame, and make the patch more enjoyable for players.

The 0.5 patch may include the two data-mined Ascendancies: Arcane Archer (likely a Ranger Ascendancy focused on magic-infused projectiles) and Wild Speaker (likely a Huntress Ascendancy focused on Wisps and companions). These Ascendancies will add new playstyles to existing classes without the need for full class releases.