Path of Exile 2 continues to evolve as Grinding Gear Games rolls out its early access updates,each one bringing fresh mechanics,optimizations,and opportunities for creative builds.Patch 0.4.0 has been especially notable due to the introduction of the Druid class,which brings with it a range of unique skills that are shaking up the way players approach both solo and party play.While the Druid is the primary source of these new skills,the game's skill gem system allows many of them to be used by other classes,expanding build diversity even further.

In this article,we will rank the top eight skills introduced in Patch 0.4.0,examining their effects,potential applications,and overall value in both leveling and endgame content.These rankings are based on versatility,damage output,utility,and synergy potential.

1.Lunar Blessing

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Lunar Blessing is a buffing skill that increases your damage and critical strike chance based on the phase of the moon,which scales dynamically with the game's day-night cycle.In addition to offensive boosts,it grants a small amount of life regeneration while active.

 

Why It's Valuable:

Lunar Blessing is at the top of our list because it directly enhances both damage and survivability,making it a core choice for any Druid build or hybrid class using this gem.Its unique scaling with in-game time introduces strategic timing elements,allowing players to plan their major encounters around the peak phases of its power.

 

Best Use Cases:

Ideal for melee-focused Druids and secondary support builds in parties.When paired with damage-over-time or area-of-effect skills,Lunar Blessing amplifies sustained damage significantly.

 

2.Walking Calamity

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Walking Calamity summons a massive spectral bear that follows the player and automatically attacks enemies within a certain range.Its attacks apply a stacking debuff that reduces enemy resistances,making subsequent damage far more effective.

 

Why It's Valuable:

This skill is excellent for both clearing mobs and handling bosses,as it provides continuous pressure without requiring constant attention.Its debuff mechanic synergizes exceptionally well with elemental builds,amplifying fire,cold,or lightning damage across the board.

 

Best Use Cases:

Great for summoners and melee hybrid builds,especially in solo play.Can be paired with Poison or Bleed effects for devastating results.

 

3.Pounce

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Pounce allows the player to leap towards a target area,dealing physical damage on impact and leaving behind a temporary slowing field.It's a combination of mobility and crowd control.

 

Why It's Valuable:

Mobility is increasingly important in Path of Exile 2,especially with tougher map mods and endgame bosses.Pounce not only allows you to reposition quickly but also mitigates incoming damage through its slowing effect.

 

Best Use Cases:

Melee classes and Druids focusing on hit-and-run tactics will find this invaluable.Pairing Pounce with bleed or slam-type attacks makes it a deadly opener or escape tool.

 

4.Eternal Rage

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Eternal Rage is a berserk-style skill that increases attack speed,movement speed,and critical strike chance for a limited duration.While active,the user takes a portion of damage dealt as self-damage,adding risk versus reward.

 

Why It's Valuable:

For damage-centric builds,Eternal Rage offers unparalleled burst potential.The trade-off of self-damage requires careful management but can dramatically shorten boss fights and melt groups of enemies.

 

Best Use Cases:

High-risk,high-reward melee or hybrid builds benefit most,particularly those with life-leech or regeneration mechanics to offset the self-damage.

 

5.Flame Breath

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Flame Breath emits a cone of fire in front of the caster,dealing fire damage over time.It also leaves a lingering burning effect that increases damage taken by enemies within it.

 

Why It's Valuable:

Flame Breath is versatile due to its area coverage and DoT synergy.Unlike many other fire skills,it can hit multiple enemies reliably while maintaining decent single-target potential if enemies remain in the burning zone.

 

Best Use Cases:

Great for caster Druids or hybrid elemental melee builds.It pairs well with fire-based auras,elemental penetration gear,or damage-over-time effects.

 

6.Cross Slash

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Cross Slash is a melee skill that swings a weapon in a wide,diagonal arc,dealing physical damage and knocking enemies back slightly.It has high base damage but moderate attack speed.

 

Why It's Valuable:

The knockback effect helps control crowds and reduces pressure on the player in dense packs,while the wide arc ensures multiple enemies are hit at once.Cross Slash is reliable and doesn't require elaborate setup.

 

Best Use Cases:

Ideal for strength-based Druids or other melee classes,particularly those combining physical and bleed effects.Works well with frenzy or rage buffs.

 

7.Furious Slam

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Furious Slam delivers a ground-targeted shockwave that deals area-of-effect physical damage.The skill also briefly stuns enemies hit.

 

Why It's Valuable:

While not as flashy as Pounce or Walking Calamity,Furious Slam is a solid AoE choice that enhances crowd control.Its stun effect provides a small but meaningful tactical advantage,especially in maps with high monster density.

 

Best Use Cases:

Melee tank or bruiser builds benefit most.Works well with bleed or poison stacking mechanics to amplify sustained damage.

 

8.Entangle

 

Effect and Mechanics:

Entangle roots enemies in place for a short duration while dealing chaos damage over time.It is primarily a control skill rather than a damage-dealer.

 

Why It's Valuable:

Though it ranks lowest in raw damage output,Entangle excels in utility.Slowing or immobilizing enemies can dramatically improve survival in both solo and group play.Its synergy with DoT builds increases its practical value despite low direct damage.

 

Best Use Cases:

Perfect for control-focused Druids or hybrid support builds.Paired with minions or AoE DoT skills,it can turn difficult encounters into manageable fights.

 

Conclusion

Patch 0.4.0 in Path of Exile 2 has expanded the possibilities for creative builds,with the Druid class introducing powerful new skills that are useful for nearly any playstyle.From the buffing versatility of Lunar Blessing to the mobility of Pounce and the raw damage of Eternal Rage,these eight skills represent some of the most exciting options for players looking to experiment with new mechanics.Whether you are aiming for efficient map clears,high-end boss fights,or purely aesthetic build combinations,mastering these skills and their interactions is key to leveraging Path of Exile 2 Currency and resources effectively in the early access environment.

The introduction of these skills not only enhances gameplay but also encourages experimentation,rewarding players who take the time to explore the synergies between class mechanics,skill gems,and gear.As Path of Exile 2 continues to develop,understanding and optimizing these skills will be crucial for dominating the early access meta and preparing for the full release.