PoE2 Patch 0.4.0 & Fate of the Vaal League – Human Atziri Revealed | Path of Exile 2

Nov-28-2025

Patch 0.4.0 – Last of the Druids officially begins its teaser season, and GGG has confirmed the upcoming league: Fate of the Vaal. The first trailer offers a striking reveal that longtime fans have waited years for — the first-ever appearance of Human Atziri, the infamous Queen of the Vaal, before her monstrous transformation.

The teaser shows Atziri in a lavish throne chamber, gazing into a corrupted mirror as a ritual device awakens. Red tentacles spill from a Vaal portal, and her whispered "I am yours" strongly hints at a pact with The Beast, the same eldritch force that annihilated her empire. For PoE1 veterans, this sets the stage for what may become the first fully visualized version of Atziri's transformation from mortal queen to corrupted demigod.

Is Act 5 Coming?

Patch 0.4.0's official name, Last of the Druids, matches GGG's pattern of naming permanent content, while Fate of the Vaal refers to the temporary league. Although the teaser contains Beast imagery and heavy lore elements, it likely does not indicate that Act 5 will drop this patch. Instead, GGG may expand the endgame storyline, offering new insight into the Beast and Atziri without adding new campaign chapters just yet. Still, lore fans should expect meaningful story progression within league mechanics and encounters.

Official Reveal & Launch Schedule

League Reveal Livestream: December 4, 2025 — 11 AM PST

Patch 0.4.0 + Fate of the Vaal League Launch: December 12, 2025 — 11 AM PST

Free Weekend Event: December 12–15, 2025

Mark your calendars — the Fate of the Vaal League starts very soon.

What the League May Include

Because Fate of the Vaal focuses on one of PoE's darkest civilizations, players can expect corruption-driven mechanics, ritual devices, and high-risk reward systems inspired by classic Vaal themes.

Rather than standalone lists of features, picture this:

· corrupted altars appearing inside maps;

· Vaal portals opening mid-combat;

· ritual arenas that reshape themselves;  

· gear affixes that offer massive power at the risk of "bricking" an item.

These systems fit naturally with the teaser's imagery and PoE's history with Vaal mechanics.

Boss Encounters

The teaser trailer strongly hints at a major Atziri encounter. Whether she appears in human form, corrupted form, or multiple phases, she promises to be a highlight of the league. Expect new Vaal ruins, temples, and crimson-lit arenas in maps and side areas, enriching the visual identity of the Vaal civilization in PoE2.

The Druid Joins the Fight

Launching alongside the league, the Druid becomes PoE2's newest permanent class. Shapeshifting forms, storm magic, and beast companions make the Druid feel like a natural counterbalance to Vaal corruption. Its toolkit appears well-suited for clearing portal events, handling tentacle swarms, and surviving ritual arenas — making it an appealing choice for players planning their league starter.

Why Fate of the Vaal Matters

This league touches one of Path of Exile's most iconic storylines. Seeing Human Atziri — something fans have theorized about for over a decade — makes this more than just another seasonal update. With Patch 0.4.0 adding the Druid, and the league exploring Vaal lore, corruption events, and Beast-related mysteries, Fate of the Vaal is shaping up to be one of the most important and visually striking leagues of the PoE2 beta era.