PoE 2 Patch Updates: Endgame Changes and Balance Fixes
02.03.2026 - 04:15:52
Game Guides , Path of Exile 2
GGG brought some fantastic changes to the original game, so much so that we want the company to do the same for Path of Exile 2. Don’t worry, the game’s next expansion is just a month away, but what can you expect in PoE 2 as of this moment?
Well, the company launched two major updates for Path of Exile 2 in February; these being Patch 0.4.0e and Patch 0.4.0f. Let’s explore what these updates bring to the game, and if there’s anything that would enable you to get the best PoE 2 Items easily.
Overview of the February PoE 2 Updates
So, what did the two updates introduced in February bring to Path of Exile 2? Are there any improvements to the endgame experience? We will start with Patch 0.4.0e because it brought some much-needed changes to the Vaal Ruins.
Patch 0.4.0e: Changes and Bug Fixes
Patch 0.4.0e has fixed a major issue that prevented people from re-entering the temple after exiting. This was caused by a bug where the Temple of Atziri could become disconnected from the Vaal Ruins. Fortunately, this was addressed by Patch 0.4.0, so those who enjoy farming the Vaal Ruins should run their PoE 2 clients to get the said update.
On top of that, Patch 0.4.0e now ensures that temple destabilization will not occur abruptly. It now requires user intervention for that to happen, so be sure to click the “Close Temple” button after each run. This is actually a welcome change, especially since some players expressed their dismay over the “accidental destabilization” of their well-established temple layouts.
Additionally, Patch 0.4.0 received a couple of small patches that introduced some much-needed bug fixes. The first hotfix has resolved an issue where Temple Medallions could not be seen (and therefore, could not be picked up) by the owner of the temple. This issue happens in group play, so you can see how frustrated a full party with the intention of farming the Vaal Ruins cannot see or pick up the Medallions.
Although the first hotfix for Patch 0.4.0 was met with thunderous applause, the same cannot be said for the second hotfix. Why is that, you ask? Well, this is because monsters that have the “Amanamu’s Void” modifier no longer drop additional Omens, and will instead now drop only one after being defeated.
Sure, the bug fix is well-intentioned. However, the community is up in arms about it because fighting such monsters is the only way a player can reliably get Omens of Light.
Be that as it may, I think that the fix is necessary because GGG won’t allow you to acquire a boatload of expensive currencies with the right mapping strategies. Just take a look at this photo, which was taken before Patch 0.4.0e Hotfix 2 was released:
Patch 0.4.0f: What Has Changed?
The second notable update released in February is Patch 0.4.0f. It’s a pretty tame patch compared to the previous one, but that’s more than enough to justify its release.
First of all, Patch 0.4.0f has added support for the new supporter packs. If you want to spend money on some cool drip, then you can now do so by adding new cosmetic items to your collection.
For the in-game improvements, Patch 0.4.0f has resolved the issue where you could permanently be in a state of slowness if you had performed actions while slowed. For instance, you will still get slowed even after stepping out of Chilled Ground. If you found this annoying, you should patch up your PoE 2 client, stat!
Another thing of note is that Patch 0.4.0f now displays a “Complete” message on existing map portals while you’re in your hideout. This is actually a good change because I couldn’t count how many times I run a new map without actually having completed the previous one.
To summarize, here are the major changes implemented in the said updates:
- The issue where you could get plenty of Omens by defeating monsters with the “Amanamu’s Void” modifier has been fixed.
- There is now a new button that allows you to close the temple after each run (no more accidental destabilization)
- The issue where the Temple of Atziri could become disconnected from the Vaal Ruins, and thus prevent you from entering the temple again, has been fixed.
- Temple Medallions should now appear when you are in a party.
- The bug that caused you to be slowed indefinitely has been fixed.
- Added support for the new supporter packs.
Upcoming Events in Path of Exile 2
You still have about a month to enjoy Path of Exile 2: The Last of the Druids before the next expansion arrives. To end the current Fate of the Vaal League on a high note, GGG is going to host The Last of the Druids race event, where you have a chance to beat other players and win exclusive prizes! The event starts on March 29, with a new race every week, until April 12. Here is a brief summary of the dates:
- Race 1: March 29 (Sunday) at 12 PM PDT
- Race 2: April 5 (Sunday) at 1 PM PDT
- Race 3: April 12 (Sunday) at 1 PM PDT
The goal is to be the fastest player to defeat Tavakai in Act 4. You are going to be placed in a solo self-found environment, which means that you will not have a chance to trade with other Path of Exile 2 players.
GGG recommends that you create a character immediately after the race starts so that you will be on equal footing with the rest of the community members.
So, what are the prizes that you can win in the race event? Well, the Demigod Virtue will be awarded to the top players of each class. This means that there will be a total of eight Demigod Virtues that are up for grabs during the event!
For those who don’t know, the Demigod Virtue is a cosmetic item for the helmet that provides a 25% increase in item rarity.
For the ultra-competitive, there is another prize that you can win! If you’re able to get the fastest times for each class across all three race events, you will receive the new official Path of Exile 2 Displates, which you can show off in your living room and whatnot. What’s cool about this is that you can choose what design the Displate will be!
Anyway, there are only a couple of rules that you need to know about. First, you should not use inappropriate names for your character if you wish to participate in the event.
Second, Incinerate and Flame Breath are not available in the gemcutting menu. This is because both of these skills will give you an unfair advantage in terms of clearing monsters with ease, especially when you factor in the Oil Grenade.
FAQ
What Has Changed for Path of Exile 2 in February?
Well, the game received a couple of noteworthy updates that addressed certain issues involving the Vaal Ruins, monsters with the Amanamu’s Void modifier, etc.
Can Anyone Join in the Race Event?
Yes. There will be three separate race events, which start on March 29, April 5, and April 12.
Are There Any Limitations During the Race Event?
Yes. You cannot use Flame Breath and Incinerate. The use of inappropriate names is also prohibited.
What Can You Win for Participating in the Race Event?
If you’re one of the fastest players to defeat Tavakai in Act 4, you will receive a cosmetic item for the helmet. Additionally, if you beat the other players across all three race events, you will be awarded a Displate of your choosing.