How to shapeshift in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 has brought many gameplay-related changes compared to the prequel, one of which is the ability to shapeshift into different forms. These can be demonic or animalistic. ARPGs have long used transformations as a part of the natural gameplay structure. After a decade-long anticipation, Path of Exile 2 has finally introduced shapeshifting to the world of Wraeclast.
This article will teach you how to shapeshift in Path of Exile 2.
How to acquire shapeshifting in Path of Exile 2
According to the GGG Live demonstration, Witch's Infernalist Ascendancy will get access to a notable called Demonic Possession. This will allow them to Shapeshift through the Demon Form Skill. Currently, this is the only method to Shapeshift into a different avatar in Path of Exile 2.
Also read: Path of Exile 2 Review (Early Access): A Visceral Ascension to ARPG Godhood
In this demonic form, Infernalists can cast empowered spells but will take constant damage from Demonflame, which is accumulated every second a player spends in Demon Form. The transformation will end once the player reaches 1 health, performs a non-spell Skill, or reactivates the Demon Form Skill. The Mastered Darkness Ascendancy node allows for a greater Demonflame accumulation, which can be leveraged by careful build crafting.
The development of shapeshifting in Path of Exile 2
At least two classes in Path of Exile 2 naturally acquire the ability to shapeshift into different avatars, one of which is already in the Early Access. Shapeshifting as a feature has reportedly gone through many changes already.
The mechanic was first suggested during the first ExileCon in 2019, where the gameplay showcased the Ranger using a Werewolf form to kill enemies and even fight a boss.
According to that showcase, shapeshifting was envisioned as a reservation-based Skill gem, using Spirit as a resource. At that time, shapeshifting was reportedly supportable with Support Skill gems. The Ranger, in particular, was set to receive an Ascendancy class based around swapping multiple bestial forms and utilizing the persistent and temporary buffs obtained from it.
However, by 2023, the situation had changed quite a bit. In the Gamescom showcase, Grinding Gear Games presented a new and lengthy gameplay deep dive focusing on the Druid class. This showcase was pivotal in portraying Druid's hybrid nature as a melee and spellcaster rolled into a single package. It also showed one of the animal transformations afforded to the class by shapeshifting.
The showcase portrayed the Druid regularly switching in and out of the bear form and it was even hinted that a Wolf-based form was in store for the class. There was no information regarding the Ranger's scantily reported Werecat form. It would take the Early Access announcement to change the news cycle.
Infernalist is currently available for Early Access players and is the only method for shapeshifting as a mechanic. Given time, players will test and figure out all the intricacies of the Ascendancy. As for Druid and Ranger's shapeshifting, only time will tell whether or not any beastial forms can be obtained in Path of Exile 2.