PoE2 Is Getting a Major Performance Upgrade in Patch 0.4.0

Grinding Gear Games confirmed that the December 12 update includes one of the biggest performance upgrades Path of Exile 2 has received so far – and console players are already very excited about it. CPU usage, frame pacing, and combat stability are all getting major improvements, including an average 25 percent FPS boost in CPU-heavy situations.

If you want a full overview of everything coming in patch 0.4.0, you can also check out our Last of the Druids Overview.

What Exactly Was Improved?

Better CPU Usage Across the Board

The developers reworked several core systems so the game can spread more work across multiple CPU cores. This directly increases FPS in situations where CPU load was the bottleneck.

Patch notes confirm:

• At least 25% higher frame rate when CPU-bound
• Fewer frame spikes in busy encounters
• More efficient use of all CPU cores / Smarter core usage during heavy combat

This change mainly helps players who struggled during busy fights, large packs, explosions, or multi-phase bosses. GGG also stated that the difference will be most noticeable on consoles.

Smoother Frame Pacing & Less Stutter

The update reduces CPU “spikes” during combat calculations, which were one of the biggest causes of stutter on PS5 and Xbox Series X. After Patch 0.4.0 is live, players should see:

• Much more stable frametime
• More consistent input feel
• Less stutter during intense spell effects or summon-heavy builds

Monster Density Adjustments Help Performance Too

Endgame encounters will spawn fewer enemies overall, but each one gets:

• 40% more XP
• 40% more loot
• 40% more HP

This design reduces CPU load even further since fights no longer spawn as many simultaneous enemies, which, again, is going to make the game run smoother on both console and mid-range PCs.

Developer Note from the Stream

From the official reveal video:

“You should see frame rates of at least 25% higher and a lot less bad frame spikes. This is especially impactful on consoles. More performance improvements are coming over the next few months.”

Console players have already responded very positively to the announcement across social media, since PoE2 had significantly more performance issues on console compared to PC.

What You Will Notice Immediately

So, if you plan to play the Last of the Druids update or start the Fate of the Vaal League on console, this patch should make the whole experience feel much smoother, especially for:

• Druid builds with high visual effects (though this goes for every class)
• Storm and Cold spellcasters
• Summoner builds
• Bossing-focused players

This is only the first wave in an ongoing series of performance upgrades GGG plans to roll out before Path of Exile 2 leaves early access and hits its 1.0 launch.

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For more PoE2 coverage and patch 0.4.0 updates, check out our PoE2 News Hub.