The next major update for Path of Exile, patch 3.27, is shaping up to be one of the biggest balance overhauls in the game's recent history. Here's a breakdown of the most likely changes - from Energy Shield nerfs to possible Wander and Assassin reworks, and even speculation on new Breach mechanics and gold economy tweaks.

1. Energy Shield and Trickster Take a Hit

·This defensive layer dominated the last season to an absurd degree, with Trickster, Divine Shield setups, and Female Edge builds running rampant across endgame content.

·Expect the Trickster Ascendancy, Divine Shield, and the Whispers of Infinity amulet (from the Zanab boss) to all be adjusted downward.

·The Sea Glass Amulet interaction may also be hit, tightening up some overpowered sustain combinations.

2. Explosive Concoction Nerfed for Leveling

·One of the most surprising changes could be a nerf to Explosive Concoction.

·This leveling skill came out of nowhere mid-season, offering record-breaking speed and consistency.

·Given its current pace, a damage or cooldown reduction seems inevitable.

3. Pedal Skills Buffed & Risk Scarabs Tuned Down

While nerfs dominate the conversation, some underperforming skill archetypes are expected to receive love. Example, Pedal skills, long seen as clunky and underpowered, are rumored to have buffs.

On the other hand, Risk Scarabs - which have been a source of easy loot and imbalance - are due for a nerf.

4. Trithan Skills and Heist Shifts

·Trithan skills are getting moved into Heist content.

·Most of these skills have underperformed for multiple leagues, and their relocation likely comes with power adjustments or new utility scaling.

5. Evolving Shrines and Mapping Nerfs

·Another system on the chopping block is the Evolving Shrine Scrub, especially due to its synergy with the Alva Strat, which allowed monster respawns and rare conversions far too easily.

·Expect this to be rebalanced or capped to prevent infinite spawns.

These changes will have ripple effects across the items market. PoE Items with broad utility or hybrid defense scaling may surge in value.

Massive Balance Wave & Character Reworks

Developers have hinted at "going crazy" with this patch - promising major changes across ascendancies and skills.

Key highlights from speculation include:

·Arc Mage & Arcane Cloak Nerfs: Too strong as starter setups.

·Rune Graph Forge Adjustments: Possibly removed or heavily nerfed; global defense stacking may go.

·Allflame of Gilded Nerf: Easy gold farming through Tier 17 runs is on the chopping block.

·Golem Bonus Reductions: Elementalist Golems have dominated for too long.

·Smite and Volcanic Fissure Slight Nerfs: Popularity-based balance tuning expected.

Mark Roberts from GGG previously teased "huge balance changes" in 3.26, suggesting 3.27 will finally deliver the long-awaited Wander rework, Assassin buffs, and potential Allflame redesigns.

Reworks and Additions - Wander, Assassin, and Beyond

·The Wander archetype could receive its first major overhaul in years.

·Assassin is long overdue for a rework. It's one of the few ascendancies that lacks a clear niche - overshadowed by Trickster, Occultist, and Raider. Buffs or a full redesign would bring much-needed relevance to dagger and crit builds.

·Beyond is also expected to be buffed. With changes already on the passive tree, removing map bosses or adjusting spawn rates could make it more rewarding to run.

Smaller Predictions & Wildcards

Some of the more speculative (but interesting) predictions include:

·Fire Skills Buffed: Especially non-Righteous Fire setups.

·Molten Strike and Storm Brand Reworks: Returning to older, more satisfying mechanics.

·Herald of Ice and Thunder Buffs: To revive classic herald playstyles.

·New Essences and Breach Uniques: Building on recent POE content teasers.

·Dual Wield Buffs: Long overdue improvements to underpowered melee setups.

·Early Gold Cost Reductions: To ease the painful midgame grind.

And, of course, some hopeful dreams: Head Hunter returns to glory, dagger buffs, and maybe - just maybe - a new Maven invitation or Breach skill line added.

Final Thoughts

Patch 3.27 could easily become the most transformative update in Path of Exile so far. Between the expected Energy Shield nerfs, Wander reworks, and new Beyond mechanics, GGG seems set to shake up the entire meta once again.

Whether you're an Energy Shield enjoyer, a Trickster loyalist, or just waiting for Scion buffs that may never come, one thing's for sure - Path of Exile 3.27 is going to be wild. Now is the perfect time to organize your stash, sell off overvalued gear, and buy Path of Exile Currency to stay flexible.