Path of Exile 2 Reveals Return of the Ancients, the Final Major Update Before 1.0 Launch Later in 2026
- Grinding Gear Games announced PoE 2 patch 0.5, "Return of the Ancients," launching May 29 as the "largest update" the studio has ever released, completely revamping the endgame.
- Game Director Jonathan Rogers noted "not having an end of the endgame actually really did affect us," prompting the introduction of five new storylines to provide players a clear, satisfying endpoint.
- Two new ascendencies, the Spirit Walker and the Martial Artists, form the heart of "Return of the Ancients," with each storyline introducing a mechanic from a previous league.
- The "Runes of Aldur" league launches alongside the update, introducing a new crafting system based on runesmithing that integrates into the storyline mechanics.
- Rogers said the update "fulfills the vision we had for the endgame for PoE 2. it's not just doing random maps," marking the team's original goals before 1.0 release.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Path of Exile 2 Reveals Return of the Ancients, the Final Major Update Before 1.0 Launch Later in 2026
Path of Exile 2 is "redefining" its endgame with an all-new update coming later this month. Return of the Ancients, dropping on May 29, introduces a staggering 50+ hours of "new endgame content," including a new challenge system, a host of powerful unique items, expanded crafting systems, and a completely reimagined Atlas Tree. We're also getting two new Ascendancy classes — the Marital Artist and Spirit Walker — improved campaign replayability,…
Path of Exile 2's 'Return of the Ancients' update puts an end to the endgame
Today, Grinding Gear Games announced Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5, "Return of the Ancients," which will launch on May 29. It’s the "largest update" the studio has ever released, and it completely revamps the endgame. The patch adds more bosses, uniques, and activities. It's a major change motivated by the development team’s goal of offering players a satisfying ending.
In the past stream to Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has announced upcoming innovations that you can expect soon in the game. You can find out which ones are here in our overview. What are the biggest changes? With the release of "Return of the Ancients", Grinding Gear Games transforms many activities from the endgame and creates new challenges that you can face for Loot (source: pathofexile2.com).
Path of Exile 2’s May 29 Return of the Ancients update emphasizes endgame enhancements and endings
It’s almost time for a new Path of Exile 2 update, and this time it’s a whopper! Return of the Ancients will debut on May 29th, 2026 — just a mere three weeks away. It may take that long for folks to digest all of the content coming. During my preview of the GGG Live […]
Path of Exile 2's 1.0 release might slip beyond 2026, but at least we're getting a crafting system that summons skeletons to beat you up when you use it
Action RPG Path of Exile 2 will very likely hit 1.0 by end of 2026, developers Grinding Gear Games have declared, following one last, endgame-focused early access update that introduces "over 50 hours" of new classes, areas and systems. The definition of "1.0" is rather slippery here, mind, and the developers are already prophesying a few things that might oblige a delay.
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