Path of Exile 2 is on track for a full release soon.
Developer Grinding Gear Games has officially revealed Path of Exile 2’s next major content update, Return of the Ancients. The update adds five new storylines, all-new Ascendancy classes, and more endgame content to the game. Interestingly, Return of the Ancients is also set to be Path of Exile 2’s final major content before its full release, as the game prepares to enter 1.0.
Watch the reveal trailer below:
Path of Exile 2
Release date: 6 December, 2024 (early access)
Developer: Grinding Gear Games
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Is Path of Exile 2 getting a 1.0 release in 2026?
Grinding Gear Games has officially revealed Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, a massive new major content update that adds, among other things:
- Five new storylines
- 15 new bosses
- Four Pinnacles
- New Ascendancy classes (Martial Artist and Spirit Walker)
- 50 hours of new endgame content
Return of the Ancients comes with a new league, which introduces Ezomyte Runesmithing. This allows players to inscribe symbols onto Ezomyte Remnants, which can allow them to craft power items. These Remnants contain combinations of pre-existing and player-selected symbols, determining which types of items that can be created.
The new update also expands upon character builds and potential crafting options, with tier-upgrading Masterwork Runes, elemental conversion runes, and more.
While more updates are expected to drop for Return of the Ancients, this update is set to be Path of Exile 2’s final major content update before the full 1.0 release. Version 1.0 is currently targeted for a 2026 launch after ExileCon, which runs from 7–8 November, 2026.
What are the new endgame additions in Return of the Ancients?
In Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, Wraeclast has been ruined by a devastating cataclysm. Players will have to seek out the creators of the Third Edict in this expansion, and explore the Atlas while doing so. The Atlas has been turned into an entirely explorable endgame world, with fixed objectives and destinations to pursue.
With this update, heading to the towers will now lead to the discovery of a massive fortress. This fortress represents the first of several new endgame storylines coming with this update, filled with new enemies and secrets. Dedicated questlines will be available to help players reach every boss in the endgame, dispelling the need for random key drops.
The Atlas is receiving some love in this update, from a redesigned Atlas passive tree to a new Ascendancy-style progression system called Masters of the Atlas. Additionally, all four early access leagues–Delirium, Breach, Ritual, and Expedition–now have new storylines, crafting mechanics, and expanded mechanics.
What are Path of Exile 2’s new ascendancy classes?
Path of Exile 2 is getting some new ascendancy classes. First off, the Huntress has a new ascendancy, the Spirit Walker, allowing players to channel the primal power of Stag, Owl, and Bear. Meanwhile, the Monk’s new ascendancy is the Martial Artist, allowing players to master illusions and Spiritual Energy.
What are Return of the Ancients’ new quality-of-life changes?
Return of the Ancients also adds Challenges to Path of Exile 2, with eight whole challenges available to complete for pieces of the Knight of Aldur armour set. Over 40 new unique items are also available in this update, such as the Raven’s Flock, which summons a flock of circling ravens to deal damage to enemies.
More quality-of-life improvements are included in this update, such as a live-search Atlas map, a native in-game build game system, and navigational landmarks.
Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients launches on 29 May, 2026. Check out more details on the Path of Exile 2 forum here.
