Path of Exile 2 is set to receive its biggest endgame expansion yet with the launch of Return of the Ancients on May 29.
Developed by Grinding Gear Games, the update introduces more than 50 hours of new endgame content, alongside new Ascendancy classes, crafting systems, Atlas redesigns, and large-scale storylines that reshape the structure of the game’s post-campaign progression.
The expansion arrives as the studio prepares for the eventual 1.0 release of Path of Exile 2 in 2026.
New Ascendancy classes expand build diversity
One of the expansion’s headline additions is the introduction of two new Ascendancy classes: the Spirit Walker and the Martial Artist.
The Spirit Walker focuses on summoning and spirit-based combat mechanics, allowing players to channel powers tied to Azmerian spirits such as the Stag, Owl, and Bear.
The class also introduces beast-taming mechanics, enabling players to recruit enemy creatures and bosses as allies.
Meanwhile, the Martial Artist emphasizes illusion-based combat and spiritual energy systems. Players can create attack echoes, unleash resonance-based abilities, and modify combat styles using rune tattoos and weapon-enhancing mechanics.
The expansion of Ascendancy options continues Grinding Gear Games’ long-standing focus on deep build customization — one of the franchise’s defining features compared to competing ARPGs.
Atlas system receives major redesign
The expansion also overhauls the Atlas endgame system in Path of Exile 2, transforming it into a more explorable world structure with fixed objectives and story-driven progression paths.
According to Grinding Gear, players will encounter six new endgame storylines, 15 new bosses, four new Pinnacle encounters, reworked Atlas passive systems, and dedicated questlines tied to endgame bosses.
One of the most notable changes is the removal of the heavy reliance on random boss key drops for first-time encounters, addressing a longstanding community concern surrounding endgame accessibility.
The Atlas passive tree has also been redesigned with more branching decisions and fewer forced respecs, giving players greater flexibility to adapt and refine their preferred playstyles.
Runes of Aldur league introduces new crafting mechanics
Alongside the expansion, Path of Exile 2 introduces the Runes of Aldur league, centered around Ezomyte Runesmithing and Kalguuran magic.
The league adds a new risk-reward crafting system where players inscribe runes onto ancient remnants to forge powerful items. Activating these remnants strengthens nearby enemies depending on the selected rune combinations, creating a balance between difficulty and rewards.
Major additions include more than 100 new crafting runes, Verisium-powered abilities, Runic Ward defensive mechanics, class-agnostic runic skills, and expanded meta-crafting options.
The update significantly deepens the game’s crafting systems, an area where Path of Exile has long differentiated itself from other loot-driven RPGs.
Early Access leagues gain expanded storylines
Grinding Gear Games is also revisiting several Early Access systems introduced prior to the expansion in Path of Exile 2.
Updated content includes Delirium, Breach, Ritual, and Expedition, with each league now receiving dedicated progression arcs, unique Atlas locations, and expanded gameplay mechanics.
For instance, Delirium introduces visible fog progression alongside new Distilled Emotions crafting systems, while Expedition expands into ocean exploration and procedural island encounters.
These changes are designed to make older systems feel more connected to the broader endgame ecosystem, rather than functioning as isolated side activities.
New quality-of-life systems arrive ahead of full launch
The update also introduces several quality-of-life improvements ahead of the eventual 1.0 release of Path of Exile 2.
New additions include in-game Build Guide support, live-search Atlas maps, campaign navigation improvements, instant market price checking, and expanded replayability systems.
One of the more significant additions is the new Build Guide feature, which allows creators to distribute build files directly compatible with the game client. This streamlines the onboarding process for newer players navigating the series’ traditionally complex character-building and progression systems.
Return of the Ancients launches May 29
Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients launches May 29 PDT for PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.
Access to the expansion is included with any Early Access Supporter Pack purchase, with additional Bloodreaver and Divinity Packs starting at USD 30.
The expansion serves as the final major content update before the game’s planned 1.0 launch window following ExileCon 2026.
