Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients Adds Enhanced Endgame Content

Grinding Gear Games has announced Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, a massive expansion that completely reshapes the endgame experience.

With over 50 hours of new content, redesigned systems, and fresh storylines, this update is set to redefine how players journey through Wraeclast.

The expansion introduces a colossal ancient fortress, rising from the ground after a cataclysm. Players must explore its depths, activate gates, and disarm devastating precursor weapons while uncovering hidden secrets.

Unlike previous updates, every boss, including the returning Arbiter of Ash, is now accessible through dedicated questlines.

A brand-new league brings Ezomyte Runesmithing, where players inscribe runes onto remnants to craft powerful items. Each rune combination not only shapes the item but also empowers nearby undead enemies.

Collecting Verisium, a reality-shaping metal, unlocks Runic Ward, a secondary life pool that fuels new runic abilities. With over 100 new crafting runes, experimentation is at the heart of this system.

The Atlas passive tree has also been redesigned to allow players to unlock every node through map completion. New multi-choice nodes let adventurers tailor their journey without constant respeccing.

Alongside this, the Masters of the Atlas system introduces unique progression paths, offering asymmetric bonuses from figures like Jado of the Djinn or Hilda the monster hunter.

Other newly introduced features are two new Ascendancy classes, Spirit Walker and Martial Artist; a revamped Leagues system; the Knight of Aldur armor set obtainable through new challenges; over 40 new unique items; and many other quality-of-life updates.

Return of the Ancients is the final major expansion before Path of Exile 2’s full 1.0 release, expected later in 2026 after ExileCon. This update is available on May 29.