Path of Exile 2’s Return of the Ancients League Is Now Live!

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The biggest update for Path of Exile 2 since its early access release is now available! Patch 0.5, called Return of the Ancients, launches today with the Runes of Aldur challenge league. It includes a completely redesigned endgame, a new crafting system, two new ways to customize your character (Ascendancy classes), and significant balance adjustments throughout the game.

This league features a new system called Runes of Aldur. It introduces Remnants – craftable items found throughout the game – which allow players to create powerful items using special Runic Recipes. Using more complex runeshapes increases the quality of loot you can find, but also makes the monster encounters harder, creating a challenging risk-reward system.

This system creates a compelling cycle of risk and reward. It introduces Runic Ward, a new defense that kicks in when a player is almost defeated – at 1 life – and provides extra protection, no matter how low their health is. This fundamentally changes how players build characters focused on durability.

Path of Exile 2’s Endgame Has Been Completely Rebuilt in Patch 0.5

The final stage of the game has been completely redesigned. Now, finishing a Precursor Tower creates a Fortress on the Atlas map. Completing maps within this Fortress earns you points to unlock a new, extensive Atlas Passive Tree with over 300 customizable options.

We’ve updated how you earn Atlas Points. Instead of the old system, each Pinnacle Boss now offers both a one-time quest and a repeatable farming option. Plus, we’ve added 30 new Endgame Map Areas to explore!

A new endgame system called Masters of the Atlas has been added, offering a progression path similar to Ascendancies. It features three new masters – Doryani, Hilda, and Jado – each with a unique skill tree of 12 nodes. Players can activate up to four nodes from each tree at a time, and can even switch between different setups before each map. This is a major addition that significantly impacts how players build their characters in the endgame, and it’s the largest change to endgame builds since the game launched.

Return of the Ancients Adds 2 New Ascendancy Classes and Major League Overhauls

In terms of new classes, the Monk becomes a Martial Artist, using runes embedded in their body to create powerful illusions in combat. Meanwhile, the Huntress evolves into a Spirit Walker, forming a bond with animal spirits – specifically the Stag, Owl, or Bear – to gain unique fighting skills.

The Delirium, Breach, and Ritual leagues have been significantly updated with new storylines, redesigned Atlas areas, and completely revamped passive skill trees. The campaign is now more streamlined with fewer areas and enemies. Players will find Divine Orbs more frequently, and armour and evasion stats have been increased. This update includes extensive changes to skills, support gems, and unique items, detailed in a very lengthy patch note.

. For a full breakdown of everything in Patch 0.5, check out .

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2026-05-29 23:14