Path of Exile 2 Prepares for Massive Endgame Revamp with Return of the Ancients Update
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5, Return of the Ancients, launches on May 29 with a massive endgame overhaul, new ascendancies, rune crafting, and a concurrent free weekend on PC and Xbox.
Grinding Gear Games is rolling out patch 0.5 for Path of Exile 2, titled Return of the Ancients, on Friday, May 29 at 4 p.m. EDT. According to reporting from Polygon, this patch represents the largest update the studio has released so far. It focuses on a complete overhaul of the endgame system and a much smoother introduction to the Atlas map. While players will not see new base classes or weapons in this specific drop, the studio is introducing the Runes of Aldur league alongside two new ascendancies, the Spiritwalker and the Martial Artist.
The update addresses long-standing community feedback regarding pacing and goals after the campaign. Once players finish the main story, they will encounter structured storylines that introduce mechanics from past leagues and lead toward a pinnacle boss encounter. Game director Jonathan Rogers noted that giving players a clearer sense of progression and a definitive stopping point was a primary focus for this release, which helps manage burnout before future content drops.
To celebrate the milestone, Grinding Gear Games is also hosting a free weekend on Windows PC and Xbox Series X. Running from May 29 through June 1, the event allows anyone to jump into the action without needing an early access key. All progression carries over to full accounts, and players can earn cosmetic rewards based on how far they advance during the trial period. You can read the original breakdown and check regional release times over at Polygon.
Tags: Path of Exile 2, PC Gaming, Xbox, ARPG, Polygon
Original article: Polygon