Logo
Logo

Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients redefines endgame this May

Grinding Gear Games has officially unveiled Return of the Ancients, the first major expansion for Path of Exile 2. Set to launch on May 29, 2026, the update promises a complete overhaul of the action RPG’s endgame, introducing new storylines, bosses, crafting systems, and Ascendancy classes.

Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients
Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients. (Image: ABWaves Game)

The expansion adds over 50 hours of endgame content, featuring six new story arcs and 15 original bosses (including four pinnacle “Supreme Bosses”). This arrives alongside a redesigned Atlas Tree and expanded progression systems.

New league: Runes of Aldur

The expansion debuts the “Runes of Aldur” challenge league, introducing Ezomyte Runesmithing. This mechanic allows players to craft custom equipment by embedding runes into artifacts known as Ezomyte Remnants.

  • Risk vs. Reward: Rune combinations modify both the items and the enemies. For example, Fire Runes grant monsters flame abilities, while Moon Runes summon celestial hazards. The more powerful the craft, the deadlier the encounter.
  • Runic Ward: Players can unlock a new defensive resource called Runic Ward. It acts as a secondary health bar and powers unique special abilities that do not consume mana.

A more structured endgame

The Atlas has been completely restructured to offer clearer progression paths and fixed objectives.

  • Fortresses: Massive structures now appear as central progression hubs. Players must infiltrate these strongholds, activate ancient machinery, and disable precursor weapons threatening the world of Wraeclast.
  • Quest-Based Bosses: In a significant change, all major endgame bosses can now be accessed via dedicated questlines, removing the reliance on random “key” drops to trigger pivotal battles.

New ascendancy classes

Two new Ascendancy classes have been added to expand build diversity:

  • Spirit Walker: Focused on Azmerian spirits, this class allows players to harness the powers of the Stag, Owl, and Bear. It also introduces the ability to tame bestial bosses as permanent allies.
  • Martial Artist: An expansion of the Monk playstyle, this class utilizes offensive illusions, spectral bells, and critical strikes that create destructive resonance.

Legacy content overhauls

Four leagues introduced during Early Access—Delirium, Breach, Ritual, and Expedition—have received full reworks. They now feature dedicated Atlas progression and integrated stories. Notable changes include visible progress bars for Breach, new mirror mechanics for Delirium, and a procedural oceanic exploration system for Expedition.

Quality of life and rewards

The expansion officially inaugurates the Path of Exile 2 Challenge system. Completing the eight available challenges unlocks pieces of the exclusive Knight of Aldur armor set. Other improvements include:

  • Native Build Guide System: Integrated help for character planning.
  • Real-Time Atlas Search: Enhanced navigation for the endgame map.
  • Instant Market Pricing: Check item values immediately using the Shift+Alt shortcut.

Release Date: Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients launches May 29 on PC (Steam/Epic), PlayStation, and Xbox. It is included for all players with Early Access supporter packs.

Categories:

Most recent

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gets surprise new expansion “Songs of the Past” scheduled for 2027

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gets surprise new expansion “Songs of the Past” scheduled for 2027

In a stunning announcement that defies the typical lifecycle of single-player RPGs, CD Projekt RED has officially confirmed that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will receive a brand-new narrative expansion. Titled Songs of the Past, the content is slated to launch in 2027, over a decade after the base game's original release.

007 First Light: new James Bond game reinvents the spy with a vulnerable origin story

007 First Light: new James Bond game reinvents the spy with a vulnerable origin story

A brand-new James Bond debuts this Wednesday, May 27, 2026—not on the silver screen, but in a groundbreaking video game. 007 First Light introduces a younger, less experienced version of Ian Fleming’s iconic secret agent, voiced and portrayed by Irish actor Patrick Gibson.

Tekken 8 reveals Baki villain Yujiro Hanma for Season 3 DLC

Tekken 8 reveals Baki villain Yujiro Hanma for Season 3 DLC

Bandai Namco has announced a massive anime crossover for Tekken 8. Yujiro Hanma, the legendary "Ogre" and primary antagonist of the acclaimed Baki the Grappler manga series, will officially join the King of Iron Fist Tournament in early 2027.

Project Rabbit blends Alice in Wonderland with “extraction soulslike” gameplay

Project Rabbit blends Alice in Wonderland with “extraction soulslike” gameplay

Newly formed South Korean studio Novaflare has officially unveiled its debut title, Project Rabbit. The dark fantasy action RPG seeks to carve out a unique niche by marrying the brutal combat of the Soulslike genre with the high-stakes PvPvE mechanics of an extraction game.

EA Sports F1 25 replaces annual release with massive 2026 season pack

EA Sports F1 25 replaces annual release with massive 2026 season pack

In a major departure from its traditional annual release cycle, Electronic Arts and Codemasters have officially announced the EA Sports F1 25: 2026 Season Pack. This massive paid expansion will serve as the gateway to Formula 1’s highly anticipated new era, bringing updated technical regulations, overhauled car designs, and an expanded grid directly to the […]

The end of an era: Bungie halts Destiny 2 development, shifts focus to marathon amid massive layoffs

The end of an era: Bungie halts Destiny 2 development, shifts focus to marathon amid massive layoffs

In a shocking announcement that has reverberated across the gaming industry, Bungie has officially declared that active development on Destiny 2 will draw to a close next month. Instead of transitioning into a highly anticipated Destiny 3, the studio is facing another wave of massive layoffs as Sony shifts the remaining workforce onto the upcoming […]