Path of Exile 2 Reveals Return of the Ancients, the Final Major Update Before 1.0 Launch Later in 2026

Path of Exile 2 is "redefining" its endgame with an all-new update coming later this month.

Return of the Ancients, dropping on May 29, introduces a staggering 50+ hours of "new endgame content," including a new challenge system, a host of powerful unique items, expanded crafting systems, and a completely reimagined Atlas Tree. We're also getting two new Ascendancy classes — the Marital Artist and Spirit Walker — improved campaign replayability, a new Build Planner, and "numerous quality-of-life features to support every step of your journey."

We're also getting five new storylines, 15 new formidable new bosses, including four towering Pinnacles, and will get to explore new Ascendancy classes as either the Martial Artist or Spirit Walker.

Part of that "reshaped" endgame sees all four leagues now have new storylines, dedicated crafting systems, and "expanded mechanics."

As for the Atlas Tree? The passive tree has been "significantly redesigned," and players can now unlock every node in the tree by completing maps throughout the Fortress. Many nodes now offer "meaningful multi-choice decisions, allowing players to tailor their endgame experience without repeated respeccing."

That's not all, though. Alongside the Atlas tree, a new system called Masters of the Atlas introduces Ascendancy-style progression for the endgame in which you can align with different masters — the example given is Jado of the Order of the Djinn, or the monster hunter Hilda — with each offering unique, asymmetric bonuses that can be "swapped between maps at will, enabling build-defining bonuses."

We're also getting Challenges in Path of Exile 2, too. Players who complete all eight challenges can collect the Knight of Aldur armour set, showing off their prowess to other players via in-chat display and a "dedicated hideout statue." Fancy!

As exciting as the new features are, there's also a roster of 40+ new weapons, jewellery, and armors, and a laundry list of quality-of-life improvements, including navigational landmarks and trails throughout the campaign, a live-search Atlas map, and a native in-game Build Guide system for community creators.

"Uncover long-buried truths beneath a vast ancient fortress in Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, where a new era transforms the endgame and reshapes its very foundations," the team teases.

Last but certainly not least, Return of the Ancients is now officially the final major content update before the full 1.0 release of Path of Exile 2. "The studio will continue to release balance and polish updates alongside event leagues during this period," developer Grinding Gear added. We'll find out more about the full 1.0 launch, which is still planned for 2026, at ExileCon later this year.

There's more — much more! — so head on over to the official website for the full rundown.

"Path of Exile 2’s redefined action and surprisingly fleshed-out endgame have gotten this sequel off to an exciting start, even in its predictably rocky early access state," we wrote in IGN's Path of Exile 2 review. It returned a 'Great' 8.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.