Path of Exile 2’s ‘biggest expansion ever’ reworks its entire post-campaign grind for new and returning players alike
Path of Exile 2 is receiving its largest update to date, ‘Return of the Ancients,’ launching on May 29. The patch, version 0.5, completely overhauls the game’s endgame experience, addressing longstanding issues with post-campaign progression that previously left players confused and without clear direction.
The overhaul restructures how players approach endgame content, beginning at a central location on the Atlas rather than being thrust into a sprawling world map. This new structure introduces five major storylines that guide progression and provide context for activities. These storylines include confronting Tangmazu the Raven Trickster in fog-covered areas, assisting the Keepers of the Flame monks through enemy waves, freeing a spirit from the King in the Mist, working with Atlas Masters, and exploring oceans to locate Rog’s missing wife.
Beyond narrative content, the expansion adds numerous bosses, unique items, and new activities. Each storyline incorporates mechanics from the game’s previous league systems, providing returning players with familiar content while remaining accessible to newcomers. This approach aims to create a more satisfying endgame experience that maintains the game’s strong campaign, which is already considered one of the best in the action RPG genre.