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 releasing ‘Return of the Ancients,’ a major endgame-focused update arriving May 29 that represents the final major content drop before the game’s 1.0 launch. The update introduces over 50 hours of new endgame content, including a completely reimagined Atlas Tree, a new challenge system, expanded crafting mechanics, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.
The expansion features five new storylines, 15 formidable bosses (including four Pinnacle bosses), and two new Ascendancy classes—the Martial Artist and Spirit Walker. Additional features include improved campaign replayability and a new Build Planner tool to support character development.
Developer Grinding Gear Games has indicated that Path of Exile 2 will ‘very likely’ reach version 1.0 by the end of 2026, though the studio has cautioned that the release timeline may slip depending on community feedback during early access. Several of the game’s planned character classes—with 12 envisaged eventually compared to the current eight—may launch after the 1.0 release to prioritize the full version launch.