Path of Exile 2: 'Return of the Ancients' — The Biggest Early Access Patch Launches Today

Path of Exile 2's largest Early Access update — 'Return of the Ancients' (Patch 0.5) — launched today, May 29, 2026. Grinding Gear Games calls it the final major patch before the full 1.0 release.

What the Patch Adds

According to the official GGG forum announcement, the update includes:

• Runes of Aldur league mechanic — the story of Farrow, a young seeker of runes, rediscovering the forgotten bond between Ezomyte tradition and Kalguuran craft
• 5 new storylines and 50+ hours of new endgame content
• 15 new bosses, including 4 Pinnacle fights
• 2 new Ascendancy classes: Spirit Walker (Huntress) and Martial Artist (Monk)
• Completely rebuilt Atlas with 300+ nodes
• 40+ new unique items

New Ascendancy Classes

Spirit Walker (Huntress) channels the power of the Stag, Owl, or Bear. Martial Artist (Monk) masters illusions and internal spiritual energy.

Road to 1.0

GGG confirmed: 'Return of the Ancients' is the final major EA update before the full game release, also planned for 2026.