Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5 launches May 29 — biggest update since Early Access

Grinding Gear Games officially announced Patch 0.5 for Path of Exile 2 — the largest update since the game entered Early Access. The release date is May 29, 2026, and the patch notes are already live on the official site.

Two new Ascendancy classes

Patch 0.5 introduces two new Ascendancy specialisations:

Invoker (Monk) — a Spirit-stack build focused on elemental burst windows. Gain stacks through movement, consume them through a new channelling skill.
Bloodmage (Witch) — life-cost mechanics turned into a damage amplifier. High-risk, high-reward playstyle centred on self-sacrifice and life recovery cycles.

Atlas endgame overhaul

The Atlas passive tree is being redesigned from scratch. The new system uses Influence Nodes — strategic map-layer decisions that shape which content type you encounter, rather than flat percentage bonuses. GGG's stated goal is to eliminate the "optimal path" problem that made the current tree feel mandatory rather than expressive.

Corruption mechanic

A major new mechanic, Corruption, is introduced via the Vaal Orb rework. Corrupting an item now opens a branching outcome tree — players choose between three randomised results rather than accepting one unknown outcome. Some branches include item implicits not available through any other crafting method.

Performance improvements

The patch includes significant client-side performance work: shader compilation moved to installation time (eliminating in-session stutters), memory usage reduced by approximately 20% on lower-end hardware, and a new GPU culling system for dense skill-effect scenarios.

League mechanic: Fragments of the Eternal

The new league introduces the Eternal Fragments system — collectible shards dropped by map bosses that combine into powerful endgame modifiers. The league challenges reward a full cosmetic set and a new hideout decoration theme.