Path of Exile 2: Full 0.5.0 Patch Notes Published — Runes of Aldur League Starts May 29

Grinding Gear Games published the full patch notes for Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients on May 21. The Runes of Aldur Challenge League launches May 29, 2026 at 9PM PDT (May 30, 04:00 UTC) on PC and all consoles, with a full economy reset.

League Mechanic: Runes of Aldur

Each area contains an Ezomyte Remnant — an artifact that lets players craft a chosen item via Runic Recipes. Players select rune shapes which determine the type of monsters encountered. Defeating them unlocks rewards, and all discovered combinations are stored in a Runebook for repeated use.

New Crafting System: Runeforging

Runeforging allows enhancement of rare and unique items using Verisium, which creates a "Runic Ward" — an extra life pool. Over 100 new runes and currencies were added, plus new Skill and Support Gems that drain Runic Ward instead of Mana. The Recombinator is removed and replaced with two entirely new crafting systems.

Full Endgame Overhaul

The Fortress — a gigantic structure appearing after clearing the first tower map — becomes the new endgame hub. It houses a new Pinnacle Boss replacing the Arbiter.

Five quest lines replace existing mechanics. Reworked systems include Expedition, Abyss, Delirium, Breach, and Ritual — each now featuring dedicated encounter flows and final bosses.

Atlas Passive Tree Rework

Completely redesigned with three new mastery trees: Jado's Spycraft, Hilda's Hunting, and Doryani's Science. Only one can be active at a time, creating a meaningful endgame specialisation choice.

Two New Ascendancy Classes

• Spirit Walker (Huntress): Controls animal spirits — stag, bear, owl — through "Sacred Unity" synergy
• Martial Artist (Monk): Channels mirages, manages bells, and sockets additional runes

Quality of Life

The patch adds an Atlas search box, an in-game build planner, and native item price checking — no third-party tools required.