Ever since its launch in early access, Path of Exile 2 has strived to bring packed updates with system reworks, new additions, classes, and several features to make this ARPG as enjoyable as it can be. Of course, Return of the Ancients isn’t an exception because it might be one of the biggest updates in the game, as this title heads toward its 1.0 launch. After taking an early look at this major patch, we can confidently say that Path of Exile 2 feels almost complete now, especially its brand-new endgame loop, which is one of the best we’ve seen in the genre.
Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients Brings Over 50 Hours of Endgame Content
Many of us saw a couple of teasers for Return of the Ancients in the past weeks, but the actual update might be one of the biggest for Path of Exile 2.
For starters, this is a whole revamp of the endgame content, with the update bringing at least 50 hours of new things to do after you’ve completed the campaign, including some brand-new endgame questlines, two new Ascendancies, and more.
Let’s start with what many have already been expecting: a new league. Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients brings the Runes of Aldur League. Players will get to use the new Runesmithing mechanic, which will let players craft new items by inscribing runes into Remnants.
Activating a Remnant will summon undead, depending on the number of runes you used, and once you defeat the hordes of undead, you’ll obtain your new item. Of course, this is a high-risk, high-reward mechanic, as the more runes you use, the tougher the enemies you’ll face, but also the better the reward that will await you.
Another huge change in the update is the Atlas, now a fully explorable world with fixed objectives and the good old Towers we’ve come to know. However, you’ll also face the Fortress, which is part of a new storyline that will take you directly to the boss, instead of relying on random drops.
And speaking of Atlas additions, you’ll get the new Atlas Tree and Masters. The former can now be completed by doing maps in the Fortress, and the latter offers a new progression system similar to Ascendancies. You’ll be able to swap between Masters, which will be great for the build-crafters out there.
If that wasn’t enough, the endgame will now feel streamlined in some ways, while also keeping that player freedom. All previous leagues have storylines that players can pursue and have their own progression arc. You can find these questlines at a specific location in the Atlas. This will allow players to pursue whichever objective they want while continuing to do their endgame content as they see fit.
Two New Ascendancies Join the Game Alongside the Brand-New Build Guide System
If the endgame revamp wasn’t enough, Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients is bringing even more features, including two new Ascendancies, one for Monk and one for Huntress.
For Monk, we have Martial Artists, which is all about using illusion to take down enemies and runic tattoos that will let you socket runes directly into you. The Huntress will get the Spirit Walker Ascendancy, which will let her use the powers of the Stag, Owl, and Bear. Besides empowering some of her skills, she’ll also be able to tame some beast bosses.
However, one of the biggest news is a dedicated Build Guide system inside the game. Players will be able to import community-made builds directly into this planner, and will be able to follow them in-game and in real time. Players can even leave notes to help others follow their builds.
And for those who’ve been stuck in the campaign or who dread going through some of the most challenging zones again, we’ll also add landmarks that lead us to the next objective in a clearer, more streamlined way.
Onward to 1.0
Last but certainly not least, and this will be a huge piece of news to many, Return of the Ancients is the final update before 1.0, meaning that Path of Exile 2 is about to reach its complete state. While there isn’t an exact release date for 1.0, the developers have confirmed it will be sometime after ExileCon, so you can already start marking your calendars to play the game’s full version.
As you can see, this update will be one of the biggest for Path of Exile 2, and one that will make it feel complete, especially in the endgame portion. So, all that remains is jumping into this new league, exploring the Atlas, and waiting until 1.0 lands.
