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Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients Brings New Endgame, Ascendancies, and Crafting Systems

  • 3 hours ago
  • 5 min read

Grinding Gear Games has officially revealed Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, the massive Version 0.5.0 expansion launching on May 29 PDT.


The update introduces six new endgame storylines, powerful Pinnacle Bosses, major Atlas changes, new Ascendancy Classes, advanced crafting systems, over 30 new maps, dozens of Unique Items, and an entirely new challenge league called Runes of Aldur.

Version 0.5.0 also expands mechanics such as Delirium, Breach, Ritual, and Expedition while adding several long-requested quality-of-life improvements.


Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients Expansion Details

Wraeclast has fallen deeper into ruin after a devastating cataclysm, with corruption spreading across the land and forgotten forces beginning to awaken.

Guided by Doryani, players will search for the creators of the Third Edict, uncover secrets tied to the Precursors, and explore abandoned fortresses hidden deep within the Atlas.


These new areas contain dangerous enemies, forgotten machinery, hidden depths, and powerful discoveries buried beneath ruined strongholds.



Exploring the Fortress

The fortress introduced in Return of the Ancients contains multiple paths, hidden chambers, dangerous enemies, and new discoveries waiting deep below its walls.


As players progress through the storyline, they will uncover dark secrets tied to the fortress and the forces hidden within it.



A Reshaped Atlas Tree

One of the largest changes coming in Version 0.5.0 is a major overhaul of the Atlas Passive Tree.

GGG confirmed that the Atlas Tree has been significantly updated with new nodes capable of combining mechanics in different ways while offering far more meaningful customization options.

Players will also be able to specialize their Atlas progression through different Atlas Masters, each offering unique objectives and rewards.



Masters of the Atlas

Players will work alongside different Atlas Masters throughout the new endgame content.


GGG revealed:


  • Jaq

  • Hilda

  • Doryani



Each master offers unique missions and different progression paths tied to specific rewards and Atlas systems.


New Pinnacle Bosses

Return of the Ancients introduces several new Pinnacle encounters, including “The First Edict,” described as a mighty foe waiting within the heart of the fortress.

The expansion also adds additional boss encounters tied to the new Atlas storylines and league mechanics.


Two New Ascendancy Classes

Version 0.5.0 introduces two brand-new Ascendancy Classes.


  • The Martial Artist - Monk Ascendancy

The Martial Artist focuses on illusions, hand-to-hand combat, and illusionary bells empowered through runes embedded into the body.



This Ascendancy specializes in close-range combat while creating powerful illusion-based effects.


  • The Spirit Walker - Huntress Ascendancy

The Spirit Walker is deeply connected to the wilds and spiritual companions.



This Ascendancy calls upon spirits tied to animals such as the Stag, Owl, and Bear, granting different abilities and allowing the Huntress to fight alongside spectral allies.


New League: Runes of Aldur

The new challenge league introduces Farrow, a seeker of runes who discovers forgotten Kalguuran markings buried across Wraeclast.

Players will encounter Ezomyte Remnants and inscribe runic symbols upon them to unlock powerful crafting possibilities.



However, empowering these remnants also strengthens nearby monsters, creating more dangerous encounters in exchange for greater rewards.


The Power of Verisium

Version 0.5.0 introduces Verisium, an ancient metal tied to entirely new crafting systems and defensive mechanics.


Players will gain access to:

  • Over 100 new runes

  • New crafting currencies

  • Runeforging systems

  • Runic Ward defensive mechanics

  • New ways to enhance equipment



GGG also confirmed that low-level Unique Items can now be upgraded through these systems.


New Kalguuran Skills

Runes of Aldur introduces new Kalguuran Skills powered by rune combinations and corruption-derived gems.


These skills include:

  • Triskelion Cascade

  • Frostflame Nova

  • Ignite transformed into Frostfire


Kalguuran Skills consume Runic Ward instead of traditional resource mechanics and can be used regardless of weapon or attribute requirements.



Expedition Expansion and New Seas

The Expedition mechanic is receiving major updates in Return of the Ancients.

Players will discover Expedition Logbooks leading into vast oceans filled with hidden islands, dungeons, secrets, and powerful runic treasures.

GGG also confirmed five new Kalguuran Bosses tied to these expeditions and tomb explorations.


Waking the Dreamer

Another major storyline introduced in Version 0.5.0 is Waking the Dreamer.

The Hiveborn, grotesque creatures from a strange realm, are attempting to break free and spread across the Atlas.


Players will work alongside Alith and the Keepers of the Flame to resist their invasion.


Breach Rework and Genesis Tree Crafting

Breach encounters are also receiving major updates in the expansion.

The encounters now feature timers that extend as enemies are defeated, allowing players to stabilize Breaches and challenge stronger Hiveborn enemies.


The expansion also introduces Genesis Tree Crafting, a new crafting system connected to the Hiveborn storyline.

Players will use the Genesis Tree and Infested Blood to unlock new jewelry crafting options and powerful modifiers unavailable through other crafting methods.


The Rite of the Nameless

The Rite of the Nameless introduces another endgame storyline focused on the Wildwood and the King in the Mists.

Aoife, a restless spirit bound to the Wildwood, searches for a way to restore what was lost after the King in the Mists claimed her flesh.


Players will complete Ritual encounters, earn Tribute, purchase rewards through Ritual Favours, and eventually gain an audience with the King in the Mists himself.


As the storyline progresses, the Rite of the Nameless spreads across the Atlas, increasing both difficulty and rewards before culminating in a final confrontation against the darkness.


The Raven and the Hare

Return of the Ancients also introduces The Raven and the Hare, a storyline centered around an ancient trickster god spreading madness throughout Wraeclast.

Players will uncover the origins of this entity while confronting increasingly dangerous encounters tied to fear, memory, and insanity.



Delirium Rework

Delirium is receiving significant updates in Version 0.5.0.

The Strange Voice has grown stronger, introducing new progression systems tied to the Withered Willow and deeper layers of Delirium.

Players will enter distorted Atlas regions through Strange Fruits, eventually unlocking access to Tangmazu’s domain and powerful Simulacrum encounters.


GGG also revealed:

  • Improved Distilled Emotions

  • New jewel crafting modifiers

  • New passive buffs

  • Additional Delirium rewards

  • New relics and endgame encounters


After completing the Simulacrum questline, Grand Mirrors will begin appearing throughout the Atlas, allowing Tangmazu to be challenged repeatedly for increasingly valuable rewards.


Over 30 New Maps

Version 0.5.0 adds more than 30 new maps to the Atlas.

These maps range from deserts and frozen settlements to lush gardens and lava-filled dungeons, each featuring unique environments and bosses.



40+ New Unique Items

Return of the Ancients introduces over 40 new Unique Items featuring new mechanics and powerful effects.


GGG also confirmed that more than a dozen existing Unique Items have been revised and updated.


League Challenges and Rewards

The Runes of Aldur league introduces the first set of eight league challenges for Path of Exile 2.

Completing these challenges rewards players with pieces of the exclusive Knight of Aldur Armour Set.


Campaign Improvements

GGG has also updated the campaign experience to improve area navigation.

New visual guidance systems and environmental cues have been added to help players move through campaign zones more naturally.


Build Planner System

One of the biggest quality-of-life additions in Version 0.5.0 is the new Build Planner system.


Players will now be able to import builds directly into the game client, making it easier to follow build guides while viewing:

  • Passive Tree nodes

  • Ascendancy points

  • Skill Gems

  • Build progression information


Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients


Additional Quality of Life Features

Version 0.5.0 also introduces several additional quality-of-life improvements, including:

  • Atlas search improvements

  • Market price checker

  • Fragment Stash Tab

  • General Atlas interface improvements


If you want to check out the full reveal and see everything announced during the livestream, you can watch the official Path of Exile 2 Version 0.5.0 Expansion Reveal below.


CONCLUSION:

Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients officially launches on May 29 PDT for PC and consoles.

With major endgame expansions, Atlas improvements, new Ascendancy Classes, advanced crafting systems, league mechanics, new bosses, maps, Unique Items, and quality-of-life updates, Version 0.5.0 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Path of Exile 2 updates so far.


Stay tuned on PoE Builds for more Path of Exile 2 news, guides, updates, and complete builds for Return of the Ancients. ♥





 
 
 

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What is Path of Exile?

Path of Exile or PoE is the current leader of Action RPGs, back in 2013 it brought a fresh and challenging experience with nearly infinite ways to build your characters. However, it wasn’t until December 2018, with the huge migration of Diablo Players due to the Diablo: Immortal announcement fiasco, that PoE emerged as the main ARPG on the Market. Since then PoE almost triplicates its content, announced the incredible Path of Exile 2, and served as inspiration for many great games such as Undecember and Torchlight: Infinite.


What makes PoE still great and reaching records of simultaneous online players even almost a decade after its launch? You might ask. Well, the main creator of the game, Chris Wilson once said “Path of Exile is a game designed to be played forever” and here’s why he’s right. First of all, as I said before, there are an unpronounceable number of possibilities you can make with your character. This by itself is already a reason for you to keep playing and playing.  But wait, there’s much more. Path of Exile counts with a New League, every 3 months. Those Leagues come with new Challenges, New Rules, New Items, New Skills, New Lore, New NPCs, and so on.

What is the Current PoE League?

Since December 9th we are facing the challenges of the The Forbidden Sanctum. This League has been very well received by the PoE Players, showing the best retention of all time.


The Current League will last until early April when we will start discovering the amazing contents of Crucible. We can rest assure that the New League will be worth playing and GGG will fix past leagues mistakes such as the overpowered Archnemesis Monsters, the reduced Loot and the Harvest Crafting.

What are PoE Builds?

Replaying Path of Exile is always a new experience, and surpassing the big challenges the game provides will fill your gamer's ego with a warm feeling, trust me. As you might be thinking, if there’re so many ways to build your character, it’s easy to screw it up. You are 100% right, but this also means that if you know what you are doing, you can also create very strong warriors to decimate that Endgame. That’s why is important that you know what are PoE Builds.


PoE Builds are when a most experienced player tries to explain how he created his Build, so others can follow its steps. When the game started you could only find those PoE Builds on the Offcial Path of Exile Forum. Unfortunately, most of those Builds were written by players without any didactic or respect for the newcomers. Using many acronyms and showing complete passive trees, those Build Guides were only meant for experienced Players to read.


After struggling (a lot) to understand and learn the game, I decided that PoE should be more welcoming to new players. I took matters into my own hands and start the Path of Exile Builds Youtube Channel and Website. There I always have a vast selection of PoE Builds that are easy to follow and understand. All of my PoE Builds are displayed without acronyms and provide passive trees step-by-step. 


If you are a beginner, don’t let people intimidate you saying that PoE is super hard. Just create a Character in the current League and follow one of my PoE Builds. Make sure that you are picking a Starter Build though, those are perfect for new players and for starting on a League. I wish you all the lucky on your drops! Happy Grinding

Why Poe Builds Matter?

Poe Builds matter because they can make or break a player's experience in Path of Exile. A well-designed Poe Build can help players progress more quickly, conquer endgame content, and compete in the game's challenging leagues. On the other hand, a poorly designed Poe Build can lead to frustration, wasted time, and an unsatisfying gameplay experience.

​

Who Benefits from Poe Builds?

All players, regardless of skill level or playstyle, can benefit from Poe Builds. Newer players can learn from experienced players and follow proven templates to optimize their characters, while more experienced players can use Poe Builds as a starting point to create their own unique builds. Hardcore players can use Poe Builds to push the limits of what is possible in the game, while casual players can enjoy the game at their own pace with well-optimized characters.

​

Understanding Poe Builds:

A successful Poe Build requires an understanding of the game's mechanics and a careful consideration of the player's desired playstyle. A good Poe Build should be able to handle a variety of content, including endgame bosses, while also being fun to play and easy to understand.

​

What Makes a Good Poe Build?

A good Poe Build should be able to handle a variety of content, including endgame bosses, while also being fun to play and easy to understand. It should also be optimized for the player's desired playstyle and should make use of synergies between skills, passives, and gear.

​

What are the Different Types of Poe Builds?

There are many different types of Poe Builds, including melee builds, ranged builds, spellcaster builds, and minion builds. Each build has its own unique strengths and weaknesses and can be optimized for different playstyles and content.

​

How Do I Choose the Right Poe Build for My Playstyle?

To choose the right Poe Build for your playstyle, you should consider the type of content you want to tackle, the skills you enjoy using, and the passive tree and gear that will complement those skills. You should also consider whether you want to focus on offense, defense, or a balance of both.

​

What are the Popular Poe Builds in the Current Meta?

The most popular Poe Builds in the current meta vary depending on the league and content. Among the popular include Cyclone Berserker, Arc Witch, and Toxic Rain Trickster. However, it is important to remember that popular builds are not necessarily the best builds for every player and playstyle.

​

Building a Poe Build:

Building a successful Poe Build requires careful consideration and planning. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a Poe Build:

  • Step 1: Choosing a Class

    • Choose a class that complements your desired playstyle and skills.

  • Step 2: Selecting Skills and Support Gems

    • Choose skills and support gems that synergize with your class and playstyle.

  • Step 3: Understanding Passive Tree and Ascendancy Classes

    • Allocate passive points in the passive tree and select an Ascendancy class that complements your chosen skills and playstyle.

  • Step 4: Creating a Balanced Poe Build

    • Balance offense and defense to create a well-rounded Poe Build.

    • Consider your desired playstyle, whether it is focused on dealing damage or survivability.

    • Allocate passive points and gear accordingly.

​

Advanced Strategies: Min-Maxing Poe Builds

Min-maxing is the process of optimizing a Poe Build to its maximum potential by fine-tuning every aspect of the character, including gear, passive points, and skill choices. This can be a time-consuming process, but it can greatly increase a player's chances of success in endgame content.

​

Poe Build Synergies:

Poe Build synergies involve using multiple skills and gear pieces together to create a powerful combination. Synergies can greatly increase a character's damage output or survivability, but they require careful planning and experimentation to implement successfully.

​

Making Poe Builds for Endgame Content:

Creating a Poe Build for endgame content requires careful consideration of the content's difficulty and the character's strengths and weaknesses. It may require specialized gear and skills that are different from those used in leveling or early game content.

​

Crafting Gear for your Poe Build:

Crafting gear for your Poe Build can greatly increase your character's power, but it requires knowledge of crafting mechanics and an understanding of the gear requirements for your chosen skills and playstyle.

​

Leveling with Poe Builds: Efficient Leveling Techniques

Efficient leveling techniques involve using specific skills, gear, and passive tree allocations to level up quickly and efficiently. This can include using AOE skills, prioritizing damage over defense, and utilizing certain leveling uniques.

​

Recommended Poe Builds for leveling:

Recommended Poe Builds for leveling vary depending on the player's chosen playstyle, but some popular options include Arc Witch, Cyclone Berserker, and Frost Blades Raider.

​

Tips for managing Poe Builds while leveling:

Managing Poe Builds while leveling can be challenging, but some tips include prioritizing movement speed, using leveling uniques, and planning ahead for passive tree allocations and gear upgrades.

​

Poe Builds for Different Playstyles: For Hardcore Players

for hardcore players require a focus on survivability and defensive mechanics. They may prioritize life or energy shield over damage, and they may make use of skills and gear that can mitigate incoming damage.

​

For Casual Players:

for casual players may prioritize ease of use and enjoyment over maximum power or optimization. They may make use of skills that are fun to play, or they may prioritize survivability over damage output.

​

For Solo Players:

For solo players may prioritize self-sufficiency and the ability to handle a variety of content alone. They may make use of skills and gear that allow them to handle multiple enemies at once, or they may focus on survivability and self-healing.

​

For Group Play:

For group play may prioritize party synergy and support. They may make use of skills and gear that buff allies, or they may focus on crowd control and AOE damage to complement other party members' skills.

​

Adjusting and Tweaking Poe Builds: When to adjust your Poe Build

Adjusting your Poe Build may be necessary when you encounter difficulties with certain content or when your chosen skills or gear are not performing as expected.

​

Understanding the Mechanics:

Understanding Poe Build mechanics, including how skills and support gems interact, can help you identify weaknesses in your Poe Build and make informed decisions when adjusting it.

​

Tips for tweaking your Poe Build:

When tweaking your Poe Build, focus on identifying specific weaknesses and making small, targeted adjustments rather than trying to overhaul the entire build. Consider your desired playstyle, the content you want to tackle, and the available passive points and gear.

​

What to do when your Poe Build doesn't work:

If your Poe Build 

is not working as expected, it may be necessary to start over with a new build or to seek advice from community resources such as Poe Build guides, tools, and forums.

​

Community Resources for Poe Builds: Poe Build Guides and Databases

Its guides and databases provide detailed information on different Poe Builds, including passive tree allocations, gear requirements, and playstyle recommendations. Some popular resources include PoeNinja, Path of Building, and official Path of Exile forums.

​

Tools and Calculators:

Its tools and calculators allow players to experiment with different gear, skills, and passive tree allocations to optimize their Poe Builds. Popular tools include Path of Building and PoE Planner.

​

 Streamers and YouTubers:

Poe Build streamers and YouTubers provide gameplay footage and commentary on different Poe Builds, allowing players to see the build in action and get advice on gameplay strategies. Some popular content creators include Path of Exile Builds, Mathilification and ZiggyD.

​

Communities and Forums:

Its communities and forums provide a space for players to share and discuss their Poe Builds, as well as to seek advice and feedback from other players. Some popular communities include the Path of Exile subreddit and the official Path of Exile forums.

​

Conclusion:

Poe Builds is an essential aspect of Path of Exile gameplay, allowing players to customize their characters and tackle the game's many challenges. By understanding Poe Build mechanics, selecting the right skills and gear, and seeking advice from community resources, players can create powerful and enjoyable builds that suit their playstyle and goals. Whether you are a hardcore or casual player, solo or group player, or focused on endgame content or leveling, there is a Poe Build out there that can help you achieve your goals in Path of Exile.

FAQ

What are the best classes in PoE?

- There is no good Answer to that Question. In Path of Exile the Build is way more important than the Class, because each one can do anything. You can have Witches with Axes and Marauders casting Spells.

How do you get good at PoE?

- Path of Exile is a very complex Game, the best way to get good is to follow Guides to learn the detailed Mechanics. After a few Hundred Hours you’ll be ready to make your own Builds.

What is the Easiest Class in PoE?

- The Witch. Most of the Easiest Builds are better when made with Witches, particularly Minion Builds. Totem Builds with the Templar are also Super Easy to play and Great for Beginners.

Will there be a Path of Exile 2?

- Yes, and it’s Awesome! It doesn’t have a Launch Day yet, but it looks like we are going to have a Beta on 2023.

How Long is Poe Endgame?

- In order to Complete your Atlas and Kill every single Endgame and Uber Boss, you can prepare yourself for over 500 hours of Fun Gameplay.

What can you do about Breachstones?

-  Use them on your Map Device to Face the Brach Lords and get some Valuable Items.

Is Path of Exile Noob Friendly?

- No. But you can have a Good Time Playing if you start following Build Guides to learn the Mechanics in an Easy way.

How Long is Path of Exile?

- You will take around 30 Hours to Complete the 10 Acts. Those Acts are Like the Tutorial of the Game. You can expect over 500 Hours of Gameplay if you want to check every aspect of the Endgame.

How do you Level Up Fast in Path of Exile?

-  First of all, you need to know what you are doing. Passing through the 10 Acts fast is the best way to improve your Leveling. Run through the Maps killing only blue monsters and making the necessary quests. This way you can reach Level 80 in just a few hours.

How do I get to the Syndicate Safehouse?

-  First of all, you need to get enough Intel about the Safehouse you want to go. To do that you need to interrogate the Syndicate Members. After you get enough Intel, talk to Jun and ask her to show the Investigation. There you’ll find a Button that opens a Portal to the Syndicate Safehouse.

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