Path of Exile 2 Nears Full Release After “Return of the Ancients” Patch

Grinding Gear Games (GGG) announced that the “Return of the Ancients” patch (version 0.5.0) will launch on May 29 2026 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. The patch is billed as the last major content update before the studio ships Path of Exile 2 1.0, which is planned for later in 2026, after the ExileCon convention in early November in New Zealand.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• Early Access start: December 2024.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• Patch 0.5.0 release: May 29 2026 (patch notes on May 21).

Path of Exile 2's 'biggest expansion ever' reworks its entire post-campaign grind for new and returning players alike

• ExileCon: Early November 2026.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• Full release (1.0): Sometime after ExileCon, pending end-game approval.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• Campaign Acts 5 & 6: Environment work for Act 5 is complete; Act 6 is near completion.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• Character classes: Eight are currently available (Warrior, Ranger, Huntress, Sorceress, Mercenary, Monk, Druid, Witch). The Marauder, Duelist, Shadow and Templar are slated for post-launch addition.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

“Return of the Ancients” adds a new campaign centered on Farrow’s runic experiments, over 30 new monsters, 100 new runes, and a “Runic Ward” mechanic. The endgame receives a comprehensive revamp: a Fortress storyline, an overhauled Atlas with new Atlas Masters, and refreshed Delirium, Breach and Ritual leagues each receiving dedicated questlines. Two new ascendancies debut – the Spirit Walker (Huntress) and the Martial Artist (Monk). Quality-of-life upgrades include in-game build guides, UI progress trackers, and shift-click price displays.

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Game director Jonathan Rogers described the 0.5.0 update as the “final update in early access before 1.0.” He emphasized that the studio will only ship the full version once the revised endgame is positively received by players, noting that “if the endgame wasn’t accepted, we would continue iterating on it until the point where it was.” Rogers also clarified that the missing character classes are not essential for a complete launch; the priority is to ensure that the available classes are fully finished with all ascendancies and skill trees. He reaffirmed the plan to release 1.0 after ExileCon, contingent on satisfactory end-game feedback.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

Some observers have highlighted the risk of delaying the full launch if player response to the endgame overhaul is lukewarm. The postponement of four character classes has also drawn criticism, with players questioning whether the reduced roster could affect long-term balance and replayability. Additionally, the lack of a precise 1.0 launch date fuels uncertainty about the timeline.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

Sources differ on the exact number of classes that will be present at launch: while one report lists eight confirmed classes, another suggests the final count remains undecided. No source provides a specific calendar date for the 1.0 release, only the condition that it follows ExileCon and receives positive end-game feedback.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• “This is actually intended to be the final update in early access before 1.0,” — Jonathan Rogers, Game Director, Grinding Gear Games

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• “0 this year, sometime after Exile Con," Rogers said.” — Jonathan Rogers

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• “We know how to add an Act," Rogers said, "and I'm pretty sure at this point, people trust that when we do add an Act, it's going to be good.” — Jonathan Rogers

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• “We wanted to really make sure that the new endgame stuff that we're designing really did feel like you had a sense of completion of the Atlas,” — Jonathan Rogers

Path of Exile 2's 'biggest expansion ever' reworks its entire post-campaign grind for new and returning players alike

• “So even though our plan is to do 1.0 by the end of the year, if the endgame wasn't accepted, we would continue iterating on it until the point where it was, before we could say 1.0 was good.” — Jonathan Rogers

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• May 29 2026: Launch of “Return of the Ancients” (patch 0.5.0).

Path of Exile 2's 'biggest expansion ever' reworks its entire post-campaign grind for new and returning players alike

• Early November 2026: ExileCon convention, where GGG will present the final 1.0 build.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it

• Late 2026 (post-ExileCon): Full release of Path of Exile 2 1.0, with remaining classes and any pending content added in subsequent updates.

Path of Exile 2 aims for a full 1.0 release this year, but not all of the promised character classes will make it