Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients may be the Biggest Update Ever | Endgame Rework Finally Arrives

Ahead of the release of Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients on May 29th, this supposedly groundbreaking update for PoE2 has already garnered significant attention, with everyone curious about the new content and changes to come.

Before the official update on May 29th, let's take a look at the changes and content we can deduce from the released teaser and announcements.

Teaser

Players have been speculating and predicting the potential content and changes in the new version based on clues from the few teaser released so far. So, let's first look at what appears in the teaser.

Uncover The Truth

Many initially thought this teaser was related to Kalguuran Runes, possibly indicating an Expedition update. However, the teaser features a big spider boss that seems unrelated to anything we currently know. Therefore, it's highly likely that this is some kind of gameplay mechanic in the new version, or part of an endgame update.

Stop The Madness

In this teaser, there's some dialogue that some believe refers to NPC, Elder Madox. You might not remember him; we saw him in the previous interlude.

Elder Madox mentions something he calls snakes in the dialogue, which some believe refers to Tangmazu, the trickster god who once deceived us. There are also some images that might represent Delirium, which is also related to Tangmazu.

Now It Is Our Time

In this teaser, we see what appears to be Ailith and other monastery monks performing some kind of ritual, which many currently believe is the awakening of Chayula. Notably, a sword shimmering with purple light appears in the teaser, potentially indicating that the highly requested addition of a sword as a weapon in the game is becoming a possibility. However, it's currently unclear whether this is a playable weapon or simply part of the storyline.

Ancient Secrets Rise

The initial teaser, featuring the tagline "Ancient secrets rise", was widely interpreted as a hint at endgame changes. The teaser boasted striking visuals, showcasing a massive structure rising from the ground and a colossal tower composed of statues.

Endgame Update

The most anticipated change is the potential major overhaul of the endgame. Reportedly, this change was originally scheduled for release in version 0.4.0, but due to insufficient preparation or other reasons, it has been delayed until version 0.5.0.

This means that the endgame changes have been in development for six months before the late May update, potentially indicating a very significant scale of modifications.

PoE2's endgame has been criticized for lacking sufficient motivation and specific objectives. While Infinite Atlas seems to offer an endless endgame experience, players lack the micro-progression that provides continuous stimulation and rewards within a larger, overarching goal.

Even with clearly defined objectives like Clean Maps and Find Citadels, the process of acquiring Path of Exile 2 currency feels incredibly tedious. Furthermore, completing these tasks doesn't change the map. We seem to need clearer guidance and goals.

While players can choose their own routes, they're still repeatedly making choices among available options. The new endgame changes might change this, giving players more ways to use PoE 2 currency and providing more options for improving their endgame experience.

Atlas Passive Tree

The current Atlas Passive Tree in game is widely considered terrible. Not only players, but even the developers haven't shied away from expressing their dissatisfaction with the existing system in interviews.

Therefore, just as important as the endgame changes in the new version is Atlas Passive Tree. According to some currently known information, they will completely rebuild the system, shedding its tedious design and introducing new mechanics, which may mean more customization options.

Other Changes

Besides the already mentioned endgame mechanics and Atlas Passive Tree, which everyone is focused on, there are some other changes.

Tutorial System

Currently, players enter the adventure without any guidance, significantly increasing the learning curve. Corruption Zones and The Burning Monolith also give this impression; players lack clear instructions on what to do next. This might be improved in the new version.

Bosses

Some boss battles will be adjusted, and some new boss battles are coming, including bosses copied from PoE 1, such as Olroth and The King in the Mist.

Especially The King in the Mist; Developers don't want to simply copy it verbatim from PoE 1 as a Pinnacle Boss. They want to add more changes to these bosses and significantly increase their strength. Hopefully, these bosses will bring a completely new combat experience, more rare items, and greater changes to the game's endgame mechanics.

Progression System

Different progression systems will be added to this update, helping players more easily access Pinnacle content and creating a more diverse experience.

Biomes

It's speculated that Biomes may function similarly to Map Completion in PoE 1, advancing the Atlas Tree and upgrading your Biomes, bringing you closer to Pinnacle content. This will bring more gameplay variations, increased challenge, and raised the endgame difficulty, as well as the skill ceiling for players.

Overall, the update content for Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 will be revealed at the end of May. The official statement clearly indicates that this will be the biggest update in the history of both PoE games. Changes to endgame gameplay and the restructuring of Atlas Passive Tree are basically confirmed. More detailed updates will be shown in subsequent game teaser.