Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients Update Guide & Features

Exploring the Return of the Ancients Update

The Return of the Ancients update brings a massive expansion to Path of Exile 2, introducing significant depth to the endgame experience. Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer diving into the Early Access period, this update overhauls how you interact with the Atlas, introduces fresh combat mechanics, and adds two distinct Ascendancy classes.

The update focuses on expanding the narrative and mechanical complexity of the endgame. By introducing six new storylines, a revised Atlas Passive Tree, and intricate new crafting systems like Kalguuran Runecrafting, the update aims to provide more agency in how players shape their characters and their progression through the Atlas.

New Ascendancy Classes

This update expands character customization with two new Ascendancy classes. Both offer unique playstyles that deviate from traditional archetypes, utilizing illusions and spirits to control the battlefield.

The Martial Artist (Monk)

The Martial Artist is a master of illusions who excels in hand-to-hand combat. Instead of relying on traditional weaponry, this class uses runes socketed into their body to manifest powerful illusions and summon spectral bells to aid in combat.

The Spirit Walker (Huntress)

Bound to the wilds, the Spirit Walker calls upon spirits to fight by her side. These spirits align with the Stag, the Owl, or the Bear, granting the Huntress different combat abilities. She can subdue formidable beasts or summon spectral companions to fight alongside her.

Mastering the Runes of Aldur League

The headline feature for the new league, Runes of Aldur, is the introduction of Kalguuran Runecrafting. This system adds a layer of risk and reward to your mapping experience, centered around finding and empowering "Remnants" scattered across Wraeclast.

How Kalguuran Runecrafting Works

1. Find Remnants: Locate mysterious Remnants while exploring maps.
2. Inscribe Symbols: Use runic symbols to awaken the Remnant's magic.
3. Choose Your Risk: The symbols you choose determine the item outcomes but also empower nearby monsters.
4. Combat: Defeat the empowered monsters to claim the rewards you have forged.

Tip

Manage Your Risk: When using Kalguuran Runecrafting, remember that the monsters guarding the Remnant will be empowered based on the runes you select. While the rewards are significant, ensure your build is capable of handling the increased difficulty before choosing more powerful inscriptions.

Beyond standard crafting, players can utilize Verisium—an ancient metal—to forge powerful gear and unlock "Runic Ward," a new form of defense. Additionally, new Kalguuran Skills allow for unique combinations, such as triggering spells multiple times or transforming damage types, which are usable by any class.

Endgame Overhaul and Atlas Mastery

The Atlas has undergone a significant transformation in Return of the Ancients. With over 30 new maps to explore, ranging from the deserts of Maraketh to lava-filled dungeons, the endgame offers more variety than ever before.

Atlas Passive Tree and Masters

The Atlas Passive Tree has been reworked to provide more meaningful choices. Nodes now combine mechanics in new ways, allowing for more specific build customization. You can also embark on missions with three distinct Atlas Masters:

• Jado: Focuses on uncovering powerful artefacts.
• Hilda: Specializes in hunting deadly monsters.
• Doryani: Dedicated to cleansing corruption.

Endgame Enhancements

• [ ] Reshaped Atlas Tree: Nodes now offer multiple choices and combine mechanics for deeper customization.
• [ ] Atlas Masters: Choose between Jado, Hilda, or Doryani to tailor your rewards and strategy.
• [ ] Expedition Updates: Existing Expedition league mechanics have been updated to incorporate new Remnants and advanced crafting.
• [ ] Logbooks: Unlock access to new islands and dungeons in the uncharted seas.

New Threats and Challenges

The update is not just about power; it is about facing new, devastating threats. From the Hiveborn to the twisted echoes of Delirium, players will need to adapt their strategies to survive.

Hiveborn and Breach

The Hiveborn are grotesque creatures invading from a strange realm. When you encounter a Breach, you must act quickly. The game now displays an indicator, and you must slay enemies within the Breach to stabilize it. Successfully doing so allows you to face the powerful Hiveborn miscreations. You can also utilize the "Genesis Tree" by fertilizing it with Hiveblood to unlock exclusive jewelry base types.

Delirium and the Raven Trickster

The Delirium mechanic has been updated with a new progression system. As you descend into the fog, danger increases. By consuming a "Strange Fruit," you draw the shroud across the Atlas. Overcoming the resulting Simulacrum earns you passage to the domain of Tangmazu, an ancient trickster god.

Warning

Delirium Escalation: As you venture deeper into the Withered Willow, the Delirium fog intensifies. The rewards are potent, but the madness and danger scale rapidly. Ensure your character has sufficient defenses before pushing into the deeper layers of the fog.

Quality of Life Improvements

To support the increased complexity of the endgame, several quality-of-life features have been implemented to streamline the player experience.

• Build Planner: You can now download build files and view them directly within the game client. This displays necessary Passive Tree nodes, Ascendancy points, and Skill Gems, making it easier to follow guides from the community.
• Market Price Checker: A new tool to help players manage their economy.
• Atlas Search: Improved navigation for the Atlas.
• Fragment Stash Tab: A dedicated space for managing your materials.

FAQ

How do I get access to the Return of the Ancients update?

Players can access the update through the Early Access client. If you do not have access yet, you can purchase an Early Access Supporter Pack, which grants entry to the game, including the new expansion content and exclusive cosmetics.

Are the new classes available to everyone?

Yes, the Monk (Martial Artist) and the Huntress (Spirit Walker) are part of the base content update for all players participating in the Early Access period.

Does the Runes of Aldur league replace old content?

No, the Runes of Aldur is a new league mechanic added to the game. It integrates with existing systems like Expedition, updating them with new Remnants and crafting options rather than removing them.

What is the Build Planner?

The Build Planner is an in-game tool that allows you to import build files from community creators. It displays the required Passive Tree nodes, Ascendancy points, and Skill Gems, helping you plan your character progression without needing to constantly alt-tab to a browser.