How to Earn Path of Exile 2 Twitch Drops: Return of the Ancients Event Guide
Learn how to claim exclusive Path of Exile 2 Twitch Drops during the Return of the Ancients launch. Discover the rewards, including the Arbiter of Ash Waypoint, Wendigo's Crown, and the Veridian Parasite Pet.
Published: Path of Exile 2 Wiki Editorial Team
Table of Contents
Understanding the Return of the Ancients Twitch Drops
With the launch of the "Return of the Ancients" update for Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has introduced a series of limited-time Twitch Drops. As confirmed by Game Director Mark Roberts, this event is designed to celebrate the new league start by rewarding players for engaging with the creator community.
Whether you are a veteran exile or a newcomer stepping into the dark world of Wraeclast for the first time, these drops offer a unique way to customize your character and hideout. It is important to note that these rewards are entirely cosmetic. They are designed to enhance your visual experience—such as adding flair to your hideout or tracking your combat statistics—without providing any gameplay advantages or impacting your character's power level.
How to Participate and Claim Rewards
To ensure you receive your rewards, you must have your accounts properly connected. Twitch Drops are automated, but they require the synchronization of your Twitch account with your Path of Exile 2 account.
Link Your Accounts: Visit the official Path of Exile website and navigate to your account settings to link your Twitch account. This is a critical step; without it, your watch time will not count toward the drops.
Watch Streams: During the designated weeks, watch any streamer broadcasting in the official "Path of Exile 2" category on Twitch.
Track Progress: Keep an eye on your Twitch "Drops & Rewards" inventory page to monitor your progress toward the 3-hour watch requirement.
Claim Rewards: Once you have met the watch time requirement, click the "Claim" button in your Twitch inventory. The item will then be sent to your account.
Tip
Always verify that the channel you are watching is actively streaming in the "Path of Exile 2" category. Watching streams in the original Path of Exile category will not count toward your progress for these specific event drops.
Event Rewards Breakdown
The Return of the Ancients event is split into two distinct weeks, each offering a specific cosmetic reward for meeting the watch-time threshold.
Arbiter of Ash Waypoint (Week 1)
This hideout decoration adds a thematic flair to your personal space. According to developer notes, when other exiles visit your hideout, they will be covered in ash upon entering. It is an excellent choice for players looking to create a darker, more ominous atmosphere in their hideout.
Wendigo's Crown Helmet Attachment (Week 2)
This helmet attachment offers six different variations, allowing you to customize the look with or without visual effects. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it includes a tracking feature that records your kills across various monster types, including beasts, humans, demons, constructs, and undead.
The Supporter Streamer Campaign
In addition to the standard watch-time drops, the "Return of the Ancients" event includes a special campaign to support content creators. This is a separate initiative from the watch-time rewards and requires a direct contribution to the community.
To claim the Veridian Parasite Pet, you must support your favorite creators by gifting two subscriptions or subscribing to two channels within the Path of Exile 2 category.
As noted by the developers, not all Veridian spawns are hostile; some simply require a bit of affection. The Veridian Parasite Pet serves as a companion for your character, providing a unique visual flair that follows you on your journey through the corrupted lands of Wraeclast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these items affect my character's power or progression?
No. As confirmed by the developers, all items obtained through the Return of the Ancients Twitch Drops are purely cosmetic. They do not provide any stats, power boosts, or gameplay advantages.
Can I earn the drops by watching any Path of Exile 2 stream?
Yes, provided the streamer is playing in the "Path of Exile 2" category on Twitch. Always verify the category label on the stream before you start watching to ensure your time is being tracked correctly.
What happens if I miss the first week?
The drops are scheduled for specific weeks. If you miss the watch time for the Arbiter of Ash Waypoint during the first week, you will not be able to retroactively earn it during the second week. Be sure to check the event schedule and participate during the relevant periods.
How do I customize the Wendigo's Crown?
The Wendigo's Crown Helmet Attachment offers six different variations. You can toggle these options, including the presence or absence of visual effects, through your microtransaction cosmetic menu once the item is equipped.
Final Tips for a Smooth Experience
To make the most of the Return of the Ancients event, ensure your Twitch account is active and not set to "invisible" or "offline" status while watching, as this can sometimes interfere with drop tracking. Additionally, if you are using browser extensions that block scripts or cookies, consider whitelisting Twitch to ensure the drop progress bar updates correctly.
Remember that the primary goal of this event is to support the Path of Exile 2 community and its creators. Whether you are aiming for the Arbiter of Ash Waypoint or the Veridian Parasite Pet, enjoy the content, engage with the streamers, and have a successful league start.
