Ancients Archives

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May 17, 2026

Path of Exile 2 just shattered its biggest barrier to entry, even leapfrogging Diablo 4

Grinding Gear Games is making Path of Exile 2 more accessible with the 0.5 update, titled Return of the Ancients, which introduces significant changes to the game. The update includes enhanced in-game guidance, allowing players to access build guides, prioritize skill gems, and receive tailored tips on item stats directly within the game. This feature aims to reduce the intimidation factor for newcomers and streamline the experience for players creating their own builds. The developers of Path of Building are also planning to update their tool to enhance compatibility with the new in-game integration. Additionally, the update simplifies crafting mechanics by linking specific materials to each mechanic, making planning easier for players. Game Director Jonathan Rogers expressed optimism about the new quests improving endgame accessibility and stated that Grinding Gear Games aims to incorporate functionalities that players need for the 0.5 update, with plans for a 1.0 launch by the end of 2026.

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May 13, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s new boss-taming summoner class breaks ARPG minions like never before

The Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients update is set to launch on May 29, introducing significant changes, including a redesign of the endgame and a crafting overhaul. Two new Ascendancies will be added: the Martial Artist Monk and the Spirit Walker Huntress. The Spirit Walker Ascendancy allows players to control powerful beast bosses and features three branches: Vivid, Primal, and Wild. The Vivid Path summons stag spirits, the Primal Path enhances projectile skills, and the Wild Path provides a spirit bear companion that boosts minion damage and life. The Idolatry path expands minion build options. The Natural Order feature allows the Tame Beast skill to work on unique beasts, starting with early-game adversaries and escalating to tougher foes. Game director Mark Roberts showcased a "zookeeper build" that utilizes the unique scepter Sylvan's Effigy, which removes companion limits. Companion damage has been buffed, and new features include a raven flock and a cluster grenade launcher called Redemption.

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May 12, 2026

Path of Exile’s overwhelming complexity isn’t the real reason new players pass on it, director believes: ‘I think that PoE 1’s being such an old game is in itself the accessibility problem’

Many dedicated players of Path of Exile (PoE) consider themselves novices even after investing over 3,000 hours into the game, highlighting its complexity. The game features a sprawling skill tree that can overwhelm new players, leading some to exit quickly. Jonathan Rogers, co-director of PoE, believes that the game's age is a primary barrier to entry rather than its complexity. As Grinding Gear Games prepares for PoE 2, they aim to balance the expectations of long-time players with the need to make the game accessible to newcomers. A significant development for PoE 2 is the introduction of "Return of the Ancients" tutorial quests, designed to simplify the game's mechanics and create a more welcoming environment for new players. The developers are committed to addressing the challenges faced by new players while maintaining the intricate nature of the game.

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

Path of Exile 2 Director Jonathan Rogers isn’t worried about missing swords, “as long as there’s nothing in the game that I feel is bad”

Developer Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has announced a major update for Path of Exile 2 called Return of the Ancients, which is described as the largest enhancement for both the sequel and its predecessor. Game Director Jonathan Rogers addressed community concerns about missing features, particularly the absence of swords and certain classes like the Duelist, reassuring players that these elements will eventually be introduced. He expressed satisfaction with the current state of the game compared to previous updates and emphasized the team's commitment to delivering a polished experience. Patch 0.5 will be the last major update before the 1.0 launch, scheduled for late 2026, focusing on balancing, introducing new unique items, and completing the final two acts of the campaign. The update will feature new systems aimed at enhancing accessibility for players, including a "questification" of content and streamlined crafting systems. Additionally, integrated build guides will improve the user experience by allowing easier in-game access to build plans. The update is set to launch on May 29.

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May 8, 2026

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

Path of Exile 2 is undergoing a significant overhaul to enhance the endgame experience, which will be showcased in the upcoming expansion titled Return of the Ancients, launching on May 29. The expansion introduces the Genesis Tree for crafting unique jewelry, new challenges like the Delirium mirror, and massive fortifications with unique modifiers that reward players. Players can auto-complete sections by defeating a new pinnacle boss. The rework includes mini-goals to improve exploration across the Atlas. This expansion is the final major update before the game reaches version 1.0 later this year, with all character classes and remaining campaign acts included. A new league mechanic allows crafting of runes and gear modifications. The update represents the most substantial change since the game's early access launch.

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May 7, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s complete endgame redesign is great for everyone, especially newcomers

Grinding Gear Games unveiled the upcoming Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5, titled "Return of the Ancients," which includes nearly 900 words of updates. The patch features a comprehensive redesign of the endgame, introducing new systems like Atlas Ascendancies and league-specific features such as Runes of Aldur. The Runes of Aldur league involves rescuing a blacksmith and activating remnants for rewards, including over 100 new runes and a new stat called Runic Ward. A new currency type, Alloys, allows crafting modifiers on items. The endgame has a revamped structure with fixed league mechanics and unique quest lines, culminating in encounters with the Arbiter of Ash and a mysterious ultimate boss. All four launch mechanics have received upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements include in-game build guides and enhanced market features. Two new Ascendancies, the Spirit Walker Huntress and Martial Artist Monk, will be introduced, along with new unique items like Raven's Flock. The patch is scheduled for release on May 29, 2026, with a showcase at Exilecon in November.

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April 24, 2026

New Slay the Spire 2 update reworks Ironclad’s most unpopular card and makes lower Ascensions easier

Developer Megacrit has released beta patch notes for Slay the Spire 2, focusing on refining the Ascension difficulty scaling. Changes include reduced HP for Scrolls of Biting, Owl Magistrate, and Slimed Berserker at lower Ascensions, while making them stronger at higher levels. The Vantom Act 1 boss has been nerfed, and the Waterfall Giant elite heals less in low-difficulty encounters. The team is monitoring the performance of the Act 3 boss, Doormaker, but is hesitant to make further changes. Card updates feature new artwork and significant reworks for Conflagration and Drum of Battle for Ironclad, with Conflagration now dealing two damage to all enemies four times at base. Regent's Parry has been adjusted to align better with Dexterity and Frail mechanics. Neow's blessings have seen some improvements, with Booming Conch providing additional energy and Neow's Fury allowing players to choose cards from the discard pile. Tezcatara's Nutritious Soup relic has been buffed to grant Strikes additional damage and cost nothing. The patch also includes various smaller balance changes, user interface enhancements, and bug fixes.

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April 18, 2026

The new Slay the Spire 2 roadmap has no dates: “Exacting deadlines produce sloppy, uninspired work”

Mega Crit has released a roadmap for Slay the Spire 2, focusing on bug fixes, balancing, and visual enhancements since its launch over a month ago. The development approach is flexible, allowing for creativity, with new features planned such as Steam Workshop support, expanded language options, a Bestiary, and experimental game modes. Upcoming content includes an alternate Act Two, a new character, an alternate Act Three, and additional cards, events, relics, and potions. Ongoing improvements will continue alongside new features, with a humorous promise of "more silly voices" and "less silly placeholder art." Yano also teased the concept of "True Victory," Steam Achievements, Trading Cards, and potential platform ports. Community statistics reveal that 44% of players keep the Lantern Key, 88% free War Historian Repy when taking the key to its destination, 63% indulge in the Room Full of Cheese, and 49% consume the Byrdonis Egg for a health boost. Beta patches are released more frequently than main branch updates, and players are encouraged to join the beta for the latest developments.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

How multiplayer works in Slay the Spire 2

In Slay the Spire 2, co-op gameplay allows one player to host a multiplayer save, with up to three additional players joining as long as they are Steam friends. There are no password-protected lobbies or matchmaking queues. Players must select a save profile with an unlocked character and choose 'Multiplayer' from the main menu. Each player has three profiles, can only host one campaign at a time, and must be present from the beginning of the game. Multiplayer campaigns feature individual inventories, and enemy stats scale with party size. Energy is not shared among players, and loot is distributed individually. Ascension progression in multiplayer is separate from single-player achievements, and players must complete all three acts as a team to earn Ascension levels, which apply to all characters in multiplayer.

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November 14, 2025

Slay the Spire 2’s Ancients can totally transform your run, and they include the first game’s most friendly face

Developer Mega Crit is working on Slay the Spire 2, which will feature a new gameplay element involving Ancients, powerful entities that influence gameplay. Neow, Mother of Resurrection, will continue to welcome players at the start of each run with buffs. Players will encounter different Ancients at the entrance of each act, offering unique boons. In Act Two, players will meet Tezcatara, known as 'It Which Feeds The Fire,' who provides various blessings, including transforming the act's map into a "golden path," granting four Wax Relics that melt away after three encounters, and enchanting Strikes in the player's deck with 'Tezcatara's Ember.' The Ancients' offerings will replace the old boss relics from the original game, and while their motivations are unclear, some blessings may come with tradeoffs. Additionally, a new enemy type called "Punch Construct" has been revealed. The early-access release of Slay the Spire 2 is scheduled for March 2026.