Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients adds a massive amount of content, transforming the endgame and reshaping the foundations of the game. This update, coming on May 29th, adds over 50 hours of new endgame content, so there is a lot to explore.
We’ve previously reviewed Path of Exile 2, when it first released:
“With no significant microtransactions to get in the way of gameplay and a feature rich experience even despite the price tag being free, Path of Exile 2 is well worth a look for any ARPG fan. At this point, I see my relationship with Path of Exile 2 getting stronger as the content launches in live form — whereas I now see no reason to return to Diablo IV, with the seasonal content leaving me feeling colder with each iteration.”
I’ve spent 20 hours on Path of Exile 2 – and now I’ll never play Diablo IV again
With this update, you can explore five new storylines, 15 new bosses, and four towering Pinnacles… and that’s just to start. There are also new Ascendancy classes — Martial Artists or Spirit Walker, and a massive update to the crafting system. All of these new features add hours and hours of gameplay.
This new update introduces Ezomyte Runesmithing through Farrow, a blacksmith uncovering it’s ancient Kalguuran origins. The storyline involves being rescued from an undead attack, Farrow introduces the player to the ancient art of Runesmithing. This new crafting system allows powerful items to be crafted by inscribing symbols onto Ezomyte Remnants.
The inscribing contains a mix of pre-existing and player-selected symbols, determining the types of items that can then be created. Different runes can be combined for a different range of outcomes, from basic currency items to socketable runes with specific properties. Activating a Remnant does come at a cost; nearby undead are empowered, based on the runes used in crafting, which can change their abilities, and they must all be defeated to get the crafted item.
Whether you’ve played Path of Exile previously or are just jumping in after the Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients update, there is plenty of gameplay here to dive into.
