Last week, we announced the Return of the Ancients, our next major Content Update for Path of Exile 2. In this news post, we’re answering the most frequently asked questions from our community regarding the upcoming update.

When does the Return of the Ancients launch on all platforms?

Return of the Ancients will launch at 1PM May 29 PDT on all supported platforms, including the standalone PC client, Steam and Epic Games Store clients as well as Xbox Series and PlayStation 5.

Will there be an economy reset?

Your existing characters will still be available and playable in the Standard Early Access leagues. However, the new Runes of Aldur league starts with a fresh economy, along with new content and features, so it’s strongly recommended to play there.

If you choose to continue with an older character, keep in mind that balance changes may affect your build. You might need to respec your passive points, and some mechanics or interactions may no longer work the same way as before.

How do I start playing in a new league?

When creating a character, select the Runes of Aldur banner.

Is there a special in-game mechanic that is available only in the Runes of Aldur league and not in the core game?

Yes, the Runes of Aldur league includes its own exclusive mechanics, content, rewards, and bosses that aren’t available in the core game. Once the league ends, we’ll evaluate these features and decide which ones, if any, will be added to the core game.

Are there challenges in the Runes of Aldur league?

Yes. In the Runes of Aldur League we’re introducing challenges to Path of Exile 2. By completing 8 challenges in the league, you will be able to earn pieces of an exclusive Knight of Aldur Armour Set.

Do I need to create a new character and start the game from the beginning?

Yes, if you want to play the Runes of Aldur League. However, you can continue playing your existing characters in the Early Access league if you wish.

With Atlas being massively changed, what will happen to my Atlas progress in the Standard Early Access League? How do I start the new endgame questlines?

In the Standard League, your existing Atlas, its progress, and Atlas Passive Tree will be reset, and you will start exploring the new endgame and all new storylines from the beginning.

Is Fate of the Vaal going core?

Yes, the Temple of Atziri and its mechanics will become part of Path of Exile 2’s core game in Return of the Ancients. We’ll share more details soon.

What happens to my stash tabs if I start in a new Runes of Aldur league?

Any stash tabs you have purchased will be available to use in the Runes of Aldur leagues. Since a new league is a fresh economy, your stash in the new league will not contain any items from your stash in other leagues. All the items will be in Remove Only stash tabs in the Standard leagues.

Will you have official builds in the Build Guide?

No, we highly recommend players develop their own guides.

Will there be updates to the game post 0.5.0 launch?

Alongside fixes and improvements to the endgame and the Runes of the Aldur league, we have a lot of things to polish throughout the game and balance to improve, so after 0.5.0 launch we will be focused on that.

When will the Fragment Tab be available in the store?

Fragment Tab will be available for purchase in the Path of Exile 2 shop once Return of the Ancients releases on May 29th. If you already own a Fragment Tab on your account (purchased in Path of Exile 1), you will be able to use it in Path of Exile 2, just like other types of stash tabs.

Is this a paid expansion?

No. If you’re an existing Path of Exile 2 player, all you have to do is to download the content update.

Will there be a predownload?

Yes, we will make the torrent file for the standalone PC client available for predownloading the day before the launch. Console players will also be able to download the patch prior to launch. Please note that only players with access to Path of Exile 2 will be able to predownload the patch.

Patch Notes When?

May 21st PDT.

With three weeks left before launch, will we be getting more news about the Content Update?

Yes! In the coming weeks, we’re planning to release some cool videos showcasing features in Return of the Ancients. As usual, we’ll also reveal new Twitch Drops, post about Item Filter changes, and cover everything you need to know about the launch.

To find answers to more of your burning questions, check out the Q&A video from our Return of the Ancients livestream below!