POE 2: Return of the Ancients - Patch 0.5.0 Predictions, Reworks & Endgame Hopes

Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0, Return of the Ancients is coming soon. This will be the largest and most impactful patch since Early Access. It will even have a profound impact on the game after version 1.0. It will be one of the most influential patches in Path of Exile 2's history.

Return of the Ancients is not only massive in scale but also the culmination of a long development process, generating extremely high expectations from players. Whether Path of Exile 2 can live up to these expectations will determine the future direction of the game.

If this update is well-done, it could even become the best ARPG on the market. Next, I'd like to talk about my predictions for this update and my expectations for future game optimizations.

Patch 0.5.0 Predictions

League Mechanic Reworks

We've already seen many trailers for Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0 regarding League Mechanic. Now, we've seen many trailers about the season mechanics. There are changes related to Breach, Delirium Expedition, and the latest one, which we all expect will be a Ritual-related mechanic change. I anticipate all these seasonal mechanics will be reworked, and the temples will also be altered.

The trailer also features sculptures of the three Azmeri deities: Solaris, Lunaris, and Viridi. They have close ties to Viridian Wildwood, especially Viridi, who is the goddess of Viridian Wildwood.

Ritual-related pinnacle boss, King in the Mist, is attempting to lead his followers and monsters to conquer Wildwood. I personally believe this rework will combine the themes of Ritual and Viridian Wildwood, and the rework will involve some content on exploring Abyss Depths, similar to the way Viridian Wildwood was reworked in POE1.

New Pinnacle Bosses

We will also see new pinnacle bosses in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0. If we examine Path of Exile 2 database, we've actually seen some potential new Pinnacle Bosses in the files. For example, Tang Mazu, Pinnacle boss in Delirium, and Ritual Wendigo, Pinnacle boss in Ritual.

However, we must be cautious with data mining, as some content might be added to the files but may not be implemented in the game anytime soon. For instance, we found Martial Artist Ascendy in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 files, but it hasn't been added to the game yet.

This information does suggest that new Pinnacle bosses might be added to Delirium and Ritual, and perhaps even other difficulties.

Infinite Atlas

I believe Infinite Atlas is definitely going to be reworked. We saw hints of this inPath of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0 trailer, where massive rock formations were seen rising from the ground. I think this symbolizes an entirely new Atlas - a new way to explore Infinite Atlas - along with brand-new content and Path Of Exile 2 Currency.

I believe there will be significant changes to Infinite Atlas, which will affect how we experience the endgame content of Path of Exile 2. Atlas Skill Tree will also be reworked. The developers have stated they are constantly working on improvements, and we expect a complete overhaul of Atlas Skill Tree.

Also Read: Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 Best League Starter Build Guide For Fast Leveling

Ascendancy Classes

I believe there will be new Ascendancy classes, and possibly more than one. Wild Speaker is almost certain to be released. I think so because we've already seen it on Path of Exile 2 website. If you visit the website, scroll down to see the teaser image of Wild Speaker.

This will be a Hunter class, related to Azmeri Spirit. You'll notice that Azmeri has been a key element in all our Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients trailers, and it will play a significant role in this update.

Regarding new classes, if new classes are indeed released, it will most likely be Swords and Gladiators. We have indeed received some scattered hints from Kelly. The trailers also hinted at Swords, but there's no other concrete information confirming that Swords are coming.

Waystone System and Wisp Rework

It even has the potential to become the best ARPG on the market. With the rework of the infinite map, the way we play endgame maps will transform. We may see changes to Waystone System, mods, juicing, tablets, and more. Given various hints about Wisp in Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients trailer, a Wisp rework is also quite likely.

Issues Still Needing Optimization

To become the best ARPG, POE 2 has a long way to go. Currently, there are still some issues in the game that need to be addressed and optimized.

Skill Level System

I hope to see a rework of the skill level system. This has been a hot topic among players who are tired of searching for extra skills on equipment because it makes gear combinations unreliable and greatly limits gear choices. Many unique weapons without additional skill levels aren't very useful. If they can adjust this system, many unique weapons could be reborn and become more effective.

Augments and Socket System

Augments and Socket system in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0 is extremely complex. Initially, the developers stated that Socketables were intended to replace Crafting Bench, but now, because of the sheer number of sockets in the game and their confusing names and classifications, I feel they cause far more chaos than functionality.

I believe Crafting Bench is currently a more elegant solution to this problem, while sockets do have shortcomings. The developers could significantly reduce the number of sockets in the game, making them a higher-level equipment item used to upgrade your character's gear. This would retain the appeal of some high-value socket items in the current game.

Passive Tree

Furthermore, I believe adding a health attribute to Passive Tree is inevitable. Currently, improvements to armor and evasion are largely limited by the inability to increase health, and energy shields will always dominate. Therefore, I think adding a healthy attribute to Passive Tree is crucial and a necessary condition for building an effective and balanced defensive system.

Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0 Return of Ancients is more than just an ordinary league update; it carries the long-awaited expectations of players. Whether this update can take a substantial step forward will directly affect the future direction of the game.