Path of Exile 2 is preparing for one of its biggest updates yet.
Grinding Gear Games officially confirmed that the massive Return of the Ancients expansion launches on May 29, bringing a huge amount of new content alongside a free weekend event, free cosmetics, and a major 50% discount on the Early Access pack.
For both longtime ARPG fans and curious newcomers, this might be the best moment yet to jump into Path of Exile 2.
Free Weekend Starts May 29
The free weekend event begins on May 29 at 1:00 PM PDT and runs through June 1 at 1:00 PM PDT.
During this period, players on PC via Steam or Epic Games Store, as well as Xbox users, can access the game and experience the brand-new expansion content without purchasing Early Access.
That includes the new Runes of Aldur challenge league, updated endgame systems, reworked progression mechanics, and the latest gameplay improvements introduced with Return of the Ancients.
It’s a surprisingly generous move for a game that’s technically still in Early Access.
New Ascendancies And Endgame Overhaul
The Return of the Ancients expansion introduces two brand-new Ascendancy classes:
- Martial Artist
- Spirit Walker
Grinding Gear Games is also heavily reworking several of Path of Exile 2’s major systems.
The expansion includes:
- Expanded crafting systems
- Atlas Tree overhaul
- New Uniques
- Endgame improvements
- Quality-of-life upgrades
- Player experience adjustments
GGG has already released the full patch notes for players who want to dive deep into every mechanical detail before launch.
And based on the scale of the changes, this update feels much closer to a major relaunch than a standard content patch.
Free Cosmetics And Discord Rewards
Players participating during the event can also earn free cosmetics.
The new Runes of Aldur league includes eight challenges that reward pieces of the Knight of Aldur armor set alongside a special hideout totem decoration.
There’s also a smaller bonus reward available through Discord.
Anyone who plays at least 15 minutes of Path of Exile 2 during the event can unlock a new Avatar decoration tied to Discord integration.
50% Discount On Early Access Pack
Possibly the biggest surprise is the pricing promotion.
From May 29 through June 12, Grinding Gear Games will offer the Early Access Supporter Pack at a 50% discount.
The pack normally costs $29.99, but during the promotion players can grab it for half the price.
The package includes:
- Full Early Access access
- 150 in-game store points
That effectively allows players to try the free weekend first and then decide whether they want to commit at a discounted price afterward.
Path of Exile 2 Continues Building Momentum
Even in Early Access, Path of Exile 2 continues generating massive attention among ARPG fans.
Between the massive skill customization, darker visual tone, slower combat pacing, and constant system experimentation, the game has steadily positioned itself as one of the biggest upcoming competitors in the genre.
Return of the Ancients appears designed to push that momentum even further.
And with Diablo IV still struggling to fully satisfy some hardcore ARPG audiences, the timing honestly feels perfect.
The combination of free access, new content, free cosmetics, and a major discount may end up bringing a huge wave of new players into Wraeclast this weekend.
