Grinding Gear Games is preparing to launch the "Return of the Ancients" update for Path of Exile 2, which introduces significant endgame changes. To celebrate the expansion, a free trial period will run from May 29 to June 1 across several major gaming platforms.

Building on a thirteen-year legacy in Wraeclast

Path of Exile 2 is attempting to capture the momentum of its predecessor,which has remained a staple on Steam for thirteen years.. Grinding Gear Games is currently utilizing the Early Access phase to refine a massive action RPG that features twelve distinct playable classes and a sprawling world filled with hundreds of unique monsters.

The sequel emphasizes both solo play and social engagement, allowing players to embark on the campaign alone or team up with up to five friends in six-player cooperative play. This level of depth is central to the developer's goal of maintaining the franchise's long-term engagement as it moves toward a polished 1.0 release.

New Ascendancy Classes and the 'Return of the Ancients' overhaul

The upcoming "Return of the Ancients" update is set to fundamentally change how players engage with the game's late-stage content. as the report states, the update will revamp the endgame into a more structured narrative with clearer progression, a move intended to appeal to players who prefer story-driven action RPGs.

Beyond these structural changes, the update introduces a brand-new League and additional Ascendancy Classes to expand the existing customization options. Grinding Gear Games is also incorporating numerous quality-of-life tweaks that were developed in direct response to community feedback received since the Early Access launch in late 2024.

A free trial window from May 29 to June 1

Players can experience the full game at no cost during a special free weekend starting May 29 at 4 PM ET. There are no playtime limits during this event, and according to the source, all progress made during the trial will be saved to the player's account for future sessions.

This free trial is accessible via the GGG launcher, Steam, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store, though the report notes that PlayStation 5 users are excluded from this specific promotion.. For those looking to commit , a 50% discount will be available across all supported platforms until June 12, or players can choose to purchase the Early Access supporter pack for fifteen dollars.

The $15 supporter pack and the 1.0 free-to-play transition

While the update promises significant improvements, several specific details remain unverified. The source does not clarify exactly how many new Ascendancy Classes are being added to the roster, nor does it provide specific details regarding the mechanics of the new League.

Furthermore, qusetions remain regarding the long-term value for current Early Access supporters. While the game will eventually become completely free-to-play upon the 1.0 launch, it is still unclear how the current $15 supporter pack or existing Early Access status will be recognized once the game moves to its permanent free model.