Path of Exile 2 is preparing for a major endgame overhaul as the Return of the Ancients update launches on May 29 PDT. The patch introduces major changes to Temple progression and Vaal mechanics while also bringing an end to the current Fate of the Vaal leagues.
Players currently active in the league will not lose their progress. Fate of the Vaal ends on May 25 PDT, and all characters and items will automatically migrate to Standard or Hardcore Early Access leagues. Grinding Gear Games confirmed there will be no wipes, allowing players to continue using their existing characters after the transition.
One of the biggest changes arriving with the update is Atziri’s Temple becoming a permanent feature in Path of Exile 2. Players will first encounter Vaal Beacons during Act Three. Activating six of them through encounters unlocks access to the Temple in the present timeline, while additional beacon encounters in “Doryani’s Contingency” unlock access to the Temple in the past.
The system expands further once players reach the endgame. Vaal Beacons can appear in maps, and Temple levels will now scale with the level of the area where crystals are collected. Running higher-tier maps will become essential for opening stronger Temple runs. A new Atlas region is also being introduced with guaranteed Vaal Beacon encounters in every map. Completing this region grants Temple Atlas Tree points, allowing players to unlock bonuses specifically tied to Temple content.
The update also changes Temple layouts and progression. Rooms can now reach Tier 4 through the Temple Atlas Tree, opening additional specialization options and creating more varied Temple structures. Reward Rooms are also receiving upgrades with stronger rewards and more unlockable variations.
Crafting is seeing changes as well. Vaal Infusers are being split into four separate currency items for armor, martial weapons, caster weapons, and jewelry, giving players more flexibility with item customization.
Grinding Gear Games is also adding some quality-of-life improvements, including an automatic crystal cap of 60 and a medallion cap of 6 for all players. With Temple systems becoming more integrated into endgame progression, Return of the Ancients looks set to reshape how Vaal content works in Path of Exile 2 when the update arrives later this month.
