Recently, the official Korean account for Path of Exile 2 accidentally leaked an unmasked teaser image for Patch 0.5.0 on a video website, attracting widespread attention from players.
We all know that Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0: Return of Ancients will be released next month, but so far, apart from the two trailers released by GGG, we know almost nothing about Patch 0.5.0.
However, these two trailers, and the leaked teaser image, contain a wealth of information. Next, I will carefully analyze the existing information and offer my own speculations.
Atlas Rework
In PoE 2, after completing the main storyline and entering Endgame, players will arrive at a Vaal orb called Ziggurat Refuge, and from there, explore Atlas of Worlds (hereinafter referred to as Atlas) using Map Device. This is the main gameplay of Endgame phase.
In its original form, Atlas is an infinitely expanding, massive map composed of countless randomly generated map nodes. You can consume Waystones to enter any of these nodes, and the level of Waystones determines the level of monsters and the amount of rewards.
However, based on the first trailer released by GGG, they may completely overhaul Atlas in Patch 0.5.0 - potentially breaking away from the infinitely expanding map exploration mode and adding a more structured endgame narrative and mechanics.
This possibility has sparked differing opinions among players. Some believe that Atlas's core appeal lies in its infinite exploration, with randomly generated nodes providing high re-playability for the endgame. Changing this would reduce the game's enjoyment.
But many others support this reform, arguing that the original infinite Atlas easily leads to a feeling of "always grinding the same things, with no end in sight," becoming very boring after a long time. Making Atlas more directional might alleviate this boredom.
Expedition Changes
In the various maps of PoE 2 Atlas, four unique gameplay systems may appear, named: Breach, Expedition, Ritual, and Delirium. Participating in these gameplay systems will reward you with abundant Path of Exile 2 Currency, equipment, and various items.
Why am I mentioning this gameplay system? First, let's look at the second trailer released by GGG: the trailer shows a mysterious figure wielding a tuning fork and a dagger at his waist, surrounded by spider-like creatures with blue orbs embedded in their chests and covered in mysterious runes and inscriptions.
All these details point to Kalguuran, the core NPC group in Expedition gameplay system.
Therefore, based on this trailer, I have reason to speculate that Expedition in Patch 0.5.0 will receive a major change or new content. It might not just be adding a few new chests or monsters; the entire gameplay could be redesigned - perhaps even a new area boss, new mechanics, or new rewards.
Breach Rework
As I mentioned at the beginning, after GGG released the second trailer, the official Korean Path of Exile 2 account accidentally posted an unmasked preview image of Patch 0.5.0, which was quickly deleted after their staff discovered it.
However, loyal PoE 2 fans had already captured the image. They discovered that the main information in the image was a symbol, which belongs to Keepers of Flame League in PoE 1.
PoE 1 completely upgraded the original Breach system in Keepers of Flame League, including a new combat screen mode, new boss battles, a brand-new crafting system, and richer reward types.
Among the upgrades, the most noteworthy is the addition of an interesting feature to Breach system called Genesis Tree. This allows players to accumulate rewards during Rift Boss battles, acquiring various runes and Path of Exile 2 items all at once, perfect for players who enjoy taking on multiple bosses at once.
Furthermore, PoE 1 Breach system also introduced a variant of Clasped Hands: Breach Hives. Its gameplay involves clearing a defensive line composed of hostile factions to capture a protected final chest.
GGG has a history of porting PoE 1 elements to PoE 2, so I boldly speculate that they might directly integrate the more mature and in-depth Breach system from PoE 1 into PoE 2 in Patch 0.5.0.
If these features are indeed ported to PoE 2, the existing Breach mechanics will have more combat variations and reward methods, resulting in a richer variety of gameplay.
New Class
Regarding the mysterious figure wielding a tuning fork and a dagger in the second Patch 0.5.0 trailer for Path of Exile 2, some players don't believe it's Kalguuran, but rather a hint at a new class coming to PoE 2.
They speculate that the dagger on his belt might be a reference to Shadow - a class in PoE 1 characterized by daggers, claw weapons, high burst damage, and high mobility - that will appear in PoE 2.
Some veteran players feel that this figure doesn't resemble the lightly armored Shadow, but rather the fully armored, holy, and religiously significant Templar.
Templars excel with heavy weapons and can also cast holy magic. The character in the trailer wields a tuning fork that resembles a ritual implement - a heavy weapon with holy connotations. Therefore, many believe this hints at Templars being the next class to appear in PoE 2.
I believe that since the characters in the trailer are carrying daggers and wielding tuning forks, both Shadow and Templar are likely to be released in the future. As for which one will be released in Patch 0.5.0, that remains to be seen.
This concludes my speculation and analysis of the content of Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0: Return of Ancients based on the two trailers and one image. I hope you enjoyed it!
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