Path of Exile 2’s 0.5.0 Is Its Last Early Access Update Before 1.0

Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that the upcoming 0.5.0 update for Path of Exile 2, titled Return of the Ancients, will be the last major content drop before the game exits early access and reaches version 1.0 in 2025. The studio’s director expressed a clear desire to complete the game, saying, “I want to get this game finished, I really, really do.” This statement reflects the growing pressure to deliver a polished product after a December 2024 early access launch that faced immediate scrutiny.

Return of the Ancients is set to be a significant endgame expansion. It will introduce new mechanics, enemies, and systems meant to lay the groundwork for the 1.0 release. According to GosuGamers’ announcement coverage, this update focuses on the endgame loop, an aspect that players have criticized since launch for feeling lacking compared to its predecessor, Path of Exile 1.

The game kicked off early access on December 6, 2024, priced at $29.99 on Steam. Currently, it holds a 73% positive rating across 122,799 reviews, earning a “Mixed” classification from Steam. This rating reflects a story: the game attracted significant interest initially but has struggled to maintain that goodwill. Right now, the number of concurrent players on Steam sits at 6,688. This figure shows the typical post-launch decline but also highlights ongoing frustrations evident in recent reviews.

A consistent complaint from the community isn’t about game mechanics; it’s about absent content that players feel is essential for an ARPG. As Comicbook.com’s preview of the 0.5.0 update points out, Return of the Ancients aims to fill the game’s structural gaps ahead of the full launch. However, the studio hasn’t provided a specific 1.0 release date, only saying it’ll come “later this year.”

Grinding Gear Games transformed Path of Exile 1 into one of the most acclaimed ARPGs through years of regular league updates. As we approach 1.0, the big question is whether the same commitment can be applied to a sequel that started with fewer features and has progressed slower than the community anticipated. Return of the Ancients is the studio’s chance to address these concerns before the full release countdown begins.

By The Numbers

Early Access Launch Date	December 6, 2024
Steam Price	$29.99
Steam Review Score	73% positive
Total Steam Reviews	122,799
Current Steam Players	6,688

Community frustration has centered around a clear complaint. One Steam reviewer stated: “ARPG with no swords or axes after this amount of time? C’mon…” Another added: “Game is being worked on at a snail’s pace, and constantly delayed. No swords or any type of melee weapon besides maces and spears is incomprehensible this long after ‘Early Access’ launch.” These reviews highlight a gap between the game’s current state and what players expect from the genre.

What To Watch

• Return of the Ancients release date: Grinding Gear Games hasn’t set a specific date for 0.5.0 yet. Keep an eye out for an official launch announcement, as the time between this update and 1.0 will be crucial for addressing remaining player concerns.
• Weapon class additions: The lack of swords, axes, and more melee options is the most prominent complaint in recent reviews. Whether Return of the Ancients or the 1.0 patch tackles this issue will indicate how the studio values player feedback.
• Steam review trajectory: With a 73% positive rating across 122,799 reviews, the game maintains a “Mixed” rating. A major content update before 1.0 could change that, but so could another perceived delay.