Based on the latest announcements from Grinding Gear Games and current player data as of April 2026, here are the expected dates for the upcoming Path of Exile 2 major update:
Path of Exile 2: Patch 0.5.0
Likely Release Date: May 8, 2026 (or May 1st).
Announcement/Showcase: A full reveal livestream is scheduled for the end of April (specifically April 30, 2026).
Logic: GGG typically launches major patches on Fridays, about 1 to 1.5 weeks after their reveal stream. While a 4-month cycle usually points to April, developers previously indicated they needed extra time to polish the highly anticipated endgame rework.
Path of Exile 2: Patch 0.4.0 (The Last of the Druids)
End Date: Expected to conclude between April 27 and May 7, 2026.
Logic: Current leagues traditionally end a few days before the next major patch to allow for technical preparation and migration.
Note: Your characters and items will be migrated to the Standard/Hardcore Early Access league; there will be no character wipes.
What to Expect in 0.5.0
Endgame Overhaul: This is the primary focus of 0.5, addressing feedback regarding reward scaling and progression from the 0.4 launch.
New Class Potential: Strong speculation suggests the Duelist may debut, especially with the likely introduction of swords as a weapon class.
Campaign Progress: Some reports indicate Act 5 might be officially finalized and added in this update.
While the full reveal is officially scheduled for April 30, 2026, several key details and high-confidence leaks have already surfaced regarding the Path of Exile 2: Patch 0.5 update:
Confirmed Content
Total Endgame Rework: GGG has officially stated this is the primary focus of 0.5. It will address critical feedback from version 0.4, specifically regarding reward scaling, progression goals, and Atlas navigation.
New Endgame Questline: Expect new narrative arcs and bosses that integrate into the mapping system.
Fate of the Vaal Integration: Characters and items from the 0.4 league will migrate to a permanent Standard or Hardcore Early Access league (no wipes), and some Vaal mechanics may be integrated into the core game.
Highly Likely Leaks & Teasers
Duelist Class & Swords: Data mining has uncovered detailed stats for one-handed and two-handed swords. Since swords require a Strength/Dexterity hybrid, the Duelist class is expected to debut alongside them in this patch.
New Ascendancies: Several new classes have been teased, including the Wildspeaker (for Huntress) and Arcane Archer (for Ranger).
Delve Mechanics: Hints in the current game files point to an abandoned mining encampment featuring Nico (the Delve NPC). This suggests Delve may return as an alternative infinitely-scaling endgame system.
Act 5 Arrival: To keep on track for a potential 2026/2027 full release, many anticipate Act 5 will be added to the campaign in this update.
Quality of Life (QoL) Expectations
Stash Improvements: A long-requested search and sort function for stash tabs.
Visual Clarity: Adjustments to graphics transparency for spell and attack effects to improve visibility during intense combat.
Reforging: Potential for bulk reforge capabilities and auto-transferring items to inventory.
