Path of Exile 2 0.5 Patch Release Date and Next League Season Prediction
Path of Exile 2 continues to grow through Early Access, with each update adding major systems rather than small changes. New classes, league mechanics, and campaign improvements have steadily expanded the game, but as the Fate of the Vaal league moves into its later stages, many players are starting to look ahead.
The main questions right now are simple: When does the next PoE 2 league start in 2026? What will Update 0.5 include? And how close is the full 1.0 release? Based on update patterns, developer comments, and Early Access trends, here’s what we can reasonably expect from the PoE 2 0.5 update.
PoE 2 0.5 Update – What We Know So Far
Since Early Access began in December 2024, Grinding Gear Games has focused on delivering large, meaningful updates. Each patch has introduced either new classes, major gameplay systems, or campaign progress.
So far, the Huntress (0.2) and Druid (0.4) have been added, bringing the total class count to eight. Each league has also served as a testing phase for long-term systems like crafting, loot balance, and endgame pacing.
GGG no longer publishes strict roadmaps, but the studio still aims for a four-month league cycle, adjusting only when necessary to maintain quality.
PoE 2 0.5 Release Date – When Is the Next League
Here’s how updates have rolled out so far:
• 0.1 – December 6, 2024
• 0.2 – April 4, 2025
• 0.3 – August 29, 2025
• 0.4 – December 12, 2025
Although Update 0.3 took slightly longer than expected, the overall pattern still points to Update 0.5 launching in April 2026.
Fate of the Vaal League End
The Fate of the Vaal league is expected to end in late March or early April 2026. GGG typically starts a new league immediately after the previous one ends, so a smooth transition into 0.5 is likely.
Delaying the update further would disrupt GGG’s yearly schedule, especially the important December release window, which the studio has said is critical for player engagement. Because of this, April remains the most realistic launch window.
PoE 2 0.5 – New Class and League Content Predictions
Which Class Is Coming Next?
With eight classes currently available, four are still missing:
• Duelist
• Templar
• Shadow
• Marauder
GGG has stated that launching 1.0 with all twelve classes is no longer required. Instead, the focus is on completing the campaign and improving the endgame.
That said, the Duelist is the strongest candidate for Update 0.5:
• GGG has mentioned sword combat readiness as a key milestone
• A strength/dexterity hybrid would fit well with current systems
• Melee improvements in PoE 2 strongly support a Duelist release
The remaining classes may arrive later in 2026 or even after 1.0 launches.
As seen with the Druid, each new class in PoE 2 is a major addition, often introducing multiple playstyles and unique mechanics rather than a simple archetype.
Possible League Mechanics in Update 0.5
Several league mechanics are commonly discussed within the community:
Delve (Reworked)
A redesigned Delve system is widely expected. Endless depth progression focused on survival and resource management would add variety to PoE 2’s current endgame and slow things down compared to fast mapping.
Blight
A revised Blight league could bring true tower defense gameplay along with deeper crafting options, especially as Abyss becomes less central to progression.
Legion or Harbinger
Both are popular choices:
• Legion offers large-scale battles and strong loot rewards
• Harbinger adds shard-based progression and map-altering effects
Trial of the Ancestors
Some players believe a reworked Tota system could return as a new way to progress or ascend characters, possibly tied to a new class.
No matter which mechanic is chosen, it will likely launch alongside balance changes and crafting updates.
New Acts and Endgame Improvements
Update 0.5 is also expected to move the campaign forward. Acts 5 and 6 are widely believed to replace the current interlude content, creating a smoother and more complete story experience.
More importantly, the endgame rework that was delayed from 0.4 is now one of the top expectations for 0.5. This rework is expected to improve:
• Mapping progression
• Boss variety and challenge
• Long-term reward systems
For many players, these endgame improvements matter even more than new classes.
What’s Next for Path of Exile 2 in 2026
As PoE 2 moves closer to full release, several major features are still planned:
• Remaining base classes added over time
• More ascendancy options
• Completion of the full campaign
• A fully reworked endgame system
• Continued balance, crafting, and trade improvements
PoE 2 1.0 Release Window
While there was once hope for a March 2026 release, current expectations now lean toward mid-to-late 2026, possibly around August. GGG has made it clear that quality matters more than hitting a specific date.
Launching 1.0 with fewer than twelve classes is now considered acceptable, with additional classes planned for post-launch updates.
Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2 still has a long road ahead, but momentum is clearly building. With new campaign acts, a possible new class, and major endgame improvements expected, Update 0.5 in April 2026 could be one of the most important patches yet. Making thorough preparations and accumulating more PoE 2 currency and items will help you gain an advantage over other players in the new season.
As always, final details will come from official announcements and patch notes. Until then, PoE 2 players can expect steady progress as the game moves closer to its full 1.0 release.
MMOexp POE 2 Team