Path of Exile: Trial of the Ancestors

Core Expansion Features and Setting

This update transports players to the Karui afterlife, a distinct and atmospheric setting for new challenges. The central focus of the expansion is the introduction of the Trial of the Ancestors challenge league. Within this league, players engage in a series of tournaments against ten distinct tribes.

Success in these trials yields valuable new rewards, serving as the primary incentive for participation. The expansion is available across PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms.

What New Gameplay Mechanics Are Introduced?

Beyond the new league structure, the expansion significantly deepens the endgame experience through several key additions:

• Atlas Keystones: Sixteen new keystones have been added to the Atlas system, offering players new ways to customize and specialize their endgame map exploration and rewards.
• New Support Gems: Fourteen new support gems are introduced, providing fresh avenues for skill customization and build crafting.
• Ascendancy Reworks: Two of the game's core character specialization classes, the Guardian and the Chieftain, have received comprehensive reworks, altering their available skills and passive bonuses.

Furthermore, this update marks the return of a highly regarded past league mechanic, The Forbidden Sanctum, integrating its unique challenges and rewards back into the current game environment.

How Does This Expansion Enhance the Base Game?

This expansion provides a multi-faceted enhancement to the core game by layering new competitive content (the Trial of the Ancestors league) on top of significant mechanical depth increases. The introduction of new support gems and Atlas keystones directly impacts long-term character building and endgame strategy, while the Ascendancy reworks offer established players fresh perspectives on familiar classes.

What Content is Included in This Release?

The content package is focused on gameplay systems and challenges rather than new standalone story chapters. Key inclusions are:

• The Trial of the Ancestors challenge league.
• 16 new Atlas keystones.
• Reworked Guardian and Chieftain Ascendancy classes.
• 14 new support gems.
• The return of The Forbidden Sanctum league content.

As of this release, there are no listed separate DLCs, remakes, or remasters associated specifically with this expansion package.