A major new expansion is heading to Path of Exile on June 13. Titled Secrets of the Atlas, the free update brings a brand-new endgame storyline, three deadly Pinnacle Bosses, a new challenge league, and a complete overhaul of the Betrayal system. Alongside those headline features, Grinding Gear Games is introducing deeper item crafting, party-based mercenaries, and a wide range of quality-of-life improvements.
This is the first update in a new four-month expansion cadence for Path of Exile, running in tandem with Path of Exile 2. The 3.26 update arrives now, with 3.27 planned for October.
A New Atlas Beckons
The expansion sees players join Eagon in pursuit of Zana, a fan-favourite character who returns to guide players through the dreamlike Threads of Consciousness. Each memory-twisted area unlocks new gameplay modifiers and threats, revealing a hidden narrative beneath the fabric of the Atlas itself.
To reach the new pinnacle bosses, players must first defeat powerful new Guardians. These endgame encounters offer a true test of skill and reward players with exclusive loot.
Loot and Systems Reimagined
Memory-Influenced Maps are a standout addition, mutating maps with Zana’s fractured memories and allowing new degrees of control over modifiers and encounters. Memory Strands act as a new crafting tool, bolstering items while interacting with other systems for deeper builds.
Runegrafting also makes its debut, giving players the option to replace passive mastery nodes with powerful new effects drawn from endgame rewards.
Mercenaries of Trarthus League
This league introduces hireable Mercenaries with randomized stats and abilities, adding a party dynamic to combat. Mercenaries can be brought into maps to boost both monster difficulty and loot yield, and can be customized and upgraded as you progress.
You’ll find 40 optional challenges tied to this league, with cosmetic rewards that can also carry over into Path of Exile 2.
Streamlined Betrayal and Settler Content
The Betrayal system has received a major rework. The Syndicate no longer resets, rewards are rebalanced, and Mastermind access is now tied to new fragments. Veiled Chaos Orbs return, and Allflame Embers create new opportunities for Atlas progression.
Settlers and Kingsmarch services are now core to the experience, available right at the start of endgame. There’s no more town building—just immediate access to crafting and service benefits.
Even More Quality-of-Life Updates
- Unveil items from anywhere
- Improved marketplace filters and inventory UX
- Condensed HUD tracking
- Vanity item sourcing info shown in tooltips
- Performance optimizations and smoother map transitions
Launch and Availability
Path of Exile: Secrets of the Atlas launches on June 13. The expansion will be available to all players at no additional cost via Steam.
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