Grinding Gear Games recently dropped the official teaser for Path of Exile 2’s upcoming 0.5 update, titled “Return of the Ancients”. The short preview has sparked massive discussion across the game’s global community. Fans are eager to figure out the POE 2 Currency most anticipated question: will this major patch bring a brand-new playable character class?

Following multiple iterative updates after PoE 2’s early access launch, players have long waited for expanded class rosters. Existing starting classes have been fully explored, making new class additions the top expectation for the 0.5 patch.

Community Speculation on Potential New Classes

Most community theories center on the Duelist as the most probable new class. Multiple data-mined game assets and developer hints point to sword-focused gameplay reworks tailored for this classic archetype. Duelist has remained one of the most anticipated missing classes since PoE 2’s launch.

Aside from the Duelist, minor speculation surrounds the Templar and Gladiator ascendancy variants. Some leak materials suggest hybrid attack and spell mechanics that match Templar’s thematic positioning. However, supporting evidence for these candidates remains far less solid than the Duelist.

Official Hints and Contradictory Clues

Despite widespread fan guesses, GGG has not issued any explicit confirmation of a new playable class. Industry analysts note the 0.5 teaser focuses heavily on campaign expansions and endgame system overhauls rather than character showcases.

Traditionally, Grinding Gear Games heavily promotes new classes with dedicated character footage in official teasers. The lack of hero-focused visuals in this preview implies the 0.5 update may prioritize content expansion instead of class additions.

What Players Can Truly Expect

Current credible information indicates the 0.5 update will officially finalize Act 5 of the campaign and optimize core endgame loops. Balance adjustments for existing ascendancies and weapon systems are also guaranteed.
While a full new class is unconfirmed, updated ascendancy options for existing classes are highly likely. The rumored Arcane Archer ranger ascendancy may debut, bringing fresh hybrid combat styles for veteran players.

Final Verdict

To sum up, the Path of Exile 2 0.5 teaser fails to confirm a brand-new playable class. Though Duelist speculation dominates community discourse, official resources remain silent on class additions.

Players should treat new class content as tentative speculation rather than confirmed news. The upcoming patch will still deliver substantial gameplay upgrades, laying a buy POE 2 Currency solid foundation for future class expansions in subsequent PoE 2 updates.