When Grinding Gear Games kicked off their Secrets of the Atlas livestream, they didn’t start with a cinematic trailer or PR-heavy speech. Instead, Jonathan Rogers opened with this:
“Now we had some struggles as a studio for a little while there, but we got our shit together, and we are back in action now.”
No pretense. No fluff. Just honesty. Frankly, it was refreshing. For a studio known for its hardcore fanbase and complex systems, this kind of transparency feels like a breath of fresh air. But it also raises a bigger question:
Can Path of Exile 1 still surprise us and earn back the excitement of its veteran community?
Let’s look at what’s in the new update, and whether it signals a true comeback or just a temporary boost of hype.
A League with Teeth: Mercenaries of Trarthus
The upcoming league launches June 13, and it’s not just another “kill mobs, get loot” formula. Mercenaries of Trarthus introduces hireable companions with distinct combat abilities, essentially letting you build a mini-army. This adds tactical depth and variety while still delivering that sweet league-based progression loop fans crave.
The league also introduces new rewards and crafting systems tied into its core. This is something leagues often promise but rarely deliver in a way that stays relevant long-term. Whether this one will stick the landing is yet to be seen, but it definitely has potential.
Crafting and Customization, Reinvented
Secrets of the Atlas expands item crafting in big ways. We’re getting:
- Shaper’s and Elder’s Exalted Orbs, offering rare item enhancements with cosmic flair
- Memory Strands and Runegrafts, deepening customization routes
- Gold, now an actual spendable currency. I know, right?
- Recombinators and Tattoos, making their core game debut
For veteran players, these changes aren’t just exciting. They signal a willingness from GGG to challenge their own systems and evolve. That’s a big deal for a game built on complexity.
Revamped Betrayal and Persistent Kalguur
League content that felt stale or buried is getting a second wind. The Betrayal system has been overhauled: new access methods for the Mastermind, revamped veiled mods, and quality-of-life changes that make progression smoother and more meaningful.
Meanwhile, Settlers of Kalguur, once an optional side story, has been folded into the core game, complete with a permanent zone, Kingsmarch. It’s a signal that GGG is building more permanent content, not just disposable seasonal loops.
The Right Kind of Quality-of-Life
Every ARPG claims to listen to player feedback. PoE actually did something about it.
- Game pause for fullscreen interfaces
- Mini-inventory at the Map Device
- Quick-use currency buttons
- Splinter vacuuming (finally!)
- Improved vendor search and waypoint access
These aren’t minor tweaks. They’re features that actively remove friction from the core gameplay loop. And when you play PoE for hundreds of hours, friction matters.
The Bigger Picture: Stability, Finally
But maybe the biggest news wasn’t a feature. It was a promise.
Grinding Gear Games is committing to a four-month update cycle for both Path of Exile 1 and 2. The next PoE 2 league drops in August. PoE 1 follows in October. For a studio that’s had trouble sticking to a predictable cadence, this is a major statement.
If they follow through, it changes everything. From player retention to community trust.
So… Is This PoE’s Real Comeback?
All signs point to Secrets of the Atlas being more than just a patch. It’s a re-anchoring of Path of Exile 1 as a platform that still matters. Even as PoE 2 looms on the horizon. From league design to crafting systems to long-overdue quality-of-life changes, it’s clear GGG is not phoning it in.
Promises are easy to make in a livestream. Execution is what counts.
If Secrets of the Atlas delivers on even half of what it promises, then yes, Path of Exile 1 might still have some surprises left. And if GGG really has their “shit together,” then this update could be the start of a more stable, more player-focused future.
We’ll find out on June 13.
