After nearly a year of anticipation and behind-the-scenes development, POE2 Currency is finally stepping back into the spotlight with the launch of version 3.26 — a milestone that reaffirms Grinding Gear Games' (GGG) commitment to dominating the action RPG space. While newer contenders like Diablo 4 and Last Epoch have gained ground and introduced fresh mechanics, Path of Exile (PoE) remains an unshakable force in the genre — not just because of its depth, but due to GGG’s relentless drive to reinvent and refine its already massive systems.

Now, with Path of Exile 2 early access finally stable and public excitement reignited, GGG is rolling out a game-changing update: Secrets of the Atlas, a complete overhaul of the endgame mapping system, coupled with the brand-new challenge league, Mercenaries of Trarthus. For veterans and newcomers alike, this update marks one of the most substantial and ambitious chapters in PoE’s storied evolution.

A Decade of ARPG Dominance

To understand the weight of this moment, it’s important to recognize where Path of Exile stands in the genre. Launched over a decade ago as a free-to-play alternative to Blizzard’s Diablo franchise, PoE quickly evolved from a niche hardcore experience into one of the most intricate and respected ARPGs in the world. Its massive passive skill tree, deep crafting systems, and commitment to challenging content have earned it a fiercely loyal player base.

While Path of Exile 2 was first announced back in 2019, development has been slow and deliberate. Instead of rushing the sequel, GGG took the unusual route of building PoE 2 as an expansion to the original — one client, two interconnected games. Over time, however, as PoE 2 has taken shape with its own classes, engine upgrades, and campaign, it's become clear that GGG’s ambitions are far larger than anyone expected.

The State of Path of Exile in 2025

2024 saw Diablo 4 hit its stride with significant updates and seasonal content, while Last Epoch pushed forward with innovations in crafting and build customization. But for many ARPG fans, Path of Exile remained the gold standard, even if it had taken something of a backseat while PoE 2 was in early testing. The 3.26 update changes that entirely. It’s a declaration: PoE is not just alive — it’s evolving again.

With early access for Path of Exile 2 now stable and set to run alongside the original game, GGG is using this moment to give longtime players a refreshed experience in the original game world, while paving the way for PoE 2 to shine on its own terms.

Secrets of the Atlas: A Bold Endgame Overhaul

At the heart of the 3.26 update is the Secrets of the Atlas expansion — a sweeping reimagining of the game's endgame system. Longtime players will recognize the Atlas as the sprawling map-based content system that players unlock after completing the campaign. It's here that PoE becomes its most complex and rewarding, as players manipulate map tiers, socket Watchstones, and interact with mysterious endgame bosses.

Secrets of the Atlas takes this system to a whole new level. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Map Chains and Dynamic Progression

The new update introduces a system of "Map Chains," which allow players to create thematic and mechanical links between specific maps. This means players can now build custom sequences that influence loot types, monster behavior, and even narrative elements. These chains encourage long-term planning and give veterans greater control over the endgame loop.

2. Pinnacle Bosses Return — With a Twist

GGG has reworked many of the game's hardest encounters. New Pinnacle Bosses tied to the secrets of the Atlas bring unique fight mechanics, story developments, and exclusive loot. These bosses are designed to test even the most optimized builds and offer an endgame goal that’s both punishing and incredibly rewarding.

3. Expanded Crafting Options

Crafting in PoE has always been a complex dance of currency, orbs, and luck. With Secrets of the Atlas, GGG introduces new Artisan’s Relics — modifiers that allow players to infuse entire map chains with crafting properties. These relics can boost the chance of finding specific base items or even increase the odds of rare affix combinations. This bridges the gap between mapping and crafting in a way that feels more cohesive and deliberate.

Mercenaries of Trarthus: A Fresh Take on Challenge Leagues

Every few months, GGG launches a new challenge league — temporary game worlds with unique mechanics that eventually roll into the core game if they prove successful. With 3.26, that league is Mercenaries of Trarthus, and it may be one of the most narratively driven leagues to date.

A World of Contracts and Betrayals

Set in the gritty underworld of Trarthus, a mercenary-led city-state on the edge of Wraeclast, this league centers around taking on procedurally generated contracts for various mercenary factions. These contracts range from assassinations and sabotage to high-risk heists and territory control.

Each faction offers unique mechanics and modifiers. Aligning with one faction may grant you access to their special resources — like unique currency types or passive tree enhancements — but will antagonize their rivals. Players are encouraged to navigate this web of allegiances carefully, as betraying or siding with the wrong mercenaries can result in escalating threats and rare endgame encounters.

League Mechanics and Rewards

Faction Buffs: Each mercenary group grants bonuses like faster movement, bonus item quantity, or rare map drops.

Contract Mastery Tree: Similar to the Atlas Passive Tree, players can now invest into nodes that empower their interactions with different factions.

Legendary Mercenary Equipment: Players can earn faction-themed items that grow in power the more aligned they become with their chosen group.

How It All Ties into PoE 2

Though Secrets of the Atlas and Mercenaries of Trarthus are technically for the original Path of Exile, they feed directly into the larger vision of PoE 2. The systems and tech being tested here — particularly the dynamic map chains and faction-based narrative elements — are building blocks for what GGG is preparing in the sequel.

Moreover, with the early access version of PoE 2 now featuring the new seven-class system, overhauled visuals, and redesigned skill gem mechanics, it’s clear that GGG sees both titles as complementary. PoE 1 remains the high-speed sandbox for legacy players, while PoE 2 offers a more modern, curated campaign and progression experience.

Looking Ahead: GGG's Vision for the Future

Path of Exile 3.26 is not just an update — it’s a promise that the franchise is far from finished. With Secrets of the Atlas, GGG shows that even after ten years, it can still surprise its most die-hard fans. The new systems are dense without being overwhelming, rewarding without sacrificing difficulty, and synergistic with PoE’s famously deep builds.

Path of Exile 2, meanwhile, remains on the horizon with a full release expected in 2025. But what’s increasingly clear is that GGG isn't just trying to replace PoE 1 — it’s building a universe in which both games can thrive and feed into each other.

Final Thoughts

In a genre where innovation often means sacrificing complexity for accessibility, Path of Exile continues to do what few games dare — it embraces depth. With 3.26: Secrets of the Atlas and Mercenaries of Trarthus, Grinding Gear Games has delivered yet another masterclass in how to evolve a game without abandoning its core identity.

Whether you’re a returning veteran, a Path of Exile 2 Currency for sale early access player, or a curious newcomer looking to dive into the deepest ARPG experience available, there’s never been a better time to re-enter Wraeclast. The secrets of the Atlas await — and they’re deadlier, richer, and more rewarding than ever.