Season Watch· 6 min read
PoE 2 'Return of the Ancients' (0.5.0): Currency Strategy for the Final EA League
By the GameVault Deals editorial team
Independent buyer guidance · Reviewed for accuracy
Return of the Ancients (patch 0.5.0) launched May 29, 2026 with an endgame overhaul, two new Ascendancies and the Runes of Aldur mechanic — and it carries a unique distinction: it's the final league of Early Access, with the league ending October 4, 2026 and PoE 2's full 1.0 release coming after. That 'last league' status changes how you should think about currency.
Where the league economy stands
We're roughly seven weeks into a four-plus-month league — firmly in the mature-economy phase. In practical terms: Exalted Orb supply is deep and cheap, and the Divine-to-Exalt ratio is climbing as more players hit the crafting endgame, exactly the late-league pattern our currency guide describes. Buyers gearing a build get more for their money now than at any earlier point of the league.
The 'final league' rule: buy to use, not to hoard
That isn't a reason to avoid buying — it's a reason to buy with a plan. If orbs will let you finish the build you're enjoying, test the new Ascendancies properly or push the overhauled endgame before October, that's exactly what league currency is for. What doesn't make sense is buying beyond what you'll actually use before league end.
Currency strategy for the rest of the league
What to buy in Return of the Ancients, by goal
| Your goal | Buy | Why now |
|---|---|---|
| Finish gearing a mapping build | Exalted Orbs in bulk | Deep supply, mature-league prices |
| Perfect endgame items | Divine Orbs | Ratio climbs as league ages — earlier beats later |
| Try the new Ascendancies | Small mixed bundle | Cheap respec into the overhauled endgame |
| Prepare for 1.0 | Nothing — save your money | 1.0 starts fresh; spend there instead |
Grind vs. Buy Calculator — Path of Exile 2
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Return of the Ancients end?
The league is scheduled to end October 4, 2026. It's the final league of Early Access — the next major release after 0.5.0 is Path of Exile 2's full 1.0 launch.
Will my currency carry into PoE 2 1.0?
League content moves to the permanent realm at league end, but 1.0's launch economies will effectively start fresh. Treat this league's currency as fuel for this league — buy what you'll use before October.
Is it too late in the league to buy currency?
No — mid-to-late league is when buyers get the best rates, especially on Exalts. With over two months left, there's plenty of league to enjoy what you buy.