The Return of the Ancestors event brings back one of Path of Exile’s most beloved league mechanics—Trial of the Ancestors—in a special three‑week mini‑league starting June 25 (PDT) and ending July 16 (PDT). This event merges the strategic autobattler gameplay of the Karui tournament with the wild, experimental Phrecian Ascendancy classes, creating one of the most chaotic and creative gameplay experiences PoE has offered in years.
What Is the Return of the Ancestors Event?
Return of the Ancestors is a temporary event based on the Mirage platform and available across PC and consoles, with Standard, Hardcore, SSF, and Ruthless variants. Characters created in this event are not voided, meaning they will migrate to their parent leagues afterward.
The event combines two major systems:
- Trial of the Ancestors (PoE 3.22) — an autobattler‑inspired tournament where you recruit Karui warriors and battle rival tribes.
- Phrecian Ascendancy Classes — 19 experimental ascendancies originally introduced in the Legacy of Phrecia event, replacing all standard ascendancies for the duration of this event.
Together, these systems create a fast‑paced, strategic, and highly replayable experience.
Event Dates & Rules
- Start: June 25, 2026, at 3 PM PDT
- End: July 16, 2026, at 3 PM PDT
- Not voided: Characters transfer to parent leagues after the event.
- Ascendancies: All standard ascendancies are replaced by 19 Phrecian classes (Reliquarian disabled).
- Atlas Idols: Not available during this event.
- Tattoos: Legacy Tattoos return, plus new Tattoos exclusive to this event.
How the Core Mechanic Works
1. Collect Silver Coins
Throughout Wraeclast, monsters drop Silver Coins, which grant access to the Karui Afterlife—the arena where the tournament takes place.
2. Enter the Karui Tournament
Inside the Afterlife, you assemble a team of warriors and face off against Karui tribes. Each match is a tactical battle where:
- You fight alongside AI‑controlled allies.
- You attempt to destroy the enemy totems.
- You defeat powerful chieftains for rewards.
This system is inspired by autobattlers and sports games, emphasizing positioning, team composition, and tactical decision‑making.
3. Earn Rewards
Winning matches grants:
- Tattoos (legacy + new exclusive ones)
- Unique PoE items returning specifically for this event
- New items added for the event
- General loot from tournament chests
A special example teased is the Forbidden Tattoo of the Ranger, which grants a random Ranger notable.
Phrecian Ascendancy Classes
The event replaces all standard ascendancies with 19 Phrecian classes, each offering unusual mechanics and build‑defining twists. These ascendancies were originally pitched as “whacky ideas that never made it off the brainstorm board,” making them perfect for a fun, experimental event.
Balance values remain the same as in the previous Phrecia event.
** be obtained from Kingsmarch shipping
- New Tattoos apply directly to Ascendancy Classes
- These new Tattoos are exclusive to Return of the Ancestors
This makes the event a unique opportunity to collect rare customization options.
Guaranteed Mystery Box Reward
Killing Kitava in Act 10 awards a Return of the Ancients Mystery Box, once per account. Additional kills do not grant more boxes.
Beginner’s Guide: How to Start & What to Focus On
1. Choose a Phrecian Ascendancy That Fits Your Playstyle
Because the event uses unusual ascendancies, your first step is choosing one that matches your preferred gameplay. Some ascendancies offer:
- High mobility
- Minion‑style gameplay
- Totem or spirit‑based mechanics
- Extreme damage scaling
- Unusual defensive layers
If you’re new, pick something straightforward—like a melee or spellcaster archetype—before experimenting with the more exotic classes.
2. Prioritize Silver Coins Early
Silver Coins are your entry ticket to the Karui Afterlife. The more you collect:
- The more tournaments you can run
- The more Tattoos you can earn
- The faster you can scale your character
Run dense zones and kill everything to maximize coin drops.
3. Build a Balanced Karui Team
Your team composition matters. Consider:
- Defenders to protect your totems
- Attackers to pressure the enemy
- Specialists with utility abilities
Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your build.
4. Learn Enemy Chieftain Abilities
Each Karui chieftain has unique mechanics. Understanding their strengths helps you:
- Position your team better
- Avoid dangerous abilities
- Focus on priority targets
This knowledge dramatically increases your win rate.
5. Use Tattoos Wisely
Tattoos can modify your passive tree or ascendancy in powerful ways. Because new Tattoos are exclusive to this event, consider:
- Saving the best ones for long‑term characters
- Planning your passive tree around Tattoo bonuses
- Experimenting with combinations you can’t normally access
6. Don’t Forget the Mystery Box
Make sure to complete the campaign and kill Kitava at least once to secure your free Mystery Box.
Conclusion
The Return of the Ancestors event is a rare chance to experience Path of Exile in a completely different way—combining autobattler strategy, experimental ascendancies, exclusive Tattoos, and a rewarding tournament system. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, this event offers fast progression, creative builds, and unique rewards that will carry over to your parent league.
