Return of the Ancestors returns with Phrecian ascendancies

Grinding Gear Games has launched a limited-time Path of Exile event called Return of the Ancestors that merges the Trial of the Ancestors squad-combat mode with 19 Phrecian ascendancies. The event opens June 25 and runs through July 16. Players must create a new character to participate.

The Trial of the Ancestors is a tournament-style mode introduced in version 3.22 in which players recruit Karui warriors and arrange squads that fight automated matches against rival teams. Grinding Gear Games describes the Trial format as inspired by autobattlers and sports-style competition, with each match played without direct player control of the fighters.

The Phrecian ascendancies are alternate class upgrade options first introduced during the Legacy of Phrecia event earlier this year. For the duration of Return of the Ancestors, those 19 alternate ascendancies replace the standard ascendancy choices available to characters in the event league.

Phrecian Tattoos are tied to the Trial mechanic while the event is active. Tattoos will be offered as specific rewards from Trials rather than through Kingsmarch shipping. One highlighted reward, the Forbidden Tattoo of the Ranger, grants a random notable from a Ranger ascendancy and can be applied across classes. Grinding Gear Games has indicated similar tattoo options may appear for other ascendancies during the event.

The Reliquarian ascendancy from the ongoing Mirage league cannot be selected in the event because it has no Phrecian equivalent. Players may finish any remaining league challenges before joining Return of the Ancestors. Players who reach act ten of the campaign while participating will receive a Return of the Ancients Mystery Box that guarantees one unique prize and is limited to one per account.

Return of the Ancestors begins Thursday, June 25 at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. BST (Friday, June 26 at 12 a.m. CEST) and concludes on Thursday, July 16. Grinding Gear Games published an announcement blog with full details on rewards and mechanics for players who want to review the complete list of changes before creating a new character.