Path of Exile 2: How Delve and New Classes Could Redefine ARPG Progression

The anticipation surrounding Path of Exile 2 continues to intensify as players speculate about what the 0.5 update might introduce. Among the most compelling theories is the return of the iconic Delve league mechanic, alongside the long-requested arrival of the Duelist class, new sword-based combat systems, and additional ascendancy reworks that could significantly reshape endgame progression.

If these predictions prove accurate, version 0.5 may represent one of the most transformative updates in the game’s development cycle so far.

Delve: The Most Likely Returning League Mechanic

One of the strongest community theories is that Delve will be the centerpiece of the 0.5 expansion. In Path of Exile, Delve was one of the most beloved infinite scaling endgame systems, offering players a procedurally generated underground labyrinth filled with escalating danger and POE2 Currency.

In Path of Exile 2, evidence of Delve is already subtly embedded into the world design. When players reach Act 4 and step onto the Isle of Kin, they are not just entering a new zone—they are walking through the remnants of an abandoned mining operation that strongly resembles early Delve infrastructure.

Broken machinery scattered across the environment appears to match the Delve upgrade systems from the first game. Even the presence of a ruined teleporter and mining-themed checkpoint structures reinforces the idea that this location is directly tied to the system. Perhaps most intriguing of all is a cryptic note found in the area—voiced by Niko, the eccentric mining NPC from Path of Exile 1, whose obsession with the darkness beneath Wraeclast defined Delve’s identity.

These details strongly suggest that Delve is not forgotten lore—it is being actively seeded into the sequel’s worldbuilding.

Why Delve Fits the 0.5 Philosophy

If 0.5 is indeed focused on expanding progression systems, Delve fits perfectly into that vision.

Delve is unique because it offers:

An infinite scaling endgame

A parallel progression system separate from the Atlas

Deep resource-based crafting mechanics

A high-risk, high-reward gameplay loop centered on darkness exploration

Unlike traditional mapping systems, Delve creates an entirely different rhythm of play. Players are not just clearing fixed encounters—they are managing a descent into ever-increasing danger, balancing survival, light resources, and efficiency.

This makes it an ideal candidate for an update that aims to broaden player agency in how endgame content is approached.

The Duelist Theory: A Missing Archetype

Alongside Delve speculation, another major expectation for 0.5 is the introduction of a new class: the Duelist.

In the current class roster of Path of Exile 2, the strength-dexterity hybrid identity is noticeably incomplete. The Mercenary already covers one half of this spectrum, but the classic sword-and-board or agile melee archetype remains absent.

The Duelist has long been one of the most requested additions, and developer comments over time have only fueled speculation. The repeated acknowledgment that “it would be criminal not to include swords” has become a community meme—especially as sword weapon bases have reportedly already appeared in data-mined assets.

If swords are introduced in 0.5, the Duelist becomes almost inevitable.

Swords and the Return of True Melee Identity

The introduction of swords would not just be a cosmetic or item-level addition—it would fundamentally reshape combat pacing.

Datamined references suggest both one-handed and two-handed sword bases, which opens the door for a wide range of melee archetypes that are currently missing in Path of Exile 2.

This could include:

Strike-based melee skills for precise combat

Bleed-focused builds emphasizing damage-over-time synergy

Retaliation mechanics that reward reactive gameplay

Potential return of spin-style skills, such as Cyclone-inspired movement attacks

These additions would immediately attract a large segment of players who prefer fast, fluid melee gameplay—a style that has historically been a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity.

Ascendancies: Slayer, Gladiator, and Champion Reimagined

If the Duelist arrives, it would likely bring three ascendancy paths with it:

Slayer (offensive sustain and execution focus)

Gladiator (block, bleed, and dual-wield identity)

Champion (aura-based team utility and defensive scaling)

However, this is not Path of Exile 1, and expectations must be adjusted accordingly. The development direction of Path of Exile 2 has consistently emphasized reimagining systems rather than copying them directly.

This means these ascendancies could be:

Fully redesigned mechanically

Repositioned within new combat systems

Or replaced with entirely new identity frameworks built around modernized combat pacing

The core idea remains: Duelists would bring a complete melee philosophy that is currently missing from the game.

New Ascendancies for Existing Classes

Beyond new classes and weapons, 0.5 may also introduce missing ascendancy branches for several existing archetypes.

Currently, multiple classes are still awaiting their third ascendancy path, including:

Monk

Ranger

Huntress

Druid

This opens the door for significant build diversity expansion without needing entirely new classes.

Arcane Archer: A Radical Ranger Evolution

One of the most intriguing rumored additions is the Arcane Archer, believed to be the final ascendancy for the Ranger.

This concept fundamentally redefines what a Ranger can be.

Instead of relying purely on physical bow attacks, the Arcane Archer introduces a hybrid identity focused on:

Spell-infused projectiles

Hybrid attack-spell scaling

Magical arrow effects behave like spells

Flexible ranged combat that breaks traditional archetypes

In essence, it transforms the Ranger from a purely physical ranged class into something closer to a spellbow hybrid, capable of adapting to different encounter types dynamically.

This would significantly expand and build creativity and further blur the line between traditional class identities.

Expanding Progression Beyond Boundaries

The overarching theme connecting all of these theories is progression expansion.

Whether it is:

Delve’s infinite underground scaling

Duelist’s melee identity revival

Sword systems enabling new combat depth

Or hybrid ascendancies like Arcane Archer

Everything points toward a single design direction: greater freedom in how players progress and specialize their characters.

This aligns with the broader philosophy of Path of Exile 2, which aims to modernize systems while preserving the depth that defines the franchise.

Conclusion: A Potential Turning Point for PoE2

If the 0.5 update delivers even a portion of what is being speculated, it could mark a major turning point in the evolution of Path of Exile 2.

The return of Delve would satisfy long-time fans of infinite scaling content. The introduction of the Duelist and swords would restore a missing pillar of melee identity, cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency. And new ascendancies like Arcane Archer would push build diversity into entirely new territory.

Together, these systems would not just add content—they would redefine how players interact with progression, combat, and identity in the game’s evolving ecosystem.

Whether all of these features arrive in 0.5 or are distributed across future updates, one thing is clear: the foundation being laid suggests that Path of Exile 2 is moving toward one of the most ambitious ARPG progression systems ever designed.