Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame introduces ocean floor exploration, upgrades to Abyss and Legion leagues, Atlas anomalies, returning features like Mercenaries of Trarthus, and a fresh Scion Ascendancy called 'The Reliquarian'.
Introduction to Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame
Curse of the Allflame expands Path of Exile with ocean floor exploration and revised league mechanics. Notable additions include upgrades to Abyss and Legion leagues, Atlas anomalies affecting endgame mapping, and the return of the Mercenaries of Trarthus feature. The Scion receives a new Ascendancy, 'The Reliquarian', bringing unique gameplay options centered on ally-focused strategies.
Abyss League Upgrades
The Abyss league has undergone significant reworks to improve gameplay flow and rewards. Abyss cracks now remain stationary, eliminating the need for backtracking during encounters. Players will find the pits already open and spilling forth abyssal energy, subjugating nearby foes. Slaying these enemies sends their souls into the pit, triggering the emergence of stronger abyssal legions. Abyss is now the exclusive source of Abyssal Jewels and Stygian Vises, and the league introduces a new endgame pinnacle boss with unique mechanics. Players can also expect refreshed Abyssal Scarabs and Atlas passive tree options.
A player approaches an abyssal pit emitting glowing visual effects. — Path of Exile
Legion League Improvements
Legion League introduces Vestigial Unique Items as a new reward type, replacing Incubators. Generals now drop Enshrouding Crystals, which players can use to transfer powerful modifiers between unique items via interaction in the revamped Domain of Timeless Conflict. The mechanic no longer requires players to clear every single monster, simplifying the start of encounters. Additional changes include stacking splinters, removed timeless emblem variants, and altered reward systems. These improvements aim to modernize Legion and make its exclusive rewards more enticing.
A character observes an enshrouded item being transformed within the Domain of Timeless Conflict. — Path of Exile
Ocean Floor Exploration and the Sovereign
This new exploration mechanic revolves around uncovering treasures hidden in the ocean depths while avoiding being crushed by the water above. Players will use Charts to guide the ship called 'The Sovereign' to specific underwater locations. These areas are explored using a bathysphere equipped with Allflame Lanterns that create safe zones. Lanterns keep water and creatures at bay, and their power is finite, forcing strategic placement. Valuable treasures, Dead Man’s Sulphur for crafting, and unique marine rewards like coral-growths await adventurers who venture into Wraeclast’s oceans.
The bathysphere rests on a rocky ocean floor, surrounded by aquatic plants. — Path of Exile
The Return of Mercenaries of Trarthus
The Mercenaries of Trarthus return in Act III, bringing duels and allies into the game. Players can wager gold for gear carried by mercenaries before engaging in combat. Winning duels rewards players with spoils, and victors can secure a Trarthan Mercenary as an ally for several zones. Scion’s new Ascendancy, 'The Reliquarian', allows permanently hiring up to three mercenaries, enabling customized builds and enhanced team synergy. The feature also integrates into the Atlas Tree and introduces new unique items through Scarabs.
Introduction of the Reliquarian Ascendancy Class for Scion
Curse of the Allflame introduces 'The Reliquarian', a new Ascendancy class for the Scion that creates a synergy between the player and their mercenary allies. Reliquarian passives enable permanent hiring of mercenaries, customizable gear options, and unique aura enhancements. Some passives focus on empowering or protecting the mercenary, while others enhance the combat effectiveness of the Scion.
Atlas Anomalies
New Atlas anomalies, connected to Voidstones, add variety to mapping. These randomly spawned anomalies include unique locations such as the Manor Foyer, strongboxes with unusual mechanisms, and temporary access to special league mechanics like Heist or Sacred Grove. Anomalies are exempt from Atlas passive tree and fragment modifications, allowing more freedom in their exploration at any time. Each anomaly is tied to specific quadrants on the Atlas, offering diverse endgame content.
The game's Atlas interface displays map nodes, including 'The Manor Foyer' with traversal options. — Path of Exile
Crafting Enhancements in Curse of the Allflame
Crafting in Curse of the Allflame includes expanded options. Dead Man’s Sulphur can now power crafting devices on 'The Sovereign', allowing players to preview multiple crafting outcomes. Vesper, a spectral NPC on the ship, facilitates crafting by splitting items into ghostly forms for players to select their preferred modification. Rare Ducats provide access to unique crafting mechanics, such as creating split crafting bases or altering item attributes. Additionally, socket color restrictions have been removed, allowing any gem to be placed in any socket. Colored sockets now provide additional bonuses when matched.
FAQ
FAQ
What is new in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame?
Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame introduces ocean floor exploration, Abyss and Legion updates, new Atlas anomalies, the return of Mercenaries of Trarthus, and the Scion's new Ascendancy class, 'The Reliquarian'.
Are there any updates to Abyss and Legion in Curse of the Allflame?
Yes, Abyss cracks have been redesigned to improve gameplay flow, and a new pinnacle boss has been added. Legion league introduces Vestigial Unique Items and Enshrouding Crystals for item crafting, alongside general quality-of-life improvements for encounters.
What is the new Ascendancy Class introduced in Curse of the Allflame?
The new Ascendancy class for Scion is called 'The Reliquarian'. It focuses on permanently hiring and enhancing mercenary allies, enabling flexible builds and gameplay strategies.
How does the ocean floor exploration work in Path of Exile Curse of the Allflame?
Players use Charts to guide 'The Sovereign' to treasure-laden locations on the ocean floor. Exploration is conducted using a bathysphere and Allflame Lanterns to create temporary safe zones and avoid drowning or monster attacks.
What are Atlas anomalies in the Curse of the Allflame expansion for Path of Exile?
Atlas anomalies are unique areas tied to Voidstones, offering special rewards and unique encounters. They are unaffected by Atlas passive tree or map fragment modifications and provide access to league mechanics without full investment.
What are the changes to Path of Exile's crafting systems introduced in Curse of the Allflame?
Curse of the Allflame adds crafting enhancements powered by Dead Man’s Sulphur and Ducats, allowing for advanced item modifications and previews of multiple outcomes before selection. Socket colors no longer restrict gem placement, but provide quality bonuses when matched.
Sources
Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.
- Path of Exile 1: Curse of the Allflame Content Reveal — Path of Exile, July 16, 2026
Checked against:
- Path of Exile 1 Build Showcase: Spinning Magma Saboteur — Natalia_GGG, 2026-08-18
- 3.29 Reliquarian Ascendancy Changes — blakej, 2026-07-15
- Patch Notes - Forum - Path of Exile — Path of Exile
