Path of Exile Return of the Ancestors Guide

The Return of the Ancestors event is finally here, and as someone who spent countless hours grinding the original Trial of the Ancestors league, I can honestly say this is one of the most exciting temporary events Path of Exile 1 has seen in years. It is not just a nostalgic throwback. It is a chance to experience one of the game's most creative mechanics again while possibly getting a preview of ideas that could influence the future of the franchise.

In this Path of Exile 1 Return of the Ancestors Overview, we will cover how the event works, why it matters, the basics of Trial of the Ancestors, troop management, Favor, rewards, and practical tips that can help both new and returning players succeed.

What Is Return of the Ancestors?

Return of the Ancestors is a limited time event that revives the popular Trial of the Ancestors system first introduced in Path of Exile 3.22. Instead of focusing purely on clearing maps or defeating bosses, players participate in tactical tournaments where victory depends on destroying enemy totems.

The event lasts only a few weeks, making every match and every decision more meaningful. You have limited time to climb the rankings, unlock rewards, and master one of the most unique mechanics ever added to Path of Exile 1.

For many veterans, this event brings back fond memories. For newcomers, it offers a completely different way to experience the game.

Why This Event Is Important

Many players believe Return of the Ancestors is more than a simple rerun.

Grinding Gear Games has often used Path of Exile 1 as a testing ground before bringing successful ideas into future content. Because Path of Exile 2 already includes multiple trial systems, many fans suspect that Trial of the Ancestors could eventually become another form of Ascendancy challenge.

Even if that never happens, the event provides a refreshing break from traditional mapping and introduces gameplay that rewards strategy just as much as character power.

How Trial of the Ancestors Works

At first glance, Trial of the Ancestors may look like a large arena battle, but the objective is surprisingly simple.

You are not trying to kill every enemy.

Instead, your goal is to destroy every opposing Ancestral Totem before your own side is eliminated.

Each enemy warrior is linked to a totem and can continue returning to battle until that totem falls. Because of this, smart positioning and objective control matter far more than chasing kills.

This simple concept creates deep tactical gameplay that feels different from almost every other activity in Path of Exile.

Understanding Favor

One of the key systems in this Path of Exile 1 Return of the Ancestors Overview is Favor.

Favor acts as a special tournament resource earned through victories and match rewards. You can spend it to recruit stronger warriors, unlock new options, and strengthen your team.

New players often spend Favor on temporary supplies, but experienced competitors usually invest in better units instead. Building a stronger roster early makes future matches significantly easier.

In most situations, long term investment beats short term convenience.

Choosing the Right Troops

Success depends heavily on assembling a balanced team.

Attackers lead the charge and pressure enemy warriors on the front line.

Escorts protect valuable allies and help maintain battlefield momentum.

Flankers bypass direct combat and focus on destroying enemy totems. These units are often the stars of successful tournament runs because mobility wins games.

Defenders stay behind to guard your own objectives and stop surprise attacks.

From years of playing Path of Exile, I have found that prioritizing effective flankers creates far more opportunities than stacking extra defensive units. Once enemy totems begin falling, momentum shifts quickly in your favor.

Winning Battles Requires Patience

One mistake almost every new player makes is rushing directly into enemy territory.

That usually ends badly.

Channeling on enemy totems leaves your character vulnerable, and incoming attacks can interrupt your progress while exposing you to heavy damage. Even strong builds can fail if they ignore battlefield positioning.

A smarter approach is to observe the map, respond to enemy pushes, and wait for opportunities when opponents are distracted or temporarily eliminated.

As battles continue, defeated enemies remain unavailable for longer periods, making the late stages the safest time to launch decisive attacks.

Learn the Ancestors Before Challenging Them

Each ancestor leader has unique abilities and combat styles.

Some specialize in aggressive offense while others excel at defense or disruption. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses helps you decide which tournament paths to pursue and which matchups to avoid.

Veteran players often choose opponents based on mechanics rather than rewards alone because avoiding difficult encounters increases consistency over multiple rounds.

Knowledge is often as valuable as gear.

Event Rewards and Progression

Return of the Ancestors offers meaningful rewards for players who invest time into mastering its systems.

Tournament victories can provide valuable loot, progression materials, and opportunities to strengthen your character throughout the event. Certain rewards become especially desirable early when supply remains limited across the player base.

Players preparing expensive crafting projects or multiple builds may also choose to acquire additional PoE currency through established marketplaces. If you explore that route, PvPBank is one option familiar to many members of the community.

Final Thoughts

Looking back over every major league mechanic, Trial of the Ancestors remains one of the most refreshing additions Grinding Gear Games has ever introduced. It rewards planning instead of reckless aggression and gives players a strategic challenge that feels completely different from normal gameplay.

This Path of Exile 1 Return of the Ancestors Overview should give you a solid foundation before entering your first tournament. Focus on building strong flankers, spend Favor wisely, protect your own totems, and remember that patience often wins more matches than raw damage.

If you embrace the strategy behind the mode instead of treating it like another combat encounter, you will likely discover why so many veteran players were excited to see its return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Path of Exile 1 Return of the Ancestors?

It is a limited time event that brings back the Trial of the Ancestors tournament system, where players command teams of warriors and compete by destroying enemy Ancestral Totems.

How do you win in Trial of the Ancestors?

The objective is to destroy every enemy totem. Eliminating enemy warriors helps create openings, but destroying totems is what determines victory.

What is Favor used for?

Favor is a tournament resource that allows players to recruit warriors and strengthen their team for future matches.

Which troop type is most important?

Many experienced players value Flankers highly because they can bypass enemy defenses and quickly destroy totems, often deciding matches.

Is Return of the Ancestors beginner friendly?

Yes. While mastering strategy takes practice, the core objective is easy to understand, making it accessible for both new and veteran players.

Could Trial of the Ancestors return in the future?

Many players believe the mechanic could influence future trial systems, especially with ongoing development across the Path of Exile franchise, but no official confirmation has been made.