Guys, we now know more about Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0, but is it really as much as you think? With so much talk about the dazzling update, what are the highlights and shortcomings we should pay attention to? Let's find out.

Amazing Improvements

Two Convenient Features

Patch 0.5.0 includes a built-in build planning system, allowing players to directly mark equipment slots, preset skill tree paths, and plan when to acquire skill gems in the character panel, eliminating the need to frequently consult external documentation or third-party tools.

Simultaneously, a built-in price lookup tool replaces some third-party plugins, allowing players to price items directly in-game, ensuring price competitiveness in trades.

Both of these improvements significantly reduce the frequency with which players need to leave the game, truly focusing on the player experience and improving game smoothness - definitely a highlight.

Challenge System Launch

A series of challenge missions have been added to the game, rewarding players with a very cool armor set upon completion. This challenge not only encourages players to try gameplay styles they wouldn't normally encounter, but also provides a clear long-term goal for each league, further enhancing the game's replayability.

Endgame Content Completely Overhauled

As most players know, the endgame content in Patch 0.5.0 has been almost entirely reworked, adding a story-driven league mechanic and a static points of interest system.

Each league mechanic, such as Ritual and Breach, now has its own independent storyline, new NPCs, and new items. Static points of interest are now clearly marked on the map; progressing just four nodes from the center will lead to the first tower, unlocking a large dungeon castle rising from the ground.

Atlas skill tree introduces multi-choice nodes, requiring players to weigh whether to buff themselves or strengthen the boss for additional PoE 2 currency rewards. The three Atlas masters, Doryani, Jado, and Hilda, will each offer different gameplay options, such as extra resurrections or replacing rare monsters with map bosses. 

In addition, the map search function not only highlights target nodes but also allows direct jumps, and the contrast clarity is far superior to the earlier skill tree search.

Campaign Guidance Optimization

After completing the ritual at Hunting Grounds, a swarm of locusts will fly from the ritual point towards Freythorn, a subtle environmental cue that subtly guides the player's path. This guidance method will be further expanded in Act 5 and Act 6.

Sometimes players need these subtle optimizations to make PoE even more enjoyable.

Two New Ascendancy Classes

Martial Artist ascendancy in Monk grants a set of custom gloves and a new active channeling skill; Spirit Walker ascendancy in Huntress allows the taming of beast-type bosses. Meanwhile, there are indications that interacting with the new NPC Chayula may unlock a hidden ascendancy.

Highlights Worth Noting

Runes of Aldur League

The new league Runes of Aldur brings expanded expedition mechanics and a Uniques upgrade system. This league allows players to travel to the southern islands and introduces a complex crafting system.

One key feature is the ability to upgrade lower-tier Unique items to higher-tier ones, resolving the long-standing issue of many Uniques being unusable because of low base stats.

A Plethora of New Unique Gear

This update adds Heavy Belt Mageblood and spears like Ordained. It also includes a hammer that converts all fire damage to cold damage and alters skill visuals, and the classic Brutus' Lead Sprinkler makes a comeback.

Furthermore, the game adds over 20 new active skills that are usable across weapons.

Endgame Maps and New Bosses

Over 30 brand-new endgame map layouts have been added, boasting stunning visuals. Several new pinnacle bosses have also been added, and judging from the trailer clips, these boss battles appear to be extremely challenging.

Existing Issues

No New Classes or Swords

While two new ascendancy classes were added, players expecting a duelist class and swords were disappointed, and these players have indicated they will not return to the game in this update.

Too Many Socketables

The development team originally claimed that the socketables system was intended to replace the overly complex Crafting Bench, lowering the barrier to entry for new players.

However, the actual game added hundreds, even thousands, of socketables with different functions, each relying on drops and farming, and disappearing once embedded. This made the system more complex than the original Crafting Bench.

Also Read: Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients may be the Biggest Update Ever | Endgame Rework Finally Arrives

Unclear Balance Adjustments

Specific patch notes won't be released until May 21st, and we currently know very little about the balance adjustments that will be made.

The official Q&A stated that the gap between top-tier and average players is reasonable, for example, a boss fight taking 119 seconds versus 8 seconds. But is this 15-fold difference really acceptable? Hopefully, the final balance adjustments will narrow this gap.

Overall Complexity Out of Control

The overall complexity of PoE 2 Patch 0.5.0 has far exceeded expectations, posing a significant challenge for newcomers.

Although the game is still in early testing, its sheer number of systems, interaction methods, and the diversity of character progression paths are already extremely complex, potentially surpassing PoE 1.

If the in-game guidance isn't clear enough, many players will probably feel extremely lost after reaching the endgame.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Patch 0.5.0 should be the last major update in the early access phase of PoE 2. While there are no new classes, overall it's something to look forward to!

With the release of MLB The Show 26, outfield player ratings have undergone new changes.

Today, I'm bringing you a brand-new tier list of outfield players, covering dozens of active outfielders, ranging from S-tier to C-tier. This list contains some subjective elements and is for reference only.

Hopefully, this ranking will help you better build your team or find your next goal. Below is the complete ranking.

S-Tier

The main outfielders rated S-tier in MLB The Show 26 are:

• 1. Albert Pujols
• 2. Ian Happ
• 3. Mickey Mantle
• 4. Mike Trout
• 5. Carlos Beltran

Albert Pujols

Among S-tier players in MLB The Show 26, Albert Pujols is arguably the most consistent mainstay - his batting face is textbook accurate, making him suitable for both left and right outfield - hence, he is highly praised by almost all online player reviews. His Speed is around 70, Reaction around 80, and Arm Strength around 80. While not a top-tier defender, he's very solid.

Ian Happ

You might be surprised to see Ian Happ ranked S, but this all-around player has the ability to achieve that. He's a true jack-of-all-trades, capable of playing multiple positions, and he won't falter no matter where you put him.

Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle has an amazing reputation as a powerful center fielder. His speed is incredibly high at 94, and his Arm Strength is overwhelmingly good. While his Swing isn't the best in the world, it's certainly not a liability, making him a true all-around player.

Mike Trout

Mike Trout is widely considered the strongest active world-class baseball player in the world, and he's one of the most coveted ultimate cards in MLB The Show 26. This card is currently the strongest outfielder, but his defensive weaknesses are amplified in center field, so you're best suited to placing him in either left or right field.

If you want this top-tier outfielder, you'll need to spend a lot of Stubs. If you lack Stubs, you can directly buy MLB The Show 26 Stubs from IGGM; we offer the fairest prices and fastest service.

Carlos Beltran

Carlos Beltran's speed makes him almost impossible for opponents to bypass in MLB The Show 26, making him a truly deserving S-tier outfielder. His only weakness is his right-handed pitching power of only 68, which slightly diminishes his hitting ability. However, you can obtain this S-tier player for free by completing in-game missions, so what more can we ask for?

A-Tier

A-tier players in MLB The Show 26 are typically players who are very strong in one area but have certain weaknesses. They include:

• 1. Kris Bryant
• 2. Cody Bellinger
• 3. Christian Yelich
• 4. Bryan Reynolds
• 5. Ken Griffey Jr.

Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant is considered by many players to be the epitome of a "golden balanced outfielder" - his swing is smooth and silky, and his passes are reassuring. However, his reaction time is occasionally slow, so it's not recommended to place him in center field, but he can be placed in the corner.

Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger was previously a candidate for S-tier in MLB. In MLB The Show 26, although he was relegated to A-tier due to a decline in speed, he remains a representative of offensive outfielders.

Christian Yelich

Christian Yelich's batting statistics are undeniable, but not every player likes his feel and hidden stats. Those who love him adore him, while those who dislike him hate him.

Bryan Reynolds

Bryan Reynolds is rated A-tier primarily because he is the only A-tier outfielder in MLB The Show 26 who can play both left and right field. Although his stats aren't as outstanding as other outfielders, his versatility is his biggest advantage.

Ken Griffey Jr.

This player is highly controversial: his speed is only around 75, he's not particularly good at defense, but his swing is excellent. Most importantly, his price is incredibly high; you'd need to spend around $250,000 MLB The Show 26 Stubs to acquire him. Therefore, he's classified as A-level player.

B and C-level players

MLB The Show 26's B and C-level players are playable, but either have obvious flaws or require specific conditions to perform well. Therefore, only a brief list is provided here:

• 1. Mookie Betts
• 2. Don Baylor
• 3. Mickey Moniak
• 4. Aaron Judge
• 5. Curtis Granderson

Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts has decent hitting ability, but his defensive stats are laughable: slow speed, sluggish jump, and poor passing power. However, if you like his hitting, you can still use him.

Don Baylor

Don Baylor has good speed, balanced hitting stats against both left and right pitchers, and his defense isn't the worst, making him a versatile player.

Mickey Moniak

Mickey Moniak's stats are good except for his 75-78 batting average against left-handed pitchers. Most importantly, his card is free to obtain.

Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge's strength is his power hitting ability, but his batting average in MLB The Show 26 is low. In other words, while he has great power, his ability to hit is questionable.

Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson is very strong against right-handed pitchers, but becomes easy prey against left-handed pitchers. Therefore, you can only place him in a fixed position.

The above is a ranking of the outfielders in MLB The Show 26. The rankings within the same tier are not in any particular order. Again, this ranking has some subjective factors and is for reference only. Hope this helps.