Path of Exile: Mirage is the next major expansion for the action RPG Path of Exile, launching on March 6th. Revealed by Grinding Gear Games, this update introduces a brand-new league mechanic, endgame overhaul, powerful skills, and extensive quality-of-life improvements.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Mirage expansion—from Djinn-themed gameplay to the reworked Atlas and new Exceptional Support Gems.

What Is Path of Exile: Mirage?

Mirage is a new league centered around freeing imprisoned Djinn from the necromantic Afarud faction. Players will encounter magical Mirage zones, which are imperfect copies of existing areas infused with new modifiers, enemies, and rewards.

Core Mirage Gameplay Loop

- Locate Djinn imprisoned by Afarud necromancers
- Enter their Mirage realm via a magical gateway
- Choose a powerful Wish modifier before entering
- Fight through warped encounters and hazards
- Destroy the tether holding the Djinn captive

Each Mirage acts as a replayable version of the map, meaning all your modifiers, Scarabs, and Atlas bonuses carry over—effectively doubling your rewards.

Wishes, Djinn Powers, and New Rewards

Before entering a Mirage, players select one of three Wishes, which drastically alter the encounter.

Examples include:

- Wish for Glyphs – Converts scroll drops into valuable currency
- Wish for Avarice – Replaces enemies with gold-dropping elites
- Wish for Godhood – Grants temporary invulnerability

Each Wish is tied to a Djinn element:

- Sand Djinn
- Fire Djinn
- Water Djinn

These drop new currencies:

- Coin of Knowledge
- Coin of Power
- Coin of Skill

These coins can corrupt max-level skill gems, granting them a bonus support effect tied to their color—introducing new build customization options.

New Unique Items and the Djinn Restoration System

Mirage introduces corrupted Maraketh relics stolen by the Afarud. These items can be restored to their original forms using a Coin of Restoration.

Example transformation:

- Fleshrender → Skysunder (restored Maraketh weapon)

This system allows players to:

- Obtain corrupted versions through gameplay
- Restore them into more powerful base forms

New Endgame Boss: Saresh, of the Weeping Black

Players who engage deeply with Mirage mechanics will eventually face Saresh, the league’s new pinnacle boss.

Defeating Saresh rewards:

- Exclusive unique items
- High-tier crafting rewards
- Endgame progression advantages

Atlas Overhaul and Map System Changes

The Mirage expansion introduces one of the biggest Atlas redesigns in years.

Key Changes

- Maps are no longer tied to specific zones
- You can run any map location using generic tiered map items
- Atlas now begins at the center and expands outward

New System: Shaped Regions

Using Arcane Astrolabes, players can create Shaped Regions that:

- Add mechanics like Abyss, Blight, or Legion
- Increase difficulty and rewards over time
- Culminate in Memory Vaults with powerful loot

Exceptional Support Gems (Replacing Awakened Supports)

The Mirage expansion replaces Awakened Supports with Exceptional Supports, which are more build-defining.

Examples:

- Hextoad Support – creates cursed swamp zones with explosive toads
- Voidstorm Support – creates scaling energy storms
- Frostmage Support – boosts cold damage scaling with mana

There are 40+ new Exceptional Supports, providing late-game build depth.

New Holy Skills and Templar Enhancements

Mirage adds an entire set of holy-themed abilities, including:

- Holy Hammers – cascading divine slams
- Holy Sweep – reworked lightning melee skill
- Shield of Light – retaliation cone attack
- Divine Blast – shield-based beam explosion

These skills introduce new synergy with Hallowing Flame, a stacking debuff that enhances cooperative gameplay and support builds.

New Ascendancy: Reliquarian (Scion)

The Scion receives a new Ascendancy class:

Reliquarian

A unique Ascendancy focused on borrowing powers from Unique items.

Players select:

- One Unique Armor effect
- One Unique Weapon effect
- One Unique Jewelry effect

This creates unprecedented build flexibility, making the Reliquarian one of the most customizable Ascendancies ever introduced.

Quality of Life Improvements

Mirage also includes a massive QoL update:

Trading and Currency

- Favorite trades in the currency exchange
- Open stash while trading
- Auto-turn-in Divination Cards

Gameplay Improvements

- Shrines easier to click
- Ritual reminders for unused tribute
- Improved Divine Orb clarity

Campaign Updates

- 20+ new side areas
- Additional reward rooms
- New early progression bonuses

Supporter Packs and Cosmetics

Two new supporter pack series are available:

- Curator of Wisdom Pack – knowledge-themed scroll cosmetics
- Iron Incarcerator Pack – prison-themed armor and portals

All items are cosmetic and do not affect gameplay power.

Final Thoughts – Why Mirage Is a Major Expansion

Path of Exile: Mirage is one of the most ambitious updates in recent years, combining:

- A deep new league mechanic
- Massive Atlas overhaul
- Endgame system redesign
- New skill archetypes
- Major QoL improvements

Whether you’re a new player or a veteran, Mirage delivers more customization, more rewards, and more replayability than ever before.