Path of Exile players looking for one of the community’s toughest competitive challenges have a new test ahead. Zizaran, in partnership with Shopify Rebellion and the broader PoE community, is hosting the Rapture Gauntlet, a high-stakes Class Gauntlet event that begins on April 8, 2026. Racers will compete in a brutal Hardcore Solo Self-Found Mirage Event League designed to push even veteran exiles to their limits.
This edition shortens the format to 7 days (down from the previous 10), increasing the intensity and forcing participants to optimize every moment. The event kicks off at 3 PM PDT on April 8 (which is today), with a countdown available on Zizaran’s site and the official event calendar.
The gauntlet layers dynamic damage, life, and utility modifiers across different level brackets, turning standard progression into a survival nightmare. New mechanics include:
- Ruin: Act bosses and certain endgame bosses inflict stacks of Ruin with some abilities. Reaching 7 stacks results in instant death.
- Ultimatum Enemies: Some monster packs are replaced with tougher Ultimatum-style foes.
Modifiers scale by area level:
Levels 1–45
- 20% less Damage Taken
- 20% Increased Damage
- 10% Increased Attack, Cast, and Movement Speed
- 2 Additional Projectiles
- 20% Elemental Penetration
Levels 46–67
- 30% less Damage Taken
- 30% Increased Damage
- 30% Increased Attack, Cast, and Movement Speed
- 100% Increased Area of Effect
- 30% Physical Damage as Extra Chaos
Levels 68–72
- 20% less Damage Taken / 20% Increased Damage / 20% Increased Speeds
Levels 73–77
- 25% less Damage Taken / 25% Increased Damage / 25% Increased Speeds
Levels 78–83 (Nightmare Maps)
- 30% less Damage Taken / 30% Increased Damage / 15% Increased Speeds
- Bosses drop 4 fragments (new)
Regular Pinnacle Bosses
- 150% Increased Unique Monster Life
- 40% Increased Damage
- Trialmaster Apparitions
Uber Bosses (Level 85+)
- 150% Increased Unique Monster Life
- 100% Increased Damage
- 40% Increased Attack, Cast, and Movement Speed
- 3 Additional Projectiles
- 50% Increased Area of Effect
- Trialmaster Apparitions
- Consume Additional Portal on Entry (new)
Two supports are drop-disabled for the event: Transfusion Support and Minion Pact Support. Uber bosses now limit players to 3 portals due to the portal consumption modifier.
Points are awarded per character based on highest level reached, specific boss kills, and select Maven’s Invitations. Boss kill points require submission through the Path of Exile Community Racing Discord. All participants competing for cash or class prizes must keep their profile public at all times (raffles are exempt).
The event runs as an official Event League on both PC and console. Simply click “Join” in the bottom right of the character select screen when the league goes live.
Additional rules and full details are available on Zizaran’s event page.
The prize pool is crowdfunded by Zizaran’s partners, community streamers, and donations, with Shopify Rebellion matching contributions up to $25,000. Streamers can also create custom bounties for specific achievements, including flash bounties announced during the event via the Racing Discord and social channels.
Prizes (excluding bounties) are distributed as follows:
- Overall Rank 1: 12% bonus
- Overall Rank 2: 4% bonus
Per Class (Witch, Shadow, Ranger, Duelist, Marauder, Templar, Scion):
- 1st: 8%
- 2nd: 4%
- 3rd: Maraketh Character Effect + Harmonious Weapon Effect
Every player who defeats Hillock receives a new Gauntlet Glove Effect that tracks your highest level reached in the event. Completing the campaign grants a Last of the Druids Mystery Box.
Leveling milestones also enter participants into random draws for microtransactions and physical prizes from partners and Grinding Gear Games. Multiple characters increase your raffle entries.
Zizaran’s Twitch channel will feature daily live casting, with Zizaran and Steelmage among the confirmed casters. Highlights and recaps will appear on Zizaran’s YouTube channel. The event has drawn significant community contributions from racers and organizers including Rasmuskl, MrMadakey, Ultimativ, Skryah, Kikis, OMGItsJousis, and Viyro.
The Rapture Gauntlet continues the tradition of intense, community-driven competition in Path of Exile. With its shortened 7-day format, deadly new Ruin mechanic, scaled modifiers, and class-based prizes, it promises to be one of the most punishing and rewarding gauntlets yet.
Whether you are a seasoned racer aiming for the top spots or a casual exile chasing the glove effect and mystery box, the Rapture Gauntlet offers a fresh, high-stakes way to experience Wraeclast. Good luck, exiles as you will need it.
Are you going to compete in the Gauntlet? Let us know what your thoughts on it are in the comments below! As always, stay tuned for more video game and video game related news at Gamefragger.com!