Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious ARPG sequels in years. Since its Early Access launch on December 6, 2024, players have been diving into its revamped combat systems, new classes, and dramatically improved visuals.
While many expected the game’s full release to land by mid-2025, Grinding Gear Games has now admitted that the timeline may slip to the end of the year (or even as late as 2026) as the scope continues to expand.
Here’s the full picture of where the game stands right now—and what’s coming next.
A Closer Look at Early Access
Path of Exile 2 launched in paid Early Access on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, offering a playable experience that’s already deeper and more refined than many fully released games. The game includes six Acts and six base classes, each with unique Ascendancies and playstyles. The Monk and Mercenary classes in particular have garnered attention—one offering fast-paced melee agility, the other introducing shooter-style mechanics with crossbows.
Unlike the first game’s completely free launch, Early Access for PoE 2 comes with a price tag. However, once development is complete, the game will follow the free-to-play model established by its predecessor.
The “Dawn of the Hunt” Update: Player Stats & Activity
Released in mid-April 2025, Dawn of the Hunt marked the first major content update since Early Access began. Despite initial mixed reception, the player numbers have remained remarkably strong, suggesting the core gameplay loop continues to resonate.
Grinding Gear Games shared these jaw-dropping stats from the first three weeks:
- 355,877 kills of the Arbiter of Ash boss
- Over 3.4 million Unique Maps cleared
- 3.27 trillion gold dropped (averaging 6.48 billion per hour)
- 185 million player deaths in standard leagues
- 291,112 deaths in hardcore
- 1.44 billion instance exits (a rough proxy for map clears and transitions)
Most-played classes include:
- Amazon – 23.78%
- Lich – 12.27%
- Deadeye – 10.12%
- Smith of Kitava – 8.15%
- Invoker – 7.87%
Less popular options like the Acolyte of Chayula (0.74%) and Chronomancer suggest some classes may still need balance passes or broader appeal.
Patch 0.2.0g – Major Loot Overhaul
The biggest quality-of-life update to date, Patch 0.2.0g (May 1, 2025), addressed longstanding player concerns about item drops. In a move that echoes player-favorite systems from Diablo and Last Epoch, the patch aimed to make boss and chest rewards more meaningful.
Key loot changes include:
- Rare Drops from Bosses: All Unique Bosses (except early Act 1) now guarantee a Rare item drop.
- No More Trash Loot: Normal rarity items no longer drop from bosses.
- Stronger Chest Rewards: Magic and Rare chests now guarantee quality loot, especially in harder difficulties.
- Improved Strongboxes: Arcanist’s and Royal Strongboxes are now more common and offer much better loot.
- Trial of Chaos Enhancements: Corrupted items are phased out in favor of currency stacks. Trial monsters no longer drop corrupted gear.
- Breach & Delirium Buffs: Splinter drop rates increased by 50% and 80%, respectively.
- Faster Atlas Completion: Clearing a Corrupted Nexus now grants 5 passive points, speeding up passive tree progression.
- Improved Visual Cues: Corrupted Nexus locations are now visible from further distances, helping players navigate efficiently.
Other Notable Patches
Patch 0.2.0f (Mid-April 2025):
- Enabled respec of Ascendancy classes
- Added Atlas bookmarks and stash tab affinities
- Rebalanced charms and totems
- Fixed numerous bugs and visual issues
Patch 0.2.0b (Early April 2025):
- Reduced health of non-unique monsters and Rogue Exiles
- Nerfed overperforming skills like Tempest Bell and Explosive Grenade
- Adjusted curse gem scaling
Release Date Outlook
Grinding Gear Games originally planned to leave Early Access by mid-2025, but that window is now in question. In a recent developer update, game director Jonathan Rogers acknowledged that while they “hope” to finish in 2025, the team isn’t rushing it at the cost of quality.
In the months ahead, the developers aim to:
- Add 3 more Acts, bringing the total to 9
- Introduce 6 additional base classes and their unique Ascendancies
- Release new skill gems, uniques, and map content
- Expand endgame systems and player progression
Even in Early Access, the game’s systems already surpass many competitors. Grinding Gear seems committed to giving Path of Exile 2 a level of polish and content density that could redefine the genre again—just like they did in 2013.
How Path of Exile 2 Compares to Diablo IV and Last Epoch
The ARPG space has become increasingly competitive, and Path of Exile 2 isn’t launching into a vacuum. Both Diablo IV and Last Epoch have staked their claims as modern genre leaders, but Grinding Gear Games is taking a very different path.
Versus Diablo IV
- Diablo IV launched with AAA polish and cinematic storytelling but has struggled to maintain long-term player interest. Its seasonal content and live-service model have drawn criticism for grind-heavy mechanics and monetization.
- Path of Exile 2, by contrast, is a loot-first, systems-deep experience. It offers greater build diversity, deeper crafting, and more player agency—even in Early Access. While Diablo IV appeals to a broader audience, PoE 2 caters to hardcore theorycrafters and loot hunters who want layers of complexity.
Versus Last Epoch
- Last Epoch has earned praise for its streamlined skill customization and readable endgame loop. Its crafting system and the clarity of its progression have helped it carve out a niche as the “approachable yet deep” ARPG.
- PoE 2 is undeniably more ambitious in scope. While Last Epoch shines for its structure and accessibility, Path of Exile 2 pushes the limits with its sprawling passive trees, loot explosions, and brutal high-end difficulty. It’s the choice for players who want a truly overwhelming number of options and long-term mastery.
Why It Matters
If you’re looking for a casual ARPG with seasonal content and a polished aesthetic, Diablo IV may still serve you well. If you want a focused experience that respects your time while still offering build depth, Last Epoch is excellent. But if you’re after the most intricate, expansive, and community-driven ARPG experience, Path of Exile 2 is building toward something bigger—and it’s doing so transparently through its Early Access roadmap.
Key Takeaways
- Path of Exile 2 is currently in Early Access with a full release expected late 2025 – 2026
- The game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms with a free-to-play model for the full release.
- Grinding Gear Games is using the Early Access period to refine the action RPG experience based on player feedback.
Release Information and Availability
With massive patches, evolving gameplay, and unprecedented player engagement, Path of Exile 2 is clearly in active and ambitious development. Whether the full release lands in 2025 or slips into 2026, the current Early Access experience already offers dozens of hours of content with a roadmap that promises much more. For fans of ARPGs, now might be the best time to jump in—or to watch closely as the next big evolution of the genre unfolds.
Path of Exile 2 follows a staged release approach, with early access already underway for PC players. The full release timeline extends into 2025, with different platforms becoming available at various points in the development cycle.
Early Access and Launch Dates
Path of Exile 2 entered early access on December 6, 2024, allowing PC players to experience the game while development continues. Grinding Gear Games has not yet announced an official full release date.
Based on current estimates and development projections, the complete version of Path of Exile 2 is expected to launch in late 2025 (at the earliest) but now seems more likely to come in 2026. This timeline remains tentative, as game development schedules can shift.
Players should note that early access provides a substantial portion of the game, but not the complete experience. The developers are using this period to gather feedback, fix issues, and refine gameplay elements before the full launch.
Platform Accessibility
Currently, Path of Exile 2’s early access is limited to PC players through both Steam and the standalone client. This restriction allows developers to focus on optimizing the core experience.
Console versions for PlayStation 5 and other platforms are planned for the full release, which is projected for around mid-2025. This means console players will need to wait several months longer than PC players.
The staggered release approach allows Grinding Gear Games to address platform-specific challenges separately. PC players get earlier access in exchange for experiencing a work-in-progress version, while console players will receive a more polished product when it arrives on their platforms.
Gameplay and Features
Path of Exile 2 introduces significant gameplay improvements while maintaining the core action RPG elements fans love. The sequel builds upon the original’s foundation with a completely redesigned skill system, new character classes, and expanded endgame content.
Advancements in Classes and Skills
Path of Exile 2 features seven all-new character classes, each with three Ascendancy options for deeper customization. This represents a major evolution from the original game’s class structure.
The skill system has been completely reworked. Instead of the gem socket system from the original, PoE 2 introduces dedicated skill slots for each equipment piece. This allows for more streamlined build creation without sacrificing depth.
Support gems now connect directly to active skill gems rather than requiring linked sockets. This change makes creating powerful skill combinations more intuitive while maintaining the complex character building that Path of Exile is known for.
Players can also expect revised animations and combat mechanics that make moment-to-moment gameplay feel more responsive and impactful. Each class has unique movement abilities and combat styles that differentiate them on the battlefield.
Endgame and Expansion Content
The endgame in Path of Exile 2 evolves beyond the Atlas system from the original game. Early access will introduce players to “The Deepest Tower,” a challenging dungeon with escalating difficulty and unique rewards.
The Atlas Passive Skill Tree has been expanded, offering more customization options for how players engage with endgame content. This allows for targeted farming strategies and personalized progression paths.
“Dawn of the Hunt” will be one of the first major content updates planned for after the early access release. It will introduce new areas, enemies, and unique items to discover.
Boss encounters feature more complex mechanics while maintaining the challenging nature that Path of Exile veterans expect. These battles require strategic preparation and quick reflexes.
Map systems and league mechanics will provide varied ways to experience content, ensuring players have multiple progression paths to explore.
Monetization and Supporter Engagement
Path of Exile 2 maintains the free-to-play model with ethical microtransactions focused on cosmetic items. Players can personalize their characters without gaining gameplay advantages through purchases.
Supporter Packs offer value to dedicated fans, including exclusive cosmetic effects, special titles, and points for the in-game store. These packs come at various price points to accommodate different budgets.
Stash tabs and character slots remain available for purchase, providing quality-of-life improvements without creating a pay-to-win environment. Free players still have access to all core gameplay features.
The game will continue the tradition of regular content updates without requiring additional purchases. All expansions, league mechanics, and new items will be available to all players regardless of spending status.
Early access supporters will receive special recognition and exclusive cosmetic items as a thank you for their early investment in the game’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Path of Exile 2 has generated many questions about its release schedule, platform availability, and pricing model. The following information addresses the most common inquiries based on official announcements and community discussions.
What is the anticipated release date for Path of Exile 2 on various platforms?
Path of Exile 2 will launch in Early Access on December 6, 2024, at 11am PST. This launch will be simultaneous across all supported platforms.
Players can convert this time to their local timezone to know exactly when they can begin playing. For example, this translates to 1:00 PM CST or 5:00 AM GMT+10 on December 7th.
Will Path of Exile 2 be available on PS5 upon launch?
The early access version of Path of Exile 2 will be available on all supported platforms from day one. This includes PS5, as the developers have committed to a multi-platform release strategy.
Players on PlayStation 5 will have access to the game at the same time as other platforms on December 6th, 2024.
What are the planned release plans for Path of Exile 2 for Xbox users?
Xbox users will have access to Path of Exile 2 during the initial Early Access launch on December 6th, 2024. The game will be released simultaneously across all supported platforms.
Xbox players can pre-download the client before release day, though it won’t be playable until the official launch time.
What discussions have emerged on Reddit regarding the Path of Exile 2 release timeline?
Reddit discussions have focused on the December 6th release date and various timezone conversions. Many community members are sharing their excitement about the upcoming Early Access.
Some Reddit users have also discussed the pricing model, with debates about the upfront cost during Early Access versus the eventual free-to-play release.
How long is the expected duration of the early access period for Path of Exile 2?
The developers have not specified an exact timeframe for how long Path of Exile 2 will remain in Early Access. This period will likely depend on development progress and player feedback.
The game will continue to receive updates and improvements throughout the Early Access phase before moving to its full release.
Is there an official announcement about Path of Exile 2 being a free-to-play game?
Yes, there is an official announcement confirming that Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play once it exits Early Access. This follows the same model as the original Path of Exile.
During Early Access, however, the game will require an upfront purchase. This approach is designed to ensure that early players are those already willing to invest in the game’s development.
