Path of Exile 2 is the next iteration of Grinding Gear Games hit dungeon-crawler and is something Diablo 4 fans may be interested in.
Path of Exile 2 was announced at the publisher’s annual ExileCon back in 2019. Since then, the developers have drip-fed us news about the game. However, as early access is upon us, we’ve learned much more about the sequel.
The original game was a top-down hack-and-slash adventure a lot like Diablo 2 and 3, and Path of Exile 2 looks set to establish itself as an alternative to Diablo 4 or even games like Lost Ark. Here’s everything we know about Path of Exile 2 so far.
Path of Exile 2 release times in all regions
Path of Exile 2 early access starts on December 6, 2024, at the following time in each region:
- PST: 11 am
- EST: 2 pm
- GMT: 7 pm
- CEST: 9 pm
You’ll be able to preload the game to be ready for when this happens. Players can also check out the countdown clock for their region on the official website.
How to preload
Those playing on PC will need to download the standalone PC client for Path of Exile 2 early access. This will be available for download at 5 pm on Thursday, December 5 (PST), or December 6, at 1 am (GMT).
With Path of Exile 2 launching into Early Access soon, we've had a lot of players asking for pre-download to ensure they can play on launch. To accommodate this, we’ll be making the standalone PC client available for download at 5pm on Dec 5th (PST).https://t.co/vT6L4kd7qw pic.twitter.com/szPjUH8cV7
— Path of Exile (@pathofexile) December 3, 2024
For those playing on Xbox Series X|S, preload is available now, but there will likely be updates on launch. So be prepared.
Those playing on PS5 will need to download one of the Founder’s Packs that will go live 24 hours before Early Access starts in that region. Purchasing one of these packs should allow for pre-download on PS5 when the time comes.
Full release
No release date for the full version of Path of Exile 2 hasn’t been announced yet.
However, Jonathan Rodgers, game director, has said the full release will arrive after the six-month early access period. In a stream, Rodgers said (at 20:40 of the below video), “At least six months, maybe a little bit more. I certainly don’t want it to take more than a year.”
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Early access started on December 6, 2024, so we’d not expect a full release to be until at least May or June 2025. However, based on Rogers’ comments, it could take longer than this.
Therefore, the full version of Path of Exile 2 is most likely to be released at some point during the second half of 2025.
Trailer
So far in the previews, we’ve had a look at the new character selection, in which your chosen hero is the only survivor of a mass public hanging – setting that dark, hopeless tone the series is known for.
We also got a look at some of the new environments coming for Path of Exile 2, including a stage that’s entirely on the top of a giant Mad Max-like vehicle. The gameplay also looks like it’s smoother than the first game – but equally addictive.
The release of a second trailer in 2021 gave us even more of a look at the new world, the Vastiri Desert region, dungeons, and enemies as well, but still no hint at a full release date.
Is it an expansion or a sequel?
The game was originally set to be a stand-alone expansion to the first game, sharing its campaign and endgame content. Now, Path of Exile 2 will be a true sequel and a separate entity, with its own story and endgame activities.
Here’s where you can get your hands on some exclusive Path of Exile 2 Twitch drops!