Path of Exile 2 – Everything We Know About Grinding Gear’s Next-Gen ARPG

Path of Exile 2 represents developer Grinding Gear Games’ vision of a “next generation action RPG.” This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you should know about the game from its early access debut to version 1.0 and beyond.

Originally announced in 2019, Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access in December 2024 following a delay from its initial November 2024 release window. Coming just over a year after Diablo IV, the game sparked numerous comparisons between the two ARPGs.

Upon its early access launch, Path of Exile 2 already demonstrated its potential as a must-play ARPG for fans of the genre. Wccftech’s Francesco De Meo praised the game, stating that “Grinding Gear Games has a very strong idea of how to evolve the formula of its predecessor to deliver an experience that is, undoubtedly, very fun at all skill levels.” The game attracted over 1 million players at launch, even before reaching version 1.0.

Release Date, Platforms, Pricing

Path of Exile 2 made its early access debut on December 6, 2024. As of now, it remains in early access and is playable on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. While an official 1.0 release date has yet to be announced, it is currently slated for 2026.

The base game is priced at $29.99 USD, with additional supporter pack DLCs available for unlocking extra paid content released post-early access. For instance, the Lord of Ogham Supporter Pack costs $59.99 USD and includes various cosmetics alongside the base game. The King of Faridun Supporter Pack offers even more cosmetics, including all those from the Lord of Ogham pack, for $99.99 USD.

Below are the available editions:

• Path of Exile 2 Early Access Supporter Pack – $29.99,

• Path of Exile 2 Lord of Ogham Supporter Pack – $59.99

  • Base Game
  • Lord of Ogham Armour Set
  • Lord of Ogham Back Attachment
  • The Rust King Portal Effect
  • Iron Count’s Zweihander Sword Skin
  • Baby Crowbell Pet
  • Lord of Ogham Kiwi Pet
  • Commemorative Hillock Statue Hideout Decoration
  • Lord of Ogham Supporter Forum Title/Badge
  • Lord of Ogham Supporter Social Frame
  • 600 points

• Path of Exile 2 King of Faridun Supporter Pack – $99.99

  • Base Game
  • King of the Faridun Armour Set
  • King of the Faridun Back Attachment
  • Deshret’s Blessing Level-up Effect
  • The Dreadnought Hideout
  • Tyranny’s End Spear Skin
  • Faridun’s Glory Bow Skin
  • King of the Faridun Kiwi Pet
  • Commemorative Vaal Oversoul Statue Hideout Decoration
  • King of the Faridun Supporter Forum Title/Badge
  • King of the Faridun Supporter Social Frame
  • Everything from the Lord of Ogham Supporter Pack
  • 1000 points

Additionally, there are several DLC supporter packs offering cosmetics and in-game items, excluding the game itself. Only the three supporter packs mentioned above include the base game.

Genre and Setting

Path of Exile 2 falls under the action RPG category and unfolds within Grinding Gear Games’ established Path of Exile universe. Incorporating MMO elements, it emphasizes multiplayer gameplay while still catering to solo players.

The game is set in the fantasy realm of Wraeclast, a harsh and perilous continent teeming with menacing creatures and ancient enigmas that pose a threat to the world. The land’s corruption transforms Wraeclast into an even more treacherous place than before.

Gameplay

Path of Exile 2 centers on action-packed gameplay, challenging you to confront multiple adversaries simultaneously in its top-down isometric view. Choosing character classes and enhancing their abilities to suit your playstyle is paramount. Each class features Ascendancy specializations for further customization.

Beyond class selection and character development, Path of Exile 2 introduces a skill gem system offering potent active skills and 200 support gems for modifying their functions. Dual-specializing in the passive skill tree and collecting hundreds of items add layers of customization.

You’ll engage your uniquely tailored character in battles against numerous bosses, with each campaign area culminating in a boss encounter. Upon reaching the endgame, you can delve into over 100 endgame maps, each concluding with a challenging boss battle.

Tech and Specs

Despite its intricate customization and intense combat scenarios, Path of Exile 2 maintains modest hardware requirements. Both the minimum and recommended specifications are attainable even with older PCs.