After years of anticipation and a slight delay, Path of Exile 2 is finally arriving in early access on 6 December 2024. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) is pulling out all the stops to ensure players dive into a feature-packed experience that feels more like a full release than a typical early access game.
Here’s what you can expect when the gates to Path of Exile 2 swing open:
Content to sink your teeth into
From the start, the Path of Exile 2 will deliver three out of its six planned story acts, letting players journey up to level 25. For those craving a tougher challenge, there’s the Cruel Mode, which boosts the difficulty and lets adventurers reach level 65—perfectly prepping them for endgame content.
Once the campaign ends, the fun doesn’t stop. Players can explore the Atlas, a sprawling overworld map packed with areas separate from the main story. Endgame systems like Breaches (fast-paced battles against waves of enemies) and Rituals (surviving successive enemy waves) add variety and replay value.
A world of choice with classes and builds
At launch, players can choose from six distinct classes:
- Warrior
- Ranger
- Monk
- Mercenary
- Witch
- Sorceress
Each class offers unique combat styles, ranging from close-quarters melee to long-range magical attacks. And the fun doesn’t end there—six more classes are planned for future updates, bringing the total to twelve.
Grinding Gear Games has also reimagined how skills and abilities work. Instead of being tied to specific classes, players can mix and match, crafting builds that suit their playstyle. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned strategist, the customisation options promise to keep you engaged.
Early access details and pricing
Unlike the full version of the Path of Exile 2, which will be free-to-play, early access requires purchasing a Supporter Pack. The basic pack costs $30 and is available for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Higher-tier packs offer extra goodies, including exclusive in-game items and collectables, though the physical rewards are only available for PC players.
Here’s a quick look at the pricing:
| Pack | PC | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access Supporter Pack | $30 | $30 | $30 |
| Lord of Ogham Supporter Pack | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| King of the Faridun Supporter Pack | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Thaumaturge of the Vaal Pack | $160 | $150 | $150 |
| Warlord of the Karui Pack | $240 | $220 | $220 |
| Liberator of Wraeclast Pack | $480 | $370 | $370 |
Will your PC handle it?
The Path of Exile 2 looks gorgeous but will require decent hardware. Here are the system requirements:
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 or AMD Ryzen 5 2500x
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 960 (3GB), Intel Arc A380, or ATI Radeon RX 470
- Storage: 100 GB free space
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10500 or AMD Ryzen 5 3700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060, Intel Arc A770, or ATI Radeon RX 5600XT
- Storage: Solid state drive (SSD)
What players are saying
Fans of the original Path of Exile are buzzing with excitement. Many praise the developers for including endgame activities right from early access, a feature often missing in other action RPGs. The mix of familiar mechanics like Breaches and Rituals, along with new ones, promises a fresh yet nostalgic experience.
Path of Exile 2 looks like it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure. With its deep story, challenging gameplay, and flexible customisation options, it has everything fans of action RPGs could ask for. Early access is just around the corner—so gather your gear, pick your class, and prepare to explore a world teeming with danger and excitement.
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