Path of Exile 2: Everything we know – Trailer, early access & more
Path of Exile2 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 toDiablo 4or even games likeLost 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 2early access starts onDecember 6, 2024, at the following time in each region:
You’ll be able to preload the game to be ready for when this happens. Players can also check out thecountdown clockfor their region on the official website.
How to preload
Those playing on PC will need todownload the standalone PC clientfor Path of Exile 2 early access. This will be available for download at5 pm on Thursday, December 5(PST), orDecember 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/vT6L4kd7qwpic.twitter.com/szPjUH8cV7
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 todownload one of the Founder’s Packsthat will go live24 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 2hasn’t been announced yet.
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However, Jonathan Rodgers, game director, has said thefull release will arrive after the six-month early accessperiod. 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.”
Early access started on August 24, 2025, 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.
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 exclusivePath of Exile 2 Twitch drops!
