After years of anticipation and a brief three-week delay from its originally planned November release, Path of Exile 2 has officially entered Early Access as of yesterday, December 6th. For fans of action RPGs and PC multiplayer experiences, this marks a significant moment as one of the most anticipated games in the genre finally becomes playable.
The Launch Details
Path of Exile 2’s Early Access version is now available across multiple platforms, including PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and standalone client), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Unlike the eventual full release which will be free-to-play like its predecessor, the Early Access build requires the purchase of a Supporter Pack, starting at $30.
The launch follows a slight delay from the initially announced November 15th date, with Grinding Gear Games explaining that additional time was needed to ensure proper integration of account systems between Path of Exile 1 and 2, particularly to ensure players’ microtransactions would work seamlessly across both games.
What’s Included in Early Access
The Early Access build of Path of Exile 2 offers players a substantial amount of content to explore. Players have access to the first three complete acts of the campaign, which serves as an entirely new storyline set in the world of Wraeclast, taking place after the events of the original game.
Six character classes are available at launch: Witch, Sorceress, Monk, Warrior, Ranger, and Mercenary. Each offers distinctive playstyles and abilities, providing both returning Path of Exile veterans and newcomers plenty of options to experiment with.
Perhaps most impressively, Grinding Gear Games has included a robust endgame system right from the Early Access launch. This acknowledgment of the endgame-focused Path of Exile community shows the developer’s understanding of what their players value most – many PoE enthusiasts spend hundreds of hours in endgame content compared to the relatively brief story campaign.
Gameplay Refinements
Path of Exile 2 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor while introducing significant refinements to core systems. The skill gem system has been revamped, the passive skill tree has been redesigned, and combat mechanics have been improved to feel more responsive and impactful.
Currency items have been streamlined, with fewer types but more frequent drops, making crafting and item modification more accessible throughout the gameplay experience instead of being primarily endgame activities.
The game also offers full controller support across all platforms, with special attention paid to making the console experience feel native rather than a PC port. Dual-stick controls allow for smoother movement and more precise aiming during combat.
The Road Ahead
Grinding Gear Games has indicated that the Early Access period is expected to last between six months to a year before the full release. During this time, regular updates will introduce new content, features, and likely address balance issues identified by the community.
The game will follow Path of Exile’s established 13-week league cycle, similar to seasons in other ARPGs. These leagues offer fresh starts with unique gameplay mechanics and rewards, keeping the game experience fresh over time.
First Impressions
Initial responses to the Early Access launch have been largely positive, with particular praise for the refined combat system, improved storytelling elements (including new cinematics), and the extensive endgame options available right from the start.
For PC multiplayer enthusiasts, Path of Exile 2 offers a deeply engaging cooperative experience. The game supports group play throughout both the campaign and endgame content, with scalable difficulty based on party size.
The Early Access build demonstrates Grinding Gear Games’ commitment to delivering a worthy successor to one of the most respected free-to-play games in the ARPG genre. For those willing to purchase a Supporter Pack to gain early entry, there appears to be plenty of content to justify the investment.
We’ll be diving deeper into specific aspects of the game in the coming weeks, including class guides, endgame strategies, and builds for efficient progression. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of deep action RPGs with nearly endless character customization options, Path of Exile 2’s Early Access offers an exciting glimpse at what may become the new standard for the genre.