Path of Exile 2 release date: How to get early access explained
Path of Exile's sequel looks very exciting.
After 11 years of waiting, we finally have a Path of Exile 2 release date, but it's only for those who qualify for early access. Eager fans, you won't have to wait long as you can be playing the game this week.
Getting into early access is a little complicated and requires you to spend money on what will ultimately be a free-to-play game.
The top-down RPG sequel looks to build on its predecessor's success with new weapons, classes, and a different skill system. Following another delay, though, it's finally going to be playable.
Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the PoE 2 early access release date, how to get into its early access, and more.
When is the Path of Exile 2 release date?
Path of Exile 2 will arrive as an early access game on Friday 6th December 2024.
PoE 2 was initially dropping on Friday 15th November, but it's been pushed back a month. The game's full release date hasn't been confirmed yet, but we expect it to be a while away.
The first Path of Exile beta started in August 2011, while the full game launched in 2013 – meaning 2's full launch could be a few years out. As soon as the full release date appears, we'll be sure to update the page.
When is the UK launch time for Path of Exile 2?
Early access is almost here, so the most important thing is the time players can expect to jump in.
Here in the UK, the game goes live at 7pm GMT on Friday 6th December.
As ever with new games, it might be wise to expect some server issues if you're planning to jump in at the first possible minute!
How to get Path of Exile 2 early access
To get Path of Exile 2 early access, you need to purchase an early access supporter pack.
You can purchase a PoE 2 early access supporter pack from your platform's online store.
Yep, even though the game will be free to play once it launches fully, you need to buy an early access supporter pack to play it in its early access release from 6th December 2024.
This was confirmed on the official FAQ page on the Path of Exile forums.
You can also get into the early access "if you've purchased a top-tier supporter pack in the past or have spent $480 USD or more in lifetime purchases in Path of Exile on a single platform". If you've done this, "you'll automatically have access to Path of Exile 2".
Can I pre-order Path of Exile 2?
Path of Exile 2 is a free-to-play game, meaning there's no need to pre-order it.
You must purchase an early access supporter pack to get into its early access. This is detailed in the section above. If you are in, as soon as early access goes live, head to your preferred storefront and download it onto your PC or console.
There's always a chance Grinding Gear Games chooses to release limited editions of Path of Exile 2 with various collectables, but there's no sign of that right now, and we're very close to release now.
Which consoles and platforms can play Path of Exile 2?
Path of Exile 2 will arrive on PC, MacOS, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles.
This is particularly great news for those who may not own a high-end PC capable of running the game at a high frame rate.
With plenty of options for players to load into the action, there's every chance Path of Exile 2 manages to become even bigger than its predecessor.
Path of Exile 2 gameplay and story details
Arguably, the most significant change in Path of Exile 2 is that all classes will have the ability to perform a dodge roll with no cooldown. When timed correctly, any incoming attacks or projectiles are easily avoided.
The next is the ability to set skills to equipped weapons, along with assigning passive skills to each weapon slot.
For example, players can assign Ice skills to one slot and Lightning spells to another, creating even more diverse builds. As for the story, Path of Exile 2 will feature brand-new endgames that are bound to be full of action.
Is there a Path of Exile 2 trailer?
Yes, the most recent trailer came during Gamescom Opening Night Live.
We've embedded it below so you can see what Grinding Gear Games has in store.
The Path of Exile YouTube channel has a variety of gameplay breakdowns and a closer look at some of the classes that will feature when early access begins.
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Authors
Jon Nicholson is a Freelance Gaming Writer, specialising in the Call of Duty franchise. He previously worked for Gfinity, GGRecon and Red Bull writing a variety of gaming news and guides. Alongside his previous work, he's a Freelance News Writer for Esports Insider.
Toby Saunders is a freelance writer specialising in Video Game journalism. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is published on many different websites including PCGamesN, Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics. He has a degree in Film Studies (he gets to write about Film and TV occasionally, too).
