Summary
- Path of Exile 2's early access launch is on December 6, 2024, aiming for a more newcomer-friendly experience and an extensive endgame.
- The full release of Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play, unlike competitors like Diablo 4, potentially benefiting it in the long run.
- Though the game will be free-to-play later, players must pay at least $30 for Early Access with additional perks beyond the basic supporter pack.
Path of Exile 2's earl y access launch is nearly here, with its delayed release date now slated for December 6, 2024. The Path of Exile franchise has been around for over a decade now, but Path of Exile 2 aims to improve upon the feats of its predecessor by offering a much more newcomer-friendly experience and an extensive endgame to boot, even in early access.
Path of Exile 2 heading into early access first should theoretically benefit it by allowing players to be a part of the development process via the feedback they provide. Unfortunately, Path of Exile 2's early access method may not be all it's cracked up to be when considering its price point during early access and that of its full release.
Path of Exile 2's Endgame Explained
Path of Exile 2's endgame is extensive, to say the least, currently set up to provide players with seven unique systems to take advantage of.
Path of Exile 2's Early Access Approach Is a Mixed Bag
Path of Exile 2's Full Release Will Be Free-to-Play
Like its predecessor, Path of Exile 2's full release will be free-to-play, which is enough to put it ahead of some of its competition. In the end, this is going to benefit Path of Exile 2 immensely, especially if it manages to accomplish its goals of attracting an entirely new audience this time around. Plus, given that many of Path of Exile 2's biggest competitors — like Diablo 4 — require players to purchase the game before being allowed to play it, Path of Exile 2 may carve out a path for itself in 2024 and beyond, putting it closer to the front of the line in the long run.
Path of Exile 2's Early Access Will Cost Players Money
Despite the fact that Path of Exile 2 will eventually be free-to-play, those interested in playing it during its early access period will be required to pay at least $30 USD for its Early Access Supporter Pack. Ultimately, this might turn some players off from the game, especially considering Path of Exile 2 is supposed to be a more accessible experience for newcomers. As such, with the potential of those unfamiliar with Path of Exile (and perhaps even tired with Diablo 4 and other ARPGs) flocking over to Path of Exile 2 after hearing of its enhanced newcomer experience, its early access price point might be an early dealbreaker.
It's not uncommon for early access games to charge players to play ahead of release, but these prices are often cheaper than their full release counterparts.
That being said, Grinding Gear Games is ensuring its early access supporters get more than just the game with their purchase, adding 300 points for microtransactions like cosmetics, weapons skins, and extra stash space on top of the game itself — and that's just the most basic supporter pack. The Lord of Ogham Supporter Pack contains early access to Path of Exile 2, an armor set, a back attachment, a portal effect, a weapons skin, two pets, a hideout decoration, a portrait frame, a forum title, a badge, and 600 points, all for $30 USD more. Finally, the King of the Faridun Supporter Pack contains early access to Path of Exile 2, two armor sets, two back attachments, a level-up effect, a hideout, two hideout decorations, three weapons skins, three pets, a portal effect, two portrait frames, two forum titles, two badges, and 1000 Points for $100 USD.
Despite all the bonuses that come with Path of Exile 2's various Early Access Supporter Packs, however, it may not be enough incentive for new players to shell out a pretty penny ahead of the game's release. Path of Exile veterans are more likely to put down any amount of money they can afford in order to gain access to Path of Exile 2 early, but that doesn't help new players at all. Hopefully, for Path of Exile 2's sake, new players will see the game's potential ahead of its release and be willing to invest in it ahead of time, especially if it garners a positive reception heading into early access. Nevertheless, at the very least, Path of Exile 2 will eventually be free-to-play, once it releases its official 1.0 update and leaves its early access state behind.
Path of Exile II
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Nudity, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Language, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)
- Developer(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Publisher(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 takes place in the land of Wraeclast, a dark continent populated by unique cultures, ancient secrets, and monstrous dangers. A sinister threat, long thought destroyed, has begun creeping back on the edge of civilisation, driving people mad and sickening the land with Corruption.
Path of Exile 2 features a brand new campaign with six acts, 100 distinct environments, 600 monsters and 100 bosses.
Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more.
Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Path of Exile
- Early Access Release
- December 6, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash, MMORPG
