Free-to-play, but not free The sequel to the popular 2013 free-to-play action RPG was set to enter early access in November before suffering a three-week delay. With the new date approaching, the developer has shared more details about Path of Exile 2 content, system requirements, and how to secure an early access key. Although the full game will be free, playing the initial release requires purchasing in-game content.
Grinding Gear Games recently confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will become available in early access on December 6 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC. The PC edition supports Steam, the Epic Games Store, and a standalone client. MacOS support is forthcoming.
Although the full version Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play just like its predecessor, the early access phase will only be available to customers who buy stuff through microtransactions. The most affordable option is the $29.99 Basic Supporter Pack. Players can also choose from packs costing $59.99 and $99.99, which include additional in-game items and currency.
Alternatively, players who have spent at least $480 on the first game for a single platform are eligible for early access. These players will receive an invitation when early access begins.
Eligible players should receive an invite when early access begins, but users can confirm their status by navigating to the website’s account section and selecting “Account Transactions.” Details regarding pre-loading are coming soon.
Path of Exile 2’s early access version will launch with about half the content planned for the full release, with the rest coming throughout the early access period, which will last at least six months. At launch, players will have access to the first three of six planned campaign acts, estimated to take around 25 hours to complete.
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Players can repeat the early access campaign on a higher difficulty to unlock the endgame, which introduces dozens of new bosses. The initial build features an overhauled skill system, 12 character classes, 50 new environments, and hundreds of new monsters.
Characters and progress will carry into the final version. Path of Exile 2’s newly introduced couch co-op is also selectable during early access, allowing two players to build separate characters on one account.
Although the game’s system requirements suggest a generational leap over its predecessor, mid-range PCs will likely experience smooth performance. Path of Exile 2 recommends 16 GB of RAM and a GeForce RTX 2060 or Radeon RX 5600 XT, but requires 100 GB of storage space.
Path of Exile 2 promises over 25 hours of content, early access starts December 6
