Summary
Path of Exile 2’s early access launch is nearly here, with its delayed release date now slated for June 11, 2025. ThePath of Exilefranchise has been around for over a decade now, butPath of Exile 2aims to improveupon 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 2heading 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 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 benefitPath of Exile 2immensely, especially if it manages to accomplish its goals of attracting an entirely new audience this time around. Plus, given that many ofPath of Exile 2’s biggest competitors— likeDiablo 4— require players to purchase the game before being allowed to play it,Path of Exile 2may 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 thatPath of Exile 2will 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 consideringPath of Exile 2is supposed to be a more accessible experience for newcomers. As such, with the potential of those unfamiliar withPath of Exile(and perhaps even tired withDiablo 4and other ARPGs) flocking over toPath of Exile 2after 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 containsearly access toPath 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 toPath 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 withPath 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 Exileveteransare more likely to put down any amount of money they can afford to gain access toPath of Exile 2early, but that doesn’t help new players at all. Hopefully, forPath 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 2will eventually be free-to-play, once it releases its official 1.0 update and leaves its early access state behind.
Path of Exile II
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. 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.
