Path of Exile 2 Release Date: Global Launch Times, Early Access Details, and What to Expect in 2025!
- Path of Exile 2 Release Date: Early Access Kicked Off in December 2024!
- Why the Delay? Grinding Gear Games Wanted a Smooth Launch
- What’s in Path of Exile 2 Early Access?
- When Will Path of Exile 2 Fully Release?
- How to Get Into Path of Exile 2 Early Access
- Why Path of Exile 2 Is Worth the Hype
- What’s Next for Path of Exile 2 in 2025?
- FAQ: Path of Exile 2 Release Date
Hey there, action RPG fans! If you’ve been itching to dive back into the dark, gritty world of Wraeclast, I’ve got some exciting news for you—Path of Exile 2 is here, and it’s already making waves! If you’ve been searching “What’s the Path of Exile 2 release date?” or asking your smart speaker, “Hey Alexa, when does Path of Exile 2 come out in 2025?”—you’re in the right place.
Grinding Gear Games (GGG) dropped the Early Access for Path of Exile 2 back in December 2024, and I’m here to break down all the juicy details, from global release times to what’s next for the full launch. Let’s dive into this 1000-word guide and get you ready to slay some monsters in one of the most anticipated ARPGs of the decade!
Path of Exile 2 Release Date: Early Access Kicked Off in December 2024!
First things first—let’s talk about the Path of Exile 2 release date for Early Access. Grinding Gear Games officially launched the Early Access phase on Friday, December 6, 2024, after a slight delay from its original November 15 schedule. Why the delay? GGG wanted to make sure the servers and infrastructure were rock-solid for launch, and honestly, I respect the grind for perfection. This sequel to the iconic free-to-play ARPG has been years in the making, and fans were hyped to finally get their hands on it.
The Early Access launch was a global event, meaning everyone got to jump in at the same time—no matter where you are in the world. For Dutch players, the game went live at 21:00 CET, but GGG made sure to share the exact times for players across the globe. Here’s a full breakdown of the Path of Exile 2 release time on December 6, 2024, so you can see when it dropped in your region:
- Los Angeles (PDT): 11:00 AM
- Denver (MST): 12:00 PM (noon)
- Mexico City (CDT): 1:00 PM
- Bogotá (COT): 1:00 PM
- New York (EDT): 2:00 PM
- São Paulo (BRT): 4:00 PM
- London (BST): 8:00 PM
- Cape Town (SAST): 9:00 PM
- Amsterdam (CEST): 9:00 PM
- Athens (EEST): 10:00 PM
- Dubai (GST): 11:00 PM
And for those in regions where the clock ticked over to Saturday, December 7, 2024:
- Singapore (SGT): 3:00 AM
- Beijing (CST): 3:00 AM
- Tokyo (JST): 4:00 AM
- Seoul (KST): 4:00 AM
- Sydney (AEST): 5:00 AM
- Wellington (NZST): 7:00 AM
Pretty sweet, right? Whether you were sipping coffee in Los Angeles or grabbing a late-night snack in Tokyo, you could jump into Path of Exile 2 at the same moment as everyone else. Search “Path of Exile 2 release date global times” and you’ll see how GGG made sure no one got left behind—or spoiled—during the launch.
Why the Delay? Grinding Gear Games Wanted a Smooth Launch
Let’s rewind a bit. The Path of Exile 2 release date was originally set for November 15, 2024, but GGG pushed it back by three weeks to December 6. According to a statement from Game Director Jonathan Rogers, shared via the official Path of Exile X account, the delay was all about ensuring a smooth launch.
GGG needed extra time to sort out server-side infrastructure, especially since they promised that all your microtransactions from the first Path of Exile would carry over to the sequel. That meant integrating account systems across both games—and even across console platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. It’s a big task, but I’m glad they took the time to get it right. Nothing’s worse than a buggy launch, right?
What’s in Path of Exile 2 Early Access?
Now that we’ve got the Path of Exile 2 release date out of the way, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting in Early Access. This isn’t the full game just yet—GGG is using Early Access to test and refine the experience with player feedback. But don’t worry, there’s still a ton of content to sink your teeth into. The Early Access version includes the first three acts of the game’s campaign, which is about 40-60 hours of gameplay before you even hit the endgame. That’s a solid chunk of content for a game that’ll eventually be free-to-play!
You’ll get to choose from six character classes at launch—Monk, Warrior, Ranger, Mercenary, Witch, and Sorceress—each with two Ascendancy options to specialize your playstyle. Want to hack and slash your way through Wraeclast with a beefy Warrior, or rain down spells as a Sorceress? The choice is yours. Plus, there’s co-op for up to six players, so you can team up with your squad—or go solo if you’re feeling extra brave. The game also launched with revamped systems, like a new skill gem setup that doesn’t require socketing into gear, making builds more flexible than ever. Search “Path of Exile 2 Early Access content” and you’ll see why fans are already hooked!
When Will Path of Exile 2 Fully Release?
Here’s the million-dollar question: when’s the full Path of Exile 2 release date? As of April 1, 2025, Grinding Gear Games hasn’t confirmed an exact date for the full launch, but we can make some educated guesses based on what’s out there. GGG has said they expect Early Access to last at least six months, which would put the earliest full release around June 2025. That lines up with the first Path of Exile, which spent about ten months in Early Access back in 2013 before its full launch.
However, some sources suggest it could take longer. The original Path of Exile took 17 months to go from closed beta to full release, and with Path of Exile 2 aiming to double its content by launch—including all six acts, 12 character classes, and a beefier endgame—it might need more time. In a March 2025 interview with Eurogamer, GGG’s Jonathan Rogers said there’s a “65 percent chance” the game will fully release by the end of 2025, possibly in December. If not, he hinted at a potential March 2026 launch. Some fans on X are even speculating a Summer 2026 release, based on GGG’s pattern of quarterly patches and adding one new class per update. Search “Path of Exile 2 full release date 2025” and you’ll see the community is buzzing with theories!
How to Get Into Path of Exile 2 Early Access
If you missed the Early Access launch, don’t worry—you can still jump in! Path of Exile 2 is free-to-play at its core, but Early Access requires a Supporter Pack purchase, starting at $30. These packs come with cool cosmetics, in-game currency, and access to the game on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S. If you’ve spent $480 or more on Path of Exile 1 in the past, or bought a top-tier Supporter Pack, you might’ve gotten automatic access—lucky you! GGG also ran a lottery system during launch, giving 500-1,000 players daily access through random invites, and there were Twitch drops and giveaways too.
For those who want to prep, GGG made pre-downloads available starting December 5, 2024, at 5:00 PM PT. Xbox players could preload even earlier, while PlayStation users needed a Founder’s Pack to get in on the action 24 hours before launch. Search “Path of Exile 2 Early Access how to play” and you’ll find all the details to get started!
Why Path of Exile 2 Is Worth the Hype
Let’s talk about why Path of Exile 2 is such a big deal. The original Path of Exile, released in 2013, became a fan-favorite ARPG, often compared to Diablo for its deep mechanics and endless build possibilities. Path of Exile 2 takes everything fans loved and cranks it up to 11. With 12 character classes (six more to come post-Early Access), 240 skill gems, over 100 boss fights, and a massive endgame, this sequel is built for players who love to grind. The story picks up years after the first game, with Wraeclast facing a new corruption that you’ll need to stop—think epic battles, creepy dungeons, and loot galore.
The game’s already a hit, too. On Steam, it peaked at over 570,000 concurrent players during Early Access, more than double the original’s record. That’s wild for a game that costs less than a AAA title! Whether you’re a PoE veteran or a newbie, Path of Exile 2 has something for everyone. Search “Path of Exile 2 gameplay features” and you’ll see why it’s a must-play in 2025.
What’s Next for Path of Exile 2 in 2025?
As of April 1, 2025, Path of Exile 2 is still in Early Access, but GGG is hard at work. They’ve already dropped patches like 0.2 in April, adding new classes (like the Witch’s Lich Ascendancy), 100 new unique items, and tougher enemies. With a full release potentially coming by late 2025 or early 2026, there’s plenty more to look forward to. Will you be ready to tackle the full campaign and endgame when it drops? I know I will!
FAQ: Path of Exile 2 Release Date
What is the Path of Exile 2 release date for Early Access?
Early Access launched on December 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM PT globally.
When is the full Path of Exile 2 release date?
GGG hasn’t confirmed, but it’s estimated for late 2025 (possibly December) or early 2026.
How can I play Path of Exile 2 Early Access?
Buy a Supporter Pack starting at $30, or check if you qualify through past Path of Exile purchases.
What platforms is Path of Exile 2 on?
It’s available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S during Early Access.
