Path of Exile 2 full release: When will the game come out?

Grinding Gear Games is gearing up to launch the early access version of their much-anticipated game, Path of Exile 2, but players eager for the full release might need to exercise patience.

Set in the grim and dangerous world of Wraeclast, Path of Exile 2 continues the story of exiled citizens fighting their way back from the brink of death, facing ancient gods and unspeakable evils along the way. Similar to other action RPGs like The Last Epoch and Diablo 4, players will dive into deep character customization, choosing from various classes and skill gems to tailor their gameplay. However, the early access version will offer only six of the planned 12 classes and the first half of the campaign, leaving plenty more to look forward to.

The game’s journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. Originally, a beta was planned for 2020, but the global COVID-19 pandemic significantly delayed development. After opening a closed beta in August 2024, Grinding Gear Games has now confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will enter early access on December 6, 2024. It will be playable on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

When Can We Expect the Full Game?

As for the full release, the developers haven’t locked in a specific date yet. Based on past trends, early access games take anywhere from a few months to several years to reach completion. For instance:

• Hades: Early access in December 2018, full release in September 2020 (21 months).
• Baldur’s Gate 3: Early access in October 2020, full release in August 2023 (34 months).
• Subnautica: Early access in December 2014, full release in January 2018 (37 months).

In contrast, Grinding Gear Games managed to launch the original Path of Exile relatively quickly. It debuted in early access in January 2013 and reached version 1.0.0 by October 2013, just 10 months later. If they follow a similar timeline, fans might see Path of Exile 2 fully released by late 2025, but this is speculative.

In the meantime, the early access phase starting in December will give players a chance to explore the game, test its features, and provide feedback, shaping its final form. One thing’s for sure—this dark and thrilling adventure is just getting started.