Path of Exile 2

A dark action RPG where you dodge-roll through deadly boss arenas and chain skills to explore a randomly generated atlas.

Last reviewed: May 3, 2026

Released Dec 2024 Singleplayer / Horror / Multiplayer

Punches above its Early Access tag if you want Diablo combat with PoE1's depth — wait for 1.0 if you hate league build wipes.

8.8 /10

Strong

Previously an Editor's pick

For you if

You loved Path of Exile 1 and want refined controls plus modern boss design
You bounce off Diablo 4's shallow endgame and want PoE1's atlas system but smoother
You're OK with frequent meta resets and learning new builds every Early Access patch

Not for you if

You quit ARPGs that wipe progress between leagues and demand a full character reset
You want a finished game — Path of Exile 2 is still Early Access in 2026
You hate dodge-roll-based combat and prefer PoE1's flask-and-stand-still loop

What critics say

8/10IGN
Path of Exile 2's redefined action and surprisingly fleshed-out endgame have gotten this sequel off to an exciting start.
Travis NorthupDec 2024 Read review →
GamesRadar+
Even when I found myself frustrated with the difficulty or lost in how I should build my chosen classes, I still wanted to keep forging ahead.
Alessandro FillariDec 2024 Read review →
9/10Game Rant
After over 50 hours with Path of Exile 2's early access, I feel I've only scratched the surface of what could become one of the best ARPGs ever made.
Josh CottsDec 2024 Read review →

Before You Play

Refreshed monthly

What are the best Path of Exile 2 ascendancies for endgame in 2026?

In patch 0.4 (Fate of the Vaal, May 2026), the Stormweaver Sorceress, Pathfinder Ranger, and Bear Shaman Druid sit at the top of the meta — Stormweaver runs Cast-on-Crit Comet for clear and burst, Pathfinder gets full slow immunity for chilled-ground maps, and Bear Shaman matches Pathfinder for endgame raw damage. Deadeye Lightning Arrow Ranger remains the mass-popular league-start pick at 34% of top players.

Source: Mobalytics PoE 2 Tier List

Is Path of Exile 2 still in Early Access in 2026?

Yes — as of May 2026, Path of Exile 2 is still in Early Access (it launched December 6, 2024). GGG's roadmap targets patch 0.5.0 for late May 2026, 0.6 around August/September 2026, and 1.0 around late 2026 or Spring 2027 depending on testing pace. Creative Director Jonathan Rogers has confirmed 1.0 is still slated for late 2026, with the official date expected at ExileCon 2026 in November.

Source: PCGamesN: PoE 2 1.0 timeline

How does Path of Exile 2 differ from the original Path of Exile?

Path of Exile 2 swaps the original's point-and-click combat for WASD movement plus a free, no-cooldown dodge roll on spacebar — short i-frames let you sidestep telegraphed boss attacks. Bosses themselves are slower and more methodical (Souls-like cadence), levels take longer, and skill gem socketing was completely overhauled. Microtransactions and supporter packs carry across both games, but characters and currency don't.

Source: TheGamer: PoE 2 vs PoE 1 differences

How does the Atlas mapping system work in Path of Exile 2?

You unlock the Atlas around level 65 after the three interlude acts. Use Waystones (single-use map keys) to enter zones, and upgrade them to Magic-tier (blue) so they roll modifiers. Each map requires defeating all rare and unique monsters; every fourth zone has a special boss. Atlas passive points from completed maps fuel multiple specialization trees — main, league mechanic, bosses, and pinnacle. Pinnacle bosses like Xesht the Breachlord require Breachstone collection.

Source: Maxroll: PoE 2 Atlas of Worlds

Is Path of Exile 2 free-to-play and pay-to-win?

Yes, Path of Exile 2 is free-to-play, and GGG's monetization is widely considered ethical. All core content is accessible without spending — microtransactions are cosmetic (skins, effects, pets) plus quality-of-life utility (extra stash tabs, character slots). There are no power purchases. Microtransactions purchased for Path of Exile 1 transfer to PoE 2 and vice versa, so legacy supporter pack owners carry their cosmetics over.

Source: PoE Wiki: Microtransaction