Path of Exile 2: All Release Times and How to Get Early Access

After years of anticipation and a series of successful betas, Path of Exile 2 is finally ready to hit Early Access, allowing players to dive into the world of Wraeclast once again. Here's everything you need to know about the release times, how to get early access, and the preload details.

Path of Exile 2 Release Times

Path of Exile 2 will officially enter Early Access on Friday, December 6th, 2024. The release times for different regions are as follows:

North America:

11 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time)

12 PM MST (Mountain Standard Time)

1 PM CST (Central Standard Time)

2 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)

UK/Ireland:

7 PM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)

Europe:

8 PM CET (Central European Time)

9 PM EET (Eastern European Time)

Asia/Oceania:

4 AM JST (Japan Standard Time) on Saturday, December 7th

3 AM AWST (Australian Western Standard Time)

6 AM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

China (Standard Time):

3 AM, Saturday, December 7th, 2024

How to Get Early Access to Path of Exile 2

There are several ways to gain Early Access to Path of Exile 2, depending on your platform.

For PS5 and Xbox Series X|S:

You can get access to the Early Access version by purchasing a $30 Founders Pack from either the PlayStation or Xbox digital storefront. This option will go live on December 6th, 2024 at the stated release times.

For PC Players:

Early Access is granted based on how much you've spent on microtransactions in the original Path of Exile:

If you've spent $480 or more on Path of Exile 1 (including currency and cosmetics), you will receive free access to Path of Exile 2 Early Access.

If you've spent less or nothing at all, you'll need to pay $30 for access.

There are also higher-tier Founders Packs available for PC players, which include physical and digital items.

How to Preload Path of Exile 2

To ensure you're ready to play the moment Path of Exile 2 goes live, you can preload the game ahead of time. Here's what you need to know:

PC Preload:

The standalone PC client will be available for download on Thursday, December 5th at 5 PM PST / 1 AM GMT (Friday). This will allow you to get the game downloaded and ready to go for December 6th.

PS5 Preload:

You can purchase a Founders Pack from the PlayStation Store 24 hours before the game's official launch. This will activate the preload for Path of Exile 2, allowing you to download the game in advance.

Xbox Preload:

Preloading is already available for Xbox Series X|S players. Simply purchase the Founders Pack from the Xbox Store and begin downloading the game immediately.

When Will the Full Release of Path of Exile 2 Be?

The full release date for Path of Exile 2 (version 1.0) has not been officially announced yet. However, based on the history of the original Path of Exile, the Early Access period is likely to last anywhere from 6 months to a year before the full release. For example, Path of Exile 1 spent around 10 months in Early Access before it was fully released in October 2013.

If the timeline for Path of Exile 2 follows a similar pattern, we could see version 1.0 launched around the beginning of 2026. But as always, the length of Early Access can vary, so the release date is not guaranteed.

What Content Will Be Available in Path of Exile 2 Early Access?

Even though Path of Exile 2 is still in Early Access, Grinding Gear Games has promised a wealth of content at launch. Here's a breakdown of what will be available at Early Access:

3 Campaign Acts:

Players will experience a chunk of the game's story, with three acts available to explore.

6 Character Classes:

Warrior

Sorceress

Ranger

Monk

Mercenary

Witch

50 Bosses:

There will be 50 different bosses to challenge, offering a variety of encounters across the game's world.

Over 400 Monster Types:

A large array of monsters will populate the world, providing diverse and challenging combat experiences.

Skill Gem System:

The familiar Skill Gem system from the original game will return, allowing for deep customization of your character's abilities.

Passive Skill Tree:

The expansive Passive Skill Tree will allow for endless builds, giving players the freedom to customize their characters.

7 Endgame Modes:

Expect at least seven endgame modes to keep you engaged long after completing the main story, offering replayability and progression.

Summary of Important Dates:

Preload Availability (PC): December 5th, 2024 at 5 PM PST / 1 AM GMT

Preload Availability (PS5): 24 hours before launch on December 6th

Preload Availability (Xbox): Available now

Early Access Launch: December 6th, 2024

Full Launch (1.0): TBA (likely in 2026)

Conclusion

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a massive update to the world of Wraeclast, with tons of content to explore. Whether you're a returning player or new to the franchise, this Early Access phase will allow you to get an early taste of the game and dive deep into its systems. Be sure to mark your calendars for December 6th and prepare for an epic journey!

If you want to optimize your experience, consider acquiring PoE 2 currency and PoE items early to get a head start on your build and don't forget to preload the game to ensure you're ready to play right when it launches!