When the Path of Exile 2 Early Access ends, the free-to-play version is coming. Near mid-2025, today we are going to talk about the release of PoE 2 free to play and other details.

PoE 2 Free to Play Release Date

The exact free-to-play release date of Path of Exile 2 has not been announced, but there some lots of reasonable speculations. The Early Access version is launching on December 6, 2024. The game is expected to transition to free-to-play after Early Access concludes. Early Access would last as long as needed to ensure the game is fully prepared for the free-to-play release, with a minimum duration of six months. If everything goes smoothly, PoE 2 free-to-play could be released in the second half of 2025. Based on the Steam page and the developers' statements, if PoE 2 does not encounter any delays, it could be released as early as June 2025. However, there could be last-minute issues causing the full release to be delayed. Considering that Path of Exile 1 remained in Early Access for over a year, some speculate that Path of Exile 2 might also require additional development time. Integrating these factors, the full PoE 2 free-to-play version is likely to be released in late 2025 or early 2026.

People who purchased a Supporter Pack to unlock Early Access can play PoE 2 ahead of official release, and experience the game storyline, character skills, cosmetic items, weapons, and more at an early stage. They can also provide feedback to the developers to help them improve the game. For people who do not want to spend money, you can patiently wait for the arrival of the free version, which will have richer content and a larger player base.

What to Expect in PoE 2 Free to Play Full Version

1. Classes and Acts

The Path of Exile 2 Early Access only includes 3 of the 6 planned acts, 6 out of 12 character classes (the 7th class - Huntress is added in 0.2 Dawn of the Hunt Update), and an endgame system. So players are expecting the remaining acts (Act 4-6), additional classes (Druid, Templar, Shadow, Marauder, Duelist), more ascendancy options (third ascendancy and new class ascendancy), Atlas system improvements, further balance updates, bug fixes, and more content. What to note is that your characters created during Early Access will not be wiped, but will be moved to an Early Access League separate from the standard game.

2. Special Event

Grinding Gear Games has not yet officially announced information regarding a special event for the free-to-play full launch of POE2. However, based on the developers' statements and the game's development progress, it is highly likely that a special event will be held, which offers in-game rewards such as exclusive cosmetics, consumables, or currency. They could also introduce new endgame content, such as dungeon challenges or boss battles. In addition, a new limited-time league or season might be launched, featuring unique gameplay mechanics, rules, or rewards. The free-to-play version might be accompanied by adjustments to the in-game economy to ensure stability and balance.

3. Endgame Content

Since the beginning of Early Access, GGG has been enhancing and fine-tuning endgame features. For example, the May 2025 0.2.0h update, which improved Breach encounters, increased the spawns and durations of monsters, consolidated Breach splinter drops, and improved visibility and interaction of Rogue Exiles with Azmerian Wisps. At the time of free-to-play launch, such endgame content may receive additional advances and refinements.  

4. New Bosses

To add more fun and challenge to the endgame, GGG could add new powerful boss monsters. As a part of a new expansion, you’ll have added chances for obtaining priceless loot. POE1 has a history of adding new bosses and monsters during frequent updates and expansions. For example, the Harbinger league added the Harbinger Boss, and the Delve league came with the Delve system and a plethora of challenging bosses. It is expected that POE2 will take a similar route of gradually adding new content.