In a video message to the fans, Game Director Jonathan Rogers announced the postponement of the early access launch of Path of Exile 2. MeinMMO summarizes the details for you.
When does early access start? Originally, you were supposed to be able to begin your monster hunt in Path of Exile 2 starting November 15, 2024. This date has now been pushed back by three weeks to December 6, 2024.
What is the reason for the delay? Game Director Jonathan Rogers explains on YouTube:
- In Path of Exile 2, all microtransactions from the predecessor Path of Exile that you have paid for should be available to you. For this, the account systems of PoE and PoE 2 needed to be connected, not just on PC, but also for consoles.
- To accomplish this, various new systems needed to be developed and it had to be ensured that all the old account data is compatible. However, various “types of demons” were encountered in the database that needed to be dealt with first.
- There were several accounts with the same name, the same email address, or the same Steam ID. All of this should not even exist.
- Such discrepancies and more must be absolutely resolved to ensure that no one loses purchased content or encounters problems with their account.
- Furthermore, the team wants to ensure that the new systems run smoothly when the expected influx of players arrives at the early access launch.
Jonathan Rogers explains that they could have held to the November 15, 2024 date if necessary, but that would have only come at the cost of bugs.
Path of Exile 2 will also be released for consoles, featuring couch co-op:
“Now I have to postpone my wedding”
How is the community reacting to the announcement? While Jonathan Rogers apologizes several times in the video for the delay and takes full responsibility for this decision, many players react with understanding or humor to the new date.
- steveskeet 1 writes on YouTube: “I am getting married in December and now have to postpone my wedding. How do I explain this to her, Jonathan Rogers?”
- daviddingwall4268 appreciates the openness (via YouTube): “Transparent, open, taking responsibility and apologizing. The four horsemen of the Gigachads.”
- megaalphavulcan8035 recalls (via YouTube): “Every time GGG has delayed something, the release has been spectacular, so this is more promising than anything else.”
- swoledabeast tips his hat on Reddit: “The man took full responsibility for the situation and provided a very convincing explanation. This might be the greatest transparency I have ever witnessed in my life from a video game company.”
- Birger_Jarl writes on Reddit: “It takes time to develop perfection. I have been waiting since 2019, so I can wait another 3 weeks.”
What do I need to know about Path of Exile 2? The hack and slash adventure from Grinding Gear Games is the sequel to the 2013 Path of Exile and was first presented in November 2015. It was initially said that a beta for everyone would take place in June 2024. However, this plan has been discarded.
The monetization of the free-to-play game is supposed to be just as fair as in the first part, with an in-game shop for cosmetic offers and conveniences like more inventory space. The developers promise a story campaign for part 2 that should keep you engaged for about 40 to 50 hours.
You can expect a heavily revised combat experience, a lot of freedom in building your builds, and the exciting choice from twelve character classes. There will also be in-depth equipment and skill systems and a fresh endgame experience: Path of Exile 2 throws you into boss fights reminiscent less of Diablo 4 and more of Dark Souls.
