How soon can one expect Path of Exile 2? Developer Chris Wilson discussed the release of the expansion in a long talk and explained where the difficulties lie.
When is Path of Exile 2 coming out? A specific release date for Path of Exile 2 is still not available. However, Chris Wilson from the New Zealand studio Grinding Gear Games spoke in a talk over three hours long about Path of Exile (via YouTube) about its continuation – and narrowed down the release period.
When asked if one could even expect Path of Exile 2 before 2024, Wilson replied: “Our expectation is: Yes.” Then he went into more detail about the development status: “We believe that we will likely be in public beta or close to release within two years.”
This would roughly correspond to the summer of 2023. Wilson explained that they have currently completed about 90% of the first act and 75% of the second act of Path of Exile 2. They have now started on the later acts. There will be a total of seven acts in Path of Exile 2.
Wilson explains the problems of Path of Exile 2
What are the problems? Originally, an earlier release was planned. And even now, Wilson says regarding the percentages: “That doesn’t sound like much.” However, he explained: “While we were trying to get our art style and quality under control, we had to do a lot of work, set standards, and introduce processes. Now we are in full production mode.”
Especially due to the pandemic, development has progressed more slowly than hoped: “Covid hasn’t helped. The borders are closed, and since last March, no one has come to New Zealand, except New Zealanders.”
Due to these circumstances, it has been difficult to find the necessary staff for development. However, that should change now: They are expanding, outsourcing studios, and promoting remote work.
For example, they are currently looking for environment artists: “If you are a world-class artist and want to work on PoE 2, please contact us.” There is plenty of work, and they want to hire up to 100 artists in the next six months.
What is being worked on? Path of Exile 2 is not a classic successor, but rather a huge expansion of Path of Exile. However, features are being added that correspond to a continuation – such as a new storyline. Classes and equipment systems are also being revised and renewed.
“We have the opportunity to redo and improve things,” Wilson said about Path of Exile 2: “The campaign is much better, and the combat feels so much better.” The new story is expected to be more coherent and interesting.
It will still take some time before the final result can be assessed. In April 2021, Path of Exile 2 showed new gameplay that was well received. You can see what it looked like here.
