So, you're eager to dive into Path of Exile 2? It's completely understandable. The buzz around this next chapter in the beloved ARPG is palpable, and many of us are wondering about the earliest we can get our hands on it and, of course, what it'll cost.
When Does Early Access Start?
Mark your calendars for December 6, 2024. That's the magic date when early access officially kicks off. It's not just a PC thing either; consoles will be joining in on the fun simultaneously. The release time is set for 11 AM PST across the board, so no matter where you are, you can figure out your local time and be ready.
How Do I Get In? The Price of Early Entry
Getting into the early access isn't a free-for-all, unfortunately. The primary way to secure your spot is by purchasing a Supporter Pack. The entry point for these packs starts at a pretty accessible $30 USD. Think of it as an investment in the game's development and a reward for your early commitment.
Now, these aren't just basic entry tickets. The Supporter Packs come in tiers, with prices scaling up. The $30 pack is the most basic early access option, but if you're feeling generous or want more goodies, there are packs going all the way up to $480. The cool thing is, the higher-tier packs usually bundle the contents of the lower ones, so you're getting more bang for your buck as you spend more. Just a heads-up, if you're on Xbox or PlayStation, those packs won't include any physical items, which is something to keep in mind.
There's also a rather unique way to snag a free PC early access key: if you've spent a total of $480 in the first Path of Exile game. That's a significant chunk, but it's a nice nod to the long-time supporters of the franchise.
What's Actually Included in Early Access?
So, what are you getting for your early support? Well, it's not the full game, but it's a substantial chunk. You'll be able to play through the first three Acts of the campaign. This gives you a solid taste of the story and the revamped gameplay mechanics. These initial acts are also designed to be a primary focus for gearing up and leveling for the endgame content that's also available.
Speaking of endgame, yes, there's plenty of that to sink your teeth into. You'll face around 50 bosses and encounter over 400 different enemy types. Plus, you can explore endgame activities like Ascendancy Trials and Breaches. It sounds like a robust offering to keep you busy while the rest of the game is polished.
On the character front, you'll have access to six base classes: Warrior, Ranger, Monk, Witch, Sorceress, and Mercenary. Each of these comes with two Ascendancy classes ready to go, with the third ascendancy for each class being held back for the full release. This gives you a good variety of builds to experiment with right from the get-go.
It's worth noting that the first three acts will have two difficulty levels: Normal and Cruel. Normal is your standard starting point, while Cruel ramps up the challenge with tougher monsters but, naturally, better rewards. It’s a nice way to replay content and push your builds further.
It’s an exciting time for Path of Exile fans, and getting a peek behind the curtain with early access is a fantastic opportunity. Just remember to check the official channels for any last-minute updates as December 6th approaches!
