What it is
Grinding Gear Games' sequel is a darker, slower action RPG than its predecessor. Bosses telegraph their attacks and punish button-mashing, dodge-rolling is central, and the story runs across six acts at 1.0. Its identity is still the build system: skill gems socketed with support gems, a huge passive skill tree, and item crafting that uses currency items (orbs) rather than a shop.
The first evening
Pick a class, play through Act 1 and try not to read build guides yet. The early bosses teach you to watch and dodge, not just trade hits. If you've played the first Path of Exile, expect to be slower and to die more at first. That's intentional. Controller play is excellent on both PC and consoles.
What you'll pay for
- Today: early access has run since December 2024 and needs a supporter pack. At 1.0 on 11 December 2026 the game becomes free to play, and early-access buyers keep everything.
- Stash tabs are the honest catch. The free storage runs out fast once you start trading and crafting, and specialised tabs make life much easier. They're not required, but most long-term players buy some.
- Cosmetics are sold for Points in the shop. The studio has sold cosmetic mystery boxes in its games before, so read each listing to see whether its contents are fixed or random.
Our advice: if you're not sure the genre is for you, wait for the free 1.0 launch rather than buying a pack now.
Who it suits
Theorycrafters, people who like planning builds, and anyone who enjoys a difficult, rewarding boss fight. It suits you less if you want a relaxed, quick-to-master power fantasy. Diablo IV is friendlier for that, and it's a paid game.
The score, mark by mark
- Feel25% weight8.5
- Depth20% weight9.5
- Price honesty25% weight7.5
- Time respect15% weight6.5
- Access15% weight7
What works
- Weighty, deliberate combat that works brilliantly on a controller
- Enormous build freedom through skill gems and the passive tree
- Becomes fully free to play at 1.0 on 11 December 2026
What doesn't
- Early access currently needs a supporter pack
- Extra stash tabs feel close to essential for long-term play
- Endgame is punishing and still being reworked
How to pay for Path of Exile 2 in the UK
Where you can buy Path of Exile 2 or its premium currency, and what each store accepts. Currency bought in one store usually stays with that platform. See the full store guide for spending controls and refunds.
| Where you buy | Debit or credit card | PayPal | Paysafecard | Store gift card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path of Exile shop | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | No |
| Steam | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation Store | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
| Microsoft Store (Xbox) | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
Studio: Grinding Gear Games · Publisher: Grinding Gear Games · Checked September 2026. The store's checkout page has the final word on payment options.
