Breaking News: Path of Exile 2 Goes Free-to-Play for a Limited Time to Celebrate “The Third Edict” Update

In a surprise move that has sent shockwaves through the action RPG community, Grinding Gear Games has announced that Path of Exile 2 will be available for free to all players for a limited time. This unprecedented event is being held to celebrate the release of the game’s latest major content update, “The Third Edict,” which is scheduled to drop on August 29, 2025. This decision, while only temporary, marks a significant shift for a game that has been a paid early access title since its launch in late 2024, and it is a major opportunity for both new and old players to experience the latest version of the game’s brutal and beautiful world.

The Road to a “Free” Game

The journey of Path of Exile 2 has been a long and controversial one. Despite its developers’ long-standing commitment to a free-to-play model for the final release, the game launched into Early Access with a paid entry fee. Players were required to purchase one of a number of supporter packs, ranging from a basic $30 entry to more expensive bundles with exclusive cosmetics, to gain access to the game. This decision was met with a mixed reaction from the community. While many understood that the revenue was necessary to fund the game’s continued development, others felt it was a betrayal of the series’ “ethical free-to-play” philosophy. The limited free-to-play period is a direct response to this, a gesture to the community and an olive branch to those who were hesitant to spend money on an unfinished title.

The free-to-play event will run from August 29 to September 1, 2025, and will be available on all platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This allows players to experience the first three acts of the campaign, as well as a rich endgame, and test out the new content that “The Third Edict” has to offer. For new players, this is the perfect opportunity to see why the series has such a dedicated fanbase. For those who were on the fence about the paid Early Access, it is a chance to try the game risk-free before deciding to purchase a supporter pack to continue playing after the event concludes.

What’s New in “The Third Edict”

The timing of this free-to-play event is no coincidence; it is a clever marketing strategy to highlight the new content that is being added to the game. “The Third Edict” is the game’s third major content update, and it is packed with new features and improvements. The most significant additions include:

• Act IV of the Campaign: The update will introduce a new, massive story act, allowing players to continue their journey through the world of Wraeclast. This is a crucial addition for players who have already completed the existing Early Access content and are eager for more.
• New End-Game Maps: A total of 25 new endgame maps will be added, providing a new challenge for even the most dedicated players. These maps will offer new monsters, bosses, and a fresh set of challenges to overcome.
• New Skills and Items: As is tradition with a new Path of Exile update, “The Third Edict” will introduce a slew of new skill gems and unique items. These new additions will open up a world of new build possibilities and allow players to create even more powerful and creative characters.
• Performance Improvements: The developers have stated that a number of technical improvements will be included in the update, including performance optimizations and a more stable client. This is a welcome change for a game that has had some performance issues since its Early Access launch.

The Future of Path of Exile 2

The limited free-to-play event is a crucial moment for Path of Exile 2. It is a clear signal that the developers are confident in the game’s current state and are ready to expand its player base. It is also a way for them to test their server infrastructure and see how the game performs with a massive influx of new players. The long-term plan remains the same: the game will eventually go completely free-to-play when its full 1.0 version is released. However, this event is a powerful reminder that the journey to that point is a process that requires the support and feedback of the community. For now, players can look forward to a weekend of monster-slaying, loot-collecting, and a chance to see why Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting action RPGs of the decade.