Will POE 2 be free?

Curious about whether Path of Exile 2 will be free to play? With the highly anticipated sequel on the horizon, fans are eager to dive into its dark and dangerous world. However, access to the Early Access Beta may not be as straightforward as you’d think. If you're wondering what it'll take to play the game before its full release, we’ve got all the details here.

POE 2

Path of Exile 2 is free to play! This was made clear over a year ago at EXILECON 2023 and the decision hasn't changed. However, while the game itself is free, the Early Access Beta comes with a bit of a catch.

If you're eager to get your hands on Path of Exile 2 early, you’ll need to qualify for the Beta through one of two methods:

First, you can purchase one of the new Supporter Packs that will include a Beta key (these will be revealed in a stream during November 2024, according to a Twitter post from the official PoE account).

Alternatively, you can gain access by hitting a "threshold of lifetime support" in the original Path of Exile. In other words, if you've made significant in-game purchases in Path of Exile 1, you might qualify for Beta access without buying a Supporter Pack. There's no point playing Path of Exile 1 before POE 2 and spending a bunch of money if you just want access to the Beta - go with the Supporter Pack instead.

But be warned: the threshold for lifetime support isn't small. According to a forum post on the official Path of Exile site, the required support level is “a purchase of any top-tier pack ($440 or above) or... total lifetime purchases [that] combine to $500 or more.” If you’re a dedicated player who's invested in the game over the years, you might already be on the list. Otherwise, you may want to consider grabbing one of those shiny new Supporter Packs!

Beta Entry and Key Access Information

When will the Beta start?

The Beta kicks off on June 8 at 9am NZ time (this will be June 7 at 2pm Pacific Time). So, mark your calendars if you're aiming to be among the first to explore the new content!

How are players selected to enter the Beta?

Unlike previous Betas where invites were sent out every five minutes, this time Grinding Gear Games plans to send out large waves of invites. They may invite 500–1000 players each day, silently and simultaneously. If you've spent more than $500 or bought a top-tier Supporter Pack in Path of Exile 1, you should be good to go. You'll just need to wait for the invite.

How will I find out if I've been selected for the Beta?

Once the Beta begins, selected players will be notified in two ways: by email and through a private message on the Path of Exile website. This ensures that both Steam-only users and those who frequently visit the website will be alerted.

Priority may be given to active players who’ve participated in recent leagues, but almost everyone is eligible for selection, except for duplicate accounts. So, if you’re reading this, chances are you could be one of the lucky ones!

How will I know if my lifetime purchases meet the threshold?

To check your lifetime purchases, head to the Your Account section of the Path of Exile website and click on Account Transactions. Purchases made with real money, such as Koala Pets, count towards the total. However, points purchases don’t.

If your account was transferred from Garena servers, those purchases do count, but they may not be automatically detected. If you don’t get access and think you should have, simply contact Path of Exile's customer support for assistance.

If I already have Beta access through lifetime purchases and buy a Supporter Pack, will I get an extra key?

Yes! If your account is already on the Beta participation list, and you buy a Supporter Pack that includes a key, you’ll have a spare Beta key to give to a friend. Obviously, you'll need to give the Supporter Pack key to your friend because your account will automatically be entered into the Beta through your lifetime purchases.

BETA Game Content Information

What content is included in the Beta?

The Beta will include Acts One to Seven right away, and Act Eight will be added within two weeks. Acts Nine and Ten will be part of the full 3.0.0 release. You’ll also get a chance to try out the new Pantheon system and give feedback on balance changes. However, don’t expect any new skills or unique items in the Beta just yet.

What leagues will be available in the Beta?

The Beta realm will feature Standard, Hardcore, Standard SSF, and Hardcore SSF leagues. However, the next Challenge League won’t be part of the Beta. It will launch with the full 3.0.0 release.

Will there be wipes during the Beta?

Yes, the Beta realm will be wiped, including at the end of the Beta. These wipes won’t affect the main game, only the Beta characters. The developers will give a heads-up before wipes happen, especially if new content (like Act Eight) is being added and they want fresh feedback.

Is the Mapping System part of the Beta?

Yes, the Mapping System is included, but only after you reach the end of the current Beta content. There's a level gap between finishing Act Seven and starting the first tier of Maps, which might be tricky for new players — but you’ve got this!

Will the trade API be available during the Beta?

Yes, the trade API will be live, though it might take a few days after the Beta launches to get it up and running. Once it’s ready, community trade tools and websites can use the API to help players trade items during the Beta.

Is the Beta under NDA?

No, the Beta isn’t under an NDA. You’re free to share your gameplay, talk about your experiences, and stream to your heart's content. Just remember, it’s still a work in progress, so things may change as the game evolves.

Want to read more about POE 2 at Pro Game Guides? Check out Path of Exile 2 early access release date finally revealed and How to sign up for the Path of Exile 2 Closed Beta.