Path of Exile 2 returns with a staggering wave of new content, and for the first time, players will be able to try it for free during a special trial period. The “Third Edict” introduces Act 4 to story mode, while all character classes undergo major changes.

By now, it’s hard to know what to expect from Path of Exile 2. Just when it seems we’ve seen it all, Grinding Gear Games surprises us again with massive updates. At Gamescom 2025, they unveiled Act 4 of the campaign alongside a slew of jaw-dropping features and improvements.

The new trailer reveals the scope of this expansion: eight unique islands, over 100 new monsters, 16 new areas to explore, and 12 bosses to defeat – all just in Act 4. Players can also choose freely which islands to explore first.

To avoid the grind of repeating the campaign to reach endgame levels, GGG has added “interludes”: three mini-acts with unique stories, challenges, and bosses, available until Act 5 arrives. The first interlude takes us back to Orgham Village, now plagued by a new evil. In total, the interludes add 35 areas and 24 bosses to the campaign.

These interludes, the developers stress, are temporary. Once Acts 5 and 6 are added, they will be removed from the campaign but reintroduced as endgame challenges.

Gameplay Overhauls

GGG confirmed the removal of Cruel difficulty, easing progression. Another major addition is sprinting, letting players move faster but at the risk of stumbling when struck by enemies. On August 29, a reworked support gem system also launches, offering deeper customization and rewarding creative builds with devastating combos.

All Classes Reworked

No new class is introduced this time, but every existing class receives major updates. Over 150 additions to the passive skill tree expand player options, grouped thematically for clarity. The first Grand League will push veterans with 25 new endgame maps, hordes of monsters, and brutal bosses. An asynchronous trading system will also finally debut in-game.

Free Trial

All of this content drops on August 29, alongside a free trial period lasting until September 1. Anyone can jump into Path of Exile 2 at no cost. Developers still target a 2025 release for the final version, which will ultimately launch as a free-to-play title.

Source: 3djuegos