Path of Exile 2 is Free to Play This Weekend: Here's Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

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Path of Exile 2 is already one of the most anticipated ARPGs of 2025, and Grinding Gear Games just dropped a massive update—The Third Edict. This expansion reshapes core gameplay with new systems, classes, and balance tweaks that have the community buzzing. Whether you’re a long-time exile or jumping into Wraeclast for the first time, this guide covers everything you need: how to download, best starter classes, pro tips, and a full FAQ.

Let’s dive into what’s new in The Third Edict and how you can get the best start in Path of Exile 2.

What’s New in Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict

The Third Edict isn’t just a small patch—it’s a game-changer. Here are the standout features:

  • New Class Archetypes – Expanded options for melee, ranged, and hybrid builds, giving players even more freedom in playstyle.

  • Reworked Passive Skill Tree – Streamlined for accessibility, but still offering the insane build depth POE fans love.

  • Enhanced Combat Flow – Faster animations and skill responsiveness for smoother gameplay.

  • Boss Encounter Revamps – Smarter enemy AI and new mechanics that punish sloppy positioning.

  • Loot System Adjustments – Better itemization clarity, reducing “loot clutter” without killing the excitement of drops.

  • Improved Co-op Systems – Party play is more rewarding, with revamped scaling and drop-sharing options.

The community has already started theorycrafting around the new changes, and early impressions suggest The Third Edict is the smoothest, most polished version of POE 2 yet.

How to Download Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict

Path of Exile 2 is Free to Play This Weekend
Since Path of Exile 2 is still rolling out gradually, here’s how you can access it:

  1. Official Website – Head to Path of Exile 2’s official page and sign in with your Grinding Gear Games account.

  2. Steam – Search for Path of Exile 2 on Steam and download the latest update.

  3. Epic Games Store – Also available for free via Epic’s launcher.

  4. Console Access – Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 players can update directly from their library.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to clear at least 50GB of space. POE 2’s new high-fidelity assets demand more storage than the original game.

Best Beginner Classes for The Third Edict

If you’re just starting out, some classes offer smoother progression and less punishing learning curves:

  • Ranger (Bow Builds) – Great for new players who prefer kiting enemies and safe damage.

  • Marauder (Tanky Melee) – Beginner-friendly due to high survivability and simple skill scaling.

  • Witch (Minion Builds) – Summoner archetypes let your minions do the heavy lifting while you learn mechanics.

  • Templar (Hybrid Builds) – A flexible choice for experimenting with melee and spellcasting.

Advanced players may dive into trickier builds like the Duelist or Shadow, but if you’re new, stick to these reliable starter classes.

Pro Tips for Success in The Third Edict

  1. Don’t Rush the Campaign – The story now introduces mechanics more gradually; take your time to learn.

  2. Use the New Loot Filter – Cuts down on clutter and highlights gear relevant to your build.

  3. Experiment with Respecs – Early-game respec points are more forgiving—test out different skills before committing.

  4. Play in Co-op – The new scaling rewards mean co-op is finally worth the grind.

  5. Follow the Community – Check Reddit’s r/pathofexile2 and POE forums for build updates and hidden mechanics.

FAQ – Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict

Q: Do I need to finish Path of Exile 1 to play POE 2?
A: No, POE 2 is a standalone game with a fresh campaign, though both games share the same endgame ecosystem.

Q: Is Path of Exile 2 free-to-play?
A: Yes, just like the original, POE 2 is completely free with optional cosmetics.

Q: Can I transfer characters from Path of Exile 1?
A: No, but you’ll share the same economy and endgame league with POE 1 players.

Q: What’s the biggest change in The Third Edict?
A: The passive tree rework and new class archetypes are the most impactful changes.

Q: Will my old loot filters work?
A: Mostly yes, but updating them for The Third Edict’s item changes is recommended.

Final Thoughts

Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict is shaping up to be the defining update for the ARPG in 2025. With smoother combat, deeper builds, and a friendlier onboarding for beginners, this might be the perfect time to jump in. Whether you’re hunting for your first unique or experimenting with advanced builds, The Third Edict has something for every exile. 

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