Path of Exile 2: Preparing for Early Access - Game Length & Device Compatibility

From its initial announcement to the upcoming early access release on December 6, Path of Exile 2 has seen its share of delays, making the journey to its release highly anticipated. Despite these setbacks, fans of the franchise can rest assured that the wait will be worth it.

Building on the foundations of its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 introduces numerous updates, enhancements, and fresh content, including expanded endgame features and upcoming leagues. However, these improvements come with increased demands on your gaming hardware. In this article, we’ll dive into the game’s expected length, new features, and the devices best suited for running it smoothly.

How Long Is Path of Exile 2?

Path of Exile 2 boasts a wealth of content, including a six-act main story and 12 classes in its full version. During early access, players can experience the first three acts and six classes, offering a substantial preview of what’s to come.

For newcomers to the series, completing Acts 1 to 3 is estimated to take around 25 hours. Experienced players familiar with the first game may finish these acts more quickly. To access the endgame content during early access, players will need to reach level 65, which requires completing the three acts again on Cruel difficulty. This difficulty setting increases the challenge by enhancing enemy strength and rewards, including better chances of acquiring Path of Exile 2 Currency.

The full release will include the remaining acts, extending the game’s content significantly. With the complete version, players can expect hundreds of hours of gameplay as they progress from level 65 to level 100, doubling the content available in early access. This expansion makes robust gaming hardware essential for an optimal experience.

Updated Mechanics: New Support Gems

Path of Exile 2 introduces several game mechanics updates, including new support gems designed to enhance your skills in unique ways. These gems can be found throughout the game world and provide significant boosts, such as adding bleeding damage to your attacks or increasing the number of projectiles your character fires.

To use a support gem, hover over it to view its effects, then right-click to apply it to your skills. Each skill can benefit from only one gem of a specific type—for example, you cannot stack multiple projectile boosts on the same skill, but you can combine different effects, such as additional projectiles and freeze damage.

For ease of use, the support gem skill menu includes a checkbox to display recommended gems only. By unchecking this box, you can view all compatible gems and experiment to find the combinations that best suit your playstyle.

Devices Suitable for Path of Exile 2

Before embarking on your Path of Exile 2 adventure, ensure your gaming device meets the necessary requirements to avoid interruptions during gameplay. Whether you’re using a PC, laptop, or handheld console, having the right hardware is key to enjoying the game.

1. PC Devices

While Path of Exile 2 isn’t as demanding as some recently released titles, it still requires adequate hardware. The minimum system requirements allow you to run the game, but higher specifications will enhance your experience. Ensure your PC has at least 100GB of free storage space to accommodate the game’s extensive content. If space is an issue, consider uninstalling older games or organizing your files.

2. Mac Systems

Although many fans hoped for a Mac OS release, Path of Exile 2 is currently only available on Windows, as indicated on its Steam and Epic Games pages. Mac users may need to explore alternative solutions, such as dual-booting Windows.

3. Steam Deck

Despite the Steam store listing Path of Exile 2 as unsupported on Steam Deck, the developers have confirmed that the game can be played on this platform. Steam Deck users can confidently prepare for their journey into Wraeclast.

4. Other Handheld Gaming Devices

Given the game’s modest system requirements and support for Xbox controllers, handheld devices like the ROG Ally and Legion Go are expected to handle Path of Exile 2 well. These devices offer portability without compromising performance, making them an excellent choice for players on the go.

Final Preparations for Path of Exile 2

As early access for Path of Exile 2 approaches, ensuring your gaming device is ready is crucial. Whether you prefer a desktop, laptop, or handheld system, having sufficient storage and meeting system requirements will allow you to fully immerse yourself in this expansive RPG. With its rich content and challenging gameplay, Path of Exile 2 promises to captivate players, offering hours of thrilling exploration and strategy.

By understanding the game’s content and technical demands, you can equip yourself for the best possible experience when early access begins. Prepare your gear and get ready to conquer Wraeclast!