How Much Does Path of Exile 2 Cost in 2026? Early Access and Free Launch

How Much Does Path of Exile 2 Cost in 2026?

Path of Exile 2 costs $30 USD to enter Early Access through Grinding Gear Games, or $29.99 at the US Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox storefronts. You do not need an expensive edition to play the game. Better still, Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that the full release will become free to play on December 11, 2026 (Pacific Standard Time, UTC−08:00). The exact launch hour has not been announced, so the date in your region may differ when the servers open.

That is the key to the Path of Exile 2 price: pay for access before version 1.0, or wait for the base game to become free. Optional purchases, such as extra stash space and cosmetics, are a separate decision. The prices below were checked against official listings on October 16, 2026; taxes, currency conversion, promotions, and regional storefront pricing can change the total shown at checkout.

A cloaked sword-bearing adventurer looking toward a ruined stone fortress in a dark fantasy landscape
The action-RPG setting behind the Early Access price question: paying now is optional once the full free release arrives.

Path of Exile 2 price at a glance

What you wantAdvertised US priceWhat it gets you
Play during Early Access$30 on the developer's site; $29.99 on US digital storesAn Early Access entitlement and 300 Points in the starter pack
Higher Early Access packs$60 / $100 on the developer's siteEarly Access plus 600 / 1,000 Points and additional cosmetics
Play from the announced full launch$0Free access to the base game from December 11, 2026 (PST), subject to launch availability
Buy extra stash tabs or cosmeticsOptional; varies by itemStorage conveniences and visual customization

These are US-dollar reference prices, not a promise that every territory or console store charges the identical amount. The original game, Path of Exile, is already free, but that does not mean its store page unlocks the sequel's paid Early Access.

What does the $30 Early Access pack include?

The entry-level Path of Exile 2 Early Access Supporter Pack lists an Early Access key or entitlement, 300 Points, and the extended digital soundtrack on the official Grinding Gear Games purchase page. Points are the game's store currency; calling them “Coins,” as some older guides do, can make it harder to compare listings.

Higher-priced original Early Access editions include the same fundamental access along with more Points and digital extras. The developer's Lord of Ogham pack is listed at $60 with 600 Points, while King of the Faridun is $100 with 1,000 Points. You are not buying a stronger playable character or an expanded version of the story by choosing these higher tiers.

A gaming desk with a keyboard, mouse, monitor showing a fantasy castle, and a stack of dollar bills
A purchase is required for Early Access, but larger supporter bundles are a choice rather than a prerequisite.

Important: not every Supporter Pack includes Early Access

In 2026, the store also sells additional themed packs, including Divinity and Bloodreaver bundles at $30, $60, and $90 levels. Those product descriptions focus on Points and cosmetics, and do not list an Early Access key. Do not assume that a new $30 cosmetic pack grants access just because the original $30 Early Access pack does. If you need to start playing immediately, look for the words “Early Access Key,” “Early Access,” or the corresponding game entitlement in the exact item description before purchasing.

Some established Path of Exile supporters may already qualify for access. Grinding Gear Games' official Early Access FAQ says that previous purchases totaling at least $480 USD on one platform, or certain past top-tier supporter purchases, qualified for an account entitlement. This is not a discount available to new players; eligible returning players should check their account status before buying another key.

When does Path of Exile 2 become free?

Grinding Gear Games announced that Path of Exile 2 version 1.0 launches December 11, 2026, in Pacific Standard Time (UTC−08:00), switching the base game to free-to-play on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The studio confirmed the plan in its official Steam release announcement and in a Grinding Gear Games press release dated August 26, 2026.

The exact hour of the free launch has not been confirmed. Consequently, it would be misleading to promise a midnight download or convert the release into a definite clock time elsewhere. If you are planning around the launch, revisit the game's official news and store listings closer to December 11. Anyone who has already bought Early Access will not need to buy the free base game again.

Does Path of Exile 2 cost the same on PC, PS5, and Xbox?

The standard US entry prices are effectively aligned, but the purchasing process differs by platform.

PlatformVerified US listingWhere to check
PC: developer client$30 USDOfficial developer store
PC: Steam$29.99 USDSteam game listing
PlayStation 5$29.99 USD for the Founder's Early Access editionPlayStation's US listing
Xbox Series X|SFrom $29.99 USD for the Early Access bundleXbox's US listing
Two displays depicting a hooded fantasy traveler, with black and white game controllers on a table
Path of Exile 2 is offered on PC and current-generation consoles, but platform-specific purchases need attention.

Cross-progression does not mean all purchases transfer

Path of Exile 2 supports cross-play and cross-progression, meaning players can continue their characters across supported devices when accounts are set up correctly. However, PlayStation microtransaction purchases are not shared with PC or Xbox, and purchases made elsewhere are not shared with PlayStation. Certain stash purchases can also become unavailable or remove-only when you switch to a platform where they are not owned. Grinding Gear Games explains these restrictions in its account and cross-progression support responses.

If you are planning to alternate between PC and PS5, decide where to make optional purchases before spending heavily. Likewise, a key that adds the game to one PC storefront's library should not be assumed to give you a separate console license. The developer's key redemption instructions specifically distinguish PC-client unlock keys from the Early Access entitlement on an account.

Do you have to buy Points, stash tabs, or cosmetics?

No extra purchase is required to continue playing after you have Early Access. The in-game store offers optional cosmetics and stash tabs that help with inventory storage and, depending on the tab type, trading workflows. The developer's store lists Points separately—for example, 50 Points for $5, 100 for $10, and 200 for $20 USD. Because the basic Early Access pack already supplies 300 Points, you can consider how to use those before purchasing more.

An open wooden fantasy chest with separate compartments of gems, scrolls, potions, rings, and other loot
Extra stash storage is a convenience purchase, distinct from optional visual cosmetics.

The distinction matters when people ask whether Path of Exile 2 is pay-to-win. The regular store is not designed around buying character levels, guaranteed powerful weapons, or campaign progression. Nevertheless, extra stash storage is a real quality-of-life benefit, especially for players who collect or trade large amounts of loot. It is more accurate to acknowledge that convenience than to claim every paid item is purely cosmetic.

If you previously purchased stash tabs in Path of Exile 1, applicable purchases can work in the sequel, subject to whether the tab has a corresponding purpose in Path of Exile 2 and to platform ownership restrictions. The developer's Early Access FAQ specifically addresses those compatibility limits. Check your existing tab inventory before buying duplicates.

Which price makes sense for you?

  • You want to spend nothing: wait for the planned free-to-play 1.0 launch on December 11, 2026 (PST). No Supporter Pack should be needed for the base game after that point.
  • You want to play before launch: choose the cheapest pack that explicitly grants Early Access. In the verified US listings, that is around $30.
  • You expect to play for months and trade frequently: try using your included 300 Points for practical stash storage before buying extra currency. Compare tab prices and sales within the store.
  • You want exclusive cosmetics or to support development: consider a higher pack, but check whether it includes an access entitlement if you do not own the game yet.
  • You play on multiple platforms: account for the PlayStation purchase-sharing restriction before buying add-ons.

Quick answers about the Path of Exile 2 price

Is Path of Exile 2 free right now?

As of October 16, 2026, normal Early Access requires a qualifying entitlement or a paid entry pack. The full base game is scheduled to become free on December 11, 2026 (PST). Temporary promotions, if offered, should not be confused with the permanent free-to-play launch.

Is $60 or $100 required to get all the gameplay?

No. The $30 Early Access entry tier provides the same base game access as the original higher-tier Early Access packs. The higher price pays for additional Points and supporter bonuses.

Will I have to pay again when version 1.0 releases?

No second base-game purchase is expected. Version 1.0 is announced as free-to-play, including for people who already paid for Early Access. Your optional purchases remain subject to their normal account and platform rules.

Can I get the $30 entry pack and never spend more?

Yes. Buying extra Points, cosmetics, or stash tabs is optional. You can use the Points supplied with your access pack and assess whether storage upgrades matter to your playstyle.

Bottom line: the Path of Exile 2 cost in 2026 is approximately $30 to play Early Access now, or $0 when the announced free-to-play launch arrives on December 11. The most useful buying check is not which pack looks best: it is whether the listing actually includes Early Access, and whether you are comfortable paying now for a game scheduled to be free soon.

Leave a Comment

Best Dota 2 Minimap Size and Color Settings for Clearer Map Awareness

Best Dota 2 Minimap Size and Color Settings for Clearer Map Awareness

Choose Dota 2 minimap size, hero icons, team colors, and background settings by readability, fewer misclicks, and clear results on your own display.

How to Fix Fortnite Texture Pop-In on PC: 8 Checks That Actually Matter

How to Fix Fortnite Texture Pop-In on PC: 8 Checks That Actually Matter

Fix Fortnite texture pop-in on PC with official steps for GPU drivers, file verification, DirectX 12, high-resolution textures, VRAM, SSDs, and stutter.

Best Heroes of the Storm Minimap Setup: Size, Position, and Clicks

Best Heroes of the Storm Minimap Setup: Size, Position, and Clicks

Learn what Heroes of the Storm minimap size and position options are verified, improve readability, and choose camera-click controls that suit you.

How to Turn Off Stage Hazards in Smash Ultimate Quickplay

How to Turn Off Stage Hazards in Smash Ultimate Quickplay

Set Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Quickplay to prefer hazards-off stages. Follow the Preferred Rules menu steps and learn why matchmaking may not always honor them.

Best Warzone Telemetry Overlay Settings for Ping and Packet Loss

Best Warzone Telemetry Overlay Settings for Ping and Packet Loss

Enable Server Latency and Packet Loss in Warzone to monitor connection quality, read the overlay, and use recurring spikes to guide troubleshooting.

Master Mid Lane Roaming: How to Carry in League of Legends

Master Mid Lane Roaming: How to Carry in League of Legends

Learn how to carry from mid lane in League of Legends by setting up waves, choosing safe roam windows, reading side lanes, and converting pressure into objectives.

How to Fix the Minecraft Evoker Spell Error in Modded Worlds

How to Fix the Minecraft Evoker Spell Error in Modded Worlds

Fix Minecraft Evoker spell problems with a safe vanilla test, version checks, log review, and a step-by-step way to isolate mod or datapack conflicts.

How to Fix PUBG Stuck on “Initializing” on Steam

How to Fix PUBG Stuck on “Initializing” on Steam

Fix PUBG stuck on Initializing on Steam with a focused checklist for PC service notices, launch options, game files, downloads, and connection issues.

How to Fix Brawl Stars Stuck at 92% Loading

How to Fix Brawl Stars Stuck at 92% Loading

Fix Brawl Stars stuck at 92% loading with an ordered checklist for service notices, network tests, safe updates, Android cache, and account-safe reinstalling.

Best Dead by Daylight Visual Filter Settings for Spotting Survivors in Dark Maps

Best Dead by Daylight Visual Filter Settings for Spotting Survivors in Dark Maps

Best Dead by Daylight visual filter settings start with a small Gamma lift, neutral color and contrast, and a quick check for dark corners, fog, and bright lights.