Grinding Gear Games will drop the paywall on Path of Exile 2 for 72 hours starting August 29th. The action RPG sequel has required a supporter pack purchase since its December 2024 early access launch, making this the first time players can try the game without spending money.
The free weekend runs from August 29 at 1 PM PDT through September 1 at 1 PM PDT on PC and consoles. Players get full access to everything, including the new Third Edict league launching alongside the trial period.
Full Game Access During Trial
Unlike typical game demos, this trial doesn't limit progression or content access. Players can level characters, collect gear, and even reach endgame if they're fast enough. All progress saves to player accounts permanently.
The campaign alone offers dozens of hours of content, though most weekend players won't reach the Atlas of Worlds endgame. The first act introduces Path of Exile 2's brutal boss fights and dark atmosphere, while act two features the game's standout hub area where players travel with a caravan crossing red desert sands.
Strategic Response to Player Decline
The timing isn't coincidental. Path of Exile 2 launched with massive success, hitting over 570,000 players on day one. But numbers have dropped steadily since then, with the decline accelerating after the first league season Dawn of the Hunt ended.
Grinding Gear Games has defended the paywall model as necessary for funding development while filtering out casual players. Only those who bought top-tier Path of Exile 1 packs or spent $480 lifetime get automatic access otherwise.
Major Overhaul with Third Edict
Version 0.3 drops alongside the free weekend with hundreds of changes. The update reworks the entire campaign, buffs all classes, adds new ascendancies, and introduces dozens of items. Most importantly, it removes the requirement to play through the campaign twice before reaching endgame.
The new league mechanic spawns green fissures across the world. Monsters crawl out of these rifts, and nearby enemies (including bosses) can fall in and emerge stronger with better loot. Support gem changes will enable builds that weren't possible before.
Players who haven't bought the game can't pre-download content until the update goes live. Server stability during the initial rush remains a question mark.
Historic First with Unknown Future
August 29th marks the first time Path of Exile 2 has operated without purchase requirements. The company hasn't announced plans for future free weekends, making this potentially a one-time event.
The move carries risk for Grinding Gear Games. Strong conversion rates from trial to paid could validate their early access model. Poor results might push them toward the free-to-play transition sooner than planned.
