Path of Exile 2 Enters Early Access This Year, PS5 Release Confirmed

Grinding Gear Games unveiled a fresh gameplay trailer for Path of Exile 2, confirming that the much-awaited sequel will debut in early access by late 2024. The trailer also confirmed that the game will be available on PlayStation 5.

New Features and Console Release

Path of Exile 2 on consoles will introduce couch co-op and support cross-play and cross-progression. Despite Sony not having an official early access program, the game will be playable on PS5 when early access begins on PC. As with its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 is a free-to-play action RPG first announced several years ago.

The game will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S simultaneously with the PC version. Players can expect features like couch co-op, allowing the entire game to be played with a partner, with each player's HUD and inventory displayed on the screen. Couch co-op partners can log in with their accounts to access existing characters or log in as guests.

Developer Insights and Improvements

Jonathan Rogers, the game director, highlighted the importance of couch co-op. "In considering ways to improve the couch gaming experience for Path of Exile, we acknowledged the broad appeal of cooperative gameplay with friends. It's a feature many games overlook nowadays, but it's something I personally love," said Jonathan Rogers, the game director.

Grinding Gear Games has redesigned Path of Exile 2's menu and inventory screens to better suit big-screen play when playing solo. Players will have the ability to fully remap all skills to any of the game's 24 keybinds. Console players will also benefit from a built-in help system that explains the game's various systems with the press of a button.

Path of Exile 2 will remain free-to-play and is set to receive a closed beta on PC and consoles later this year, with an early access launch planned before the end of the year.

The sequel aims to be more approachable than the original, featuring a new six-act campaign, an updated skill gem system, 12 character classes, and a new "dual specialize" feature for its extensive Passive Skill Tree. Additionally, Grinding Gear Games has promised that Path of Exile 2 will not replace the original game, with new expansions planned for both titles in the future.