Following the release of Path of Exile's 3.26 update, Secrets of the Atlas, the ARPG has experienced a massive surge in player activity. According to recent Steam data, Path of Exile 1 reached an impressive peak of 152,850 concurrent players within 24 hours, far exceeding Path of Exile 2's 21,849 players. This resurgence highlights the enduring popularity of the original game, even as its successor continues development.

The launch of Path of Exile 2 initially shifted developer Grinding Gear Games' focus, leading to delays for PoE 1 updates. In January 2025, director Jonathan Rogers publicly apologized for the setbacks, acknowledging the challenges of managing both games simultaneously. However, the long-awaited Secrets of the Atlas update has now reinvigorated the player base, proving that PoE 1 remains a dominant force in the ARPG genre.

The Secrets of the Atlas update, released on June 13, introduced a wealth of new content, including an overhauled endgame system, the Mercenaries challenge league, and significant quality-of-life improvements. One standout feature is the new Pause system, allowing players to halt gameplay during online sessions—a first for the series. These additions have clearly resonated with fans, as PoE 1 continues to maintain a strong player count of 87,919, while PoE 2 trails with just 13,161 active users.

The disparity in player numbers suggests that Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2 cater to different audiences. As Rogers explained in a recent interview, the two games now offer distinct experiences, allowing them to coexist rather than compete directly. With PoE 1 receiving consistent updates and maintaining a dedicated player base, it seems the original game is far from being overshadowed by its successor.