Path of Exile 2 is set to offer its first-ever free weekend from August 29 to September 1, perfectly timed with the debut of The Third Edict, the game's second league season. Since its successful December 2024 launch, which attracted over 570,000 players on day one, the game has experienced a gradual decline in its player base. This trend was further exacerbated following the first league, Dawn of the Hunt. With the upcoming Version 0.3 update, developer Grinding Gear Games is implementing significant measures, including this free access period, to revitalize player engagement.

Diverging from its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 currently requires players to purchase a supporter pack for full game access. Automatic entry is granted only to those who previously owned a top-tier pack for Path of Exile 1 or have made lifetime purchases totaling $480. Although the game will eventually transition to a free-to-play model similar to PoE 1, Grinding Gear Games has stated that the current paywall helps fund ongoing development and ensures a dedicated player community.

Path of Exile 2 Free Weekend Schedule

• Begins: August 29 at 1 PM PDT
• Ends: September 1 at 1 PM PDT

Coinciding with the content reveal for The Third Edict, Grinding Gear Games has announced this free weekend access period for both PC and console platforms. During this timeframe, all players will enjoy complete, unrestricted access to the full game, including all new content introduced in The Third Edict. Importantly, all progress made during the free weekend will be permanently saved to player accounts. Should players choose to purchase the full game after the trial concludes, their characters, equipment, and currency will carry over seamlessly.

Notably, the free trial imposes no restrictions on leveling or progression, enabling dedicated players to potentially reach endgame content if they progress quickly enough. However, given Path of Exile 2's extensive campaign and the hundreds of hours of content available in the Atlas of Worlds, weekend players will only experience a sample of the complete gaming experience.

August 29 marks a significant milestone as the first time Path of Exile 2 will be available without the supporter pack requirement. This presents an ideal opportunity for curious gamers to explore the sequel's offerings without financial commitment. The Third Edict update brings substantial improvements including campaign enhancements, endgame system refinements, class buffs across the board, new ascendancy options, dozens of new items, and reworks of previously controversial mechanics.