Game intel
Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world o…
Grinding Gear Games is doing two things that should make every action RPG fan perk up: revealing Path of Exile 2’s next major content update, The Last of the Druids, on December 4-5, and then throwing the doors open for a free weekend from December 13-16 NZT (December 12-15 GMT). No Early Access key. No paywall. And yes-your progress carries over if you decide to keep playing. For a game that’s been Early Access-only, this is the cleanest on-ramp PoE2 has offered since launch.
This caught my attention because it’s not just a marketing beat; it’s a live-fire stress test positioned right as the 0.4.0 window lands. If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, this is the moment to see what the post–Third Edict version of PoE2 actually plays like-and whether the “Druid” hints point to a brand-new class or something more surprising.
Here’s the plan: GGG Live will showcase The Last of the Druids with a full trailer and developer breakdown across Twitch and YouTube. Then, less than a week later, anyone can download and play PoE2 during the Free Weekend Campaign. The crucial bit is carryover-your characters, loot, and progress persist if you continue in Early Access afterward. That’s a big departure from the typical “free weekend where your save evaporates on Monday” format.
Timing-wise, it fits GGG’s now-predictable four-month cadence for major updates. The Third Edict dropped August 29 and completely rewired support gems, ascendancies, and crafting. Early December lines up as the next tentpole. As someone who binged that patch weekend, I can say the support gem overhaul already made PoE2 feel meaningfully different from PoE1—for better build identity, fewer “six-link” tax moments, and more hands-on skill expression.
Let’s be real: calling the update The Last of the Druids isn’t exactly coy. Community speculation has pointed to a Druid class for months, and the title practically winks at it. Still, GGG tends to reveal systems and classes with a twist. If Druid lands, expect it to be less “copy Diablo’s shapeshifts” and more “PoE-ified” with tags, interactions, and support synergies that can send a build in wildly different directions.
What I’ll be watching on the stream: does Druid lean into transformations, pet swarms, nature rituals, or storm/earth spell hybrids—and what does that mean for the new support gem architecture? The Third Edict encouraged active, hands-on play; I’d love to see a Druid whose forms or channels demand timing and resource juggling, not just a stat stick for tankiness. The other big question is ascendancy identity: GGG has been tightening class fantasy, so a Druid would need clear specializations that don’t overlap awkwardly with existing archetypes.
Most “free weekends” are glorified demos. This one’s effectively an open beta slice with persistence. Removing the Early Access key barrier is going to flood the servers, which is exactly the point before a major patch. The upside for players is obvious: you can actually feel the core loop—combat weight, skill swaps, crafting friction, early endgame—without worrying your time is wasted.
It also speaks to confidence. If GGG was worried PoE2 couldn’t handle new eyes, they wouldn’t let progression carry forward. Yes, this will boost concurrent players and sales (of supporter packs and access), but it’s not a cynical move when the offer is “come try the full thing and keep what you earn.” With PoE2 still evolving, fresh feedback from thousands of new players—especially on early-game flow and crafting clarity—should help guide the next tuning passes.
Practical heads-up: expect queues at peak hours. If you’ve played PoE on any big launch weekend, you know the dance. The smart play is to roll a build that feels good on a scuffed economy and low currency—think self-found friendly skill gems and straightforward scaling—until the market stabilizes.
PoE2’s Early Access has been busy. The Third Edict update didn’t just add campaign content; it rethought core systems. That’s not trivial, and it signaled GGG is willing to break sacred cows if it results in better buildcraft. The studio’s four-month rhythm also gives players a predictable cycle to commit, step away, and return without FOMO. Meanwhile, the original Path of Exile keeps running with offset league schedules, which is a considerate nod to lifers who juggle both games.
Looking beyond December, PoE2 is slated to go free-to-play at full release, staying true to the series’ cosmetics-and-convenience model rather than pay-to-win. During Early Access, you buy in (or, now, jump in for free during the event) and can optionally grab supporter packs. No drama there—just know where your money’s going: visuals, stash quality-of-life, and flex, not raw power.
PoE2’s The Last of the Druids reveal hits December 4–5, and a no-key Free Weekend follows with progress saved. It’s the most player-friendly invite GGG has extended in Early Access, and the timing suggests a substantial 0.4.0 update. I’m excited—and I’ll be scrutinizing how “Druid” fits PoE2’s new build language once the trailer drops.
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