Path of Exile 2 Update Today: Launch Guide for The Third Edict
Path of Exile 2’s Third Edict Update Starts Today
Grinding Gear Games is officially unleashing The Third Edict update for Path of Exile 2 TODAY, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest content drop the ARPG has seen yet.
Even better, from August 29 at 1PM PST through September 1, PoE2 is completely free to play. If you’re anything like me, you’re already foaming at the mouth for all the shiny cosmetics that come with it.
Below, we’ll break down what’s actually inside this monster of an update, how you can snag the exclusive loot, and why this might be the best time to dive headfirst into Wraeclast’s blood-soaked chaos.
What’s New in PoE 2's The Third Edict Chapter
The core of The Third Edict is Act IV.
This sprawling new chapter drops players onto an island archipelago with over 100 new monster types and 12 fresh bosses. Grinding Gear also added three “Interlude Acts” that let you bridge straight to endgame without replaying the entire campaign twice.
Hallelujah!
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
We’ve also got:
PoE 2 Abyssal League
Tear open fissures, summon abyssal horrors, and scoop up loot juiced by abyssal modifiers. Basically, step one: break the ground. Step two: profit.
System Changes
Deflect mechanic gives evasive builds a shot at actually surviving, reducing damage taken by 40% on successful deflects.
Support gems now socket multiple skills and introduce “Lineage Supports” for deeper buildcraft.
Asynchronous trading through NPC merchants means you can list your junk and sell it while AFK. No more praying the other player isn’t halfway through Netflix when you want to make a deal.
Class Balance Passes
Rangers get more cold-damage love, Warriors pick up fire and shield buffs, and sprinting is now a thing. It lets you zoom across maps but punishes you if enemies catch you mid-stride.
This is a serious patch, and it feels like Grinding Gear Games listened to a ton of player feedback while designing it.
Free Weekend: August 29 - September 1
From launch today at 1PM PST until September 1, Path of Exile 2 is free to play.
There’s no catch: you get full access to the game, all of The Third Edict content, and progression that sticks around if you decide to buy or stick with free-to-play later.
Even better, just playing through the early acts nets you some pretty slick cosmetic rewards:
Exile’s Hood: unlocks when you reach Clearfell Encampment.
Exile’s Staff Skin: earned after defeating the Rotten Druid in Act I.
Exile’s Cloak: picked up after beating the Act I boss.
They’re permanent, account-wide, and best of all – completely free. No paywall, no nonsense. Just get in and grind for these funderful rewards.
Twitch Drops and Extra Rewards
Grinding Gear didn’t stop at in-game progression cosmetics. They’ve also loaded up Path of Exile 2’s launch with Twitch Drops, streamer support, and even a Discord quest tie-in.
Here’s all the free PoE 2 goodies that are on the menu for you:
Path of Exile 2 Twitch Drops
Week 1 (Aug 29 – Sep 6): Watch 3 hours of PoE2 streams for the Clam Stash Skin and Helmet of the Abyssal.
Week 2 (Sep 6 – Sep 13): Another 3 hours nets you the Cape of the Abyssal.
Support a Streamer Promo
Gift or buy two Twitch subs (any tier, Prime excluded) for a channel streaming PoE2 and you’ll score the Storm of Valako Portal.
Even just one sub gets you a Chaos Orb Twitch Badge.
Poe 2 Discord Quest
Play PoE2 for 15 minutes with the Discord client open between Aug 29 – Sep 5 and claim the Eye of Prophecy Avatar. Works for both PC and consoles with linked accounts.
So yes, if you’re a cosmetics addict like me, this launch weekend is basically compulsive looter Christmas.
Why The Third Edict Actually Matters
For years, Path of Exile has been this brutal, beautiful mess of loot, RNG, and skill tree insanity. But the sequel’s early builds left some fans skeptical. Would GGG lean too hard on rehashing old systems, or would they actually move the game forward?
The Third Edict feels like the loud, confident answer.
It smooths the grind with interludes, makes trading painless, deepens build customization, and rewards players at every turn. Add a free weekend and cosmetics sprinkled like candy, and it’s clear Grinding Gear wants as many eyes (and hands) on PoE2 as possible.
And honestly? Mission accomplished.
Get Ready for Launch!
Whether you’re a returning exile or a fresh victim looking to get stomped by Wraeclast’s nastiest bosses, there’s no better time to jump in. Between the new act, the abyssal league, the streamlined systems, and enough free loot to make any cosmetic junkie foam at the mouth, The Third Edict is a damn good excuse to lose your weekend to Path of Exile 2.
Just don’t blame me when you log in for “just 15 minutes” and resurface Monday morning wondering where your sleep schedule went…
If you haven’t jumped into the fray yet, make sure to try Path of Exile 2 for yourself this weekend for free on Steam!
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