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Path of Exile 2Game & editions

Path of Exile 2 – Early Access and beginners

The standalone sequel needs separate builds and quest planning. The full release has been announced and is not yet live.

Released0.5.5e • checked 23 Oct 2026WindowsPlayStation 5Xbox Series X|S
Guide coverage

PoE 2 • Early Access 0.5.5 series; a separate introduction, not a complete 1.0 walkthrough.

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What is available now

As of 23 Oct 2026, the latest official patch notes checked here are 0.5.5e. Forbidden Rites launched as an event league on 4 Sep 2026. GGG announces the full release and Duelist for 11 Dec 2026; neither is presented here as already played or released.

Differences from PoE 1

  • Separate characters and campaign; the ten PoE 1 act pages are not a PoE 2 quest walkthrough. Check permanent rewards in the current map and quest interface instead of using the PoE 1 skill-book list.
  • Gems and supports are managed in the separate skill interface. Read current support tiers and requirements; PoE 1 instructions for linked equipment sockets do not apply.
  • Spirit is an important resource alongside life and mana for persistent effects and minions. A new minion or buff can compete with existing reservations.
  • Gameplay rewards positioning and dodge rolls. After a long skill animation, read the next boss attack instead of casting blindly.

Choose a playstyle

Choose one clear damage concept: Witch with minions, Sorceress with elemental spells, Ranger with bows, Warrior with heavy attacks, Mercenary with crossbows or Monk with melee combinations. Huntress and Druid expand the options. A future class name visible in a database does not prove it is currently playable.

Beginner route through the systems

  1. Develop one skill

    Choose supports that improve the damage you actually use. Check mana, Spirit and attributes after each upgrade. Keep a working core until the replacement is fully usable.

  2. Collect permanent objectives

    Check optional bosses and quest rewards using the current world map. Prioritise permanent character-stat rewards. Areas are instanced; fixed screen coordinates from another run are unreliable.

  3. Prepare Ascendancy

    Follow the current Trial quest and understand its particular survival/failure system. Update flasks and equipment before a difficult attempt; Trial of Chaos was reworked in 0.5.5.

  4. Recheck for 1.0

    Before full release, check new patch notes, classes and campaign structure. Reassess an Early Access build after those changes; future strength remains open until then.

Sources & editorial reference date

Independently written guidance. Linked sources support verification of game systems, versions and described changes. Editorial reference date: 2026-10-23.

Game help

How do I get the extra 30 Spirit in Freythorn?Path of Exile 2 · campaign · Spoilers

The King in the Mists drops a Gembloom Skull during the Freythorn campaign encounter. Use it to gain 30 maximum Spirit.

  1. Find and complete three rituals in Freythorn. This lifts the veil around the final ritual in the circular arena.
  2. Start the fourth ritual there and defeat the King in the Mists.
  3. Pick up the Gembloom Skull and use it from your inventory. On the first kill this also grants an Uncut Spirit Gem.
Sources
How do I unlock the first Trial of the Sekhemas?Path of Exile 2 · campaign · Spoilers

Balbala, the Traitor drops Balbala's Barya in Act 2. It opens the trial at the Relic Altar.

  1. Find Balbala's prison in Traitor's Passage, open it and defeat her.
  2. Pick up Balbala's Barya and travel to the Trial of the Sekhemas. Insert the Barya into the Relic Altar.
  3. Watch your Honour in the rooms. Complete the first trial and use the Ascendancy Altar to choose your first Ascendancy.
Sources

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