Path of Exile 2: Should you buy now or wait for 1.0?

Path of Exile 2 is an early access title that released in December of last year, and since then the devs have done a lot of work to make this feel like one of the best ARPGs in recent years. However, some players might be unsure if they should even bother getting the game in its current state or get it once the game hits 1.0. My objective with this article is to give you the positives and the negatives of both scenarios so you can make a well-informed decision!

For those of you that bought the game and are reading this just as a think piece or those players that decided to try the game. I would also recommend you buy poe 2 currency to go with it so that you can expedite some of the game’s grindiest sides so that you can take on the game’s most fun content from the go!

Understanding Early Access in Path of Exile 2

Early access games can sometimes be rough experiences — incomplete, buggy, or lacking content — but Path of Exile 2 is somewhat different.

The early access build of Path of Exile 2 is a substantial game with:

• The3 out of the 6 campaign acts. Already longer game time than the first PoE 1
• A revamped skill gem and passive tree system
• New ascendancies and class mechanics
• Regular updates with bug fixes and balancing changes
• Access to core gameplay loops that define the PoE experience

While the game isn’t feature-complete — especially regarding endgame content, seasonal leagues, and some polish — it already offers hundreds of hours of content and deep gameplay.

The case for waiting: why some players hold off

It’s perfectly reasonable to want to wait for the full 1.0 release. Some common reasons include:

• More Content: Early access might not have all the leagues, maps, bosses, or endgame systems you expect from a finished game.
• Greater Stability: Bugs, glitches, or balance issues can be more frequent during early development stages.
• Smoother Experience: Final versions usually feature UI polish, better tutorials, and fewer rough edges.
• Avoiding Potentially Frustrating Changes: Early access games sometimes undergo significant changes that can affect builds or gameplay styles.

For players who prioritize a pristine, complete experience, waiting makes sense.

Here’s why some players consider buying Path of Exile 2 in its Early Access state

• Get ahead of the curve with early access knowledge

The new skill systems, passive trees, and class mechanics in PoE 2 are quite different from the original game. Starting early means you get time to:

• Learn the fundamentals at your own pace. The revamped skill gems and passive tree can feel intimidating at first. Early access lets you explore builds and mechanics without the pressure of endgame racing.
• Experiment with different classes and builds. Since the game is evolving, it’s an ideal time to try multiple playstyles, refine your favorite, and adapt as updates come.
• Master new mechanics before the influx of players at 1.0. Once the full release drops, the player base will explode, and the meta will quickly form. Early adopters have a unique advantage in knowledge and experience. You will be able to teach new players as they come and become a guru of sorts!

In other words, playing now means you don’t just learn the game — you master it early.

• Influence the development process

One of the greatest perks of early access with a developer like Grinding Gear Games is that your feedback can genuinely impact the final product.

• Submit bug reports and balance feedback. PoE’s community has a long history of contributing to the game’s balance and polish, and your input matters in PoE 2 too.
• Participate in testing and help catch issues before launch. This helps create a better, smoother game for everyone.
• Engage with developers through forums and social channels. Early players often get insights into upcoming changes and can even see behind-the-scenes development progress.

By playing early, you become part of the game’s evolution, not just a consumer waiting for a polished product.

• Enjoy the current content, which is already deep and rewarding

Despite being early access, PoE 2 is far from a bare-bones experience. The game offers:

• A new campaign that tells a rich, engaging story. The narrative connects well to the original game while introducing fresh characters and lore.
• Visually stunning environments and animations. The graphics upgrade alone makes playing now worthwhile.
• Robust skill customization and deep build diversity that rewards creativity.
• Smooth, satisfying combat mechanics. Even now, combat feels responsive and impactful.

This means you get a polished core gameplay experience that rivals many full releases, so your early investment won’t feel incomplete.

• Avoid the launch day madness

Launching a major game like Path of Exile 2 is a massive event, and it often comes with:

• Server overloads and login issues. Popular games frequently suffer downtime or lag on launch day.
• Queue times and frustrating matchmaking delays. This can spoil the initial excitement.
• Bugs and glitches that slipped through pre-launch testing.

By playing now, you sidestep these launch day headaches. You’ll enjoy a smoother, uninterrupted experience without the pressure of crowds.

• Potential early access exclusives and rewards

Developers often reward early adopters with exclusive cosmetics, achievements, or other in-game content. While specifics can vary, buying PoE 2 now could:

• Earn you unique cosmetic items or titles. These show off your veteran status in the community.
• Grant early access to certain gameplay features or challenges.
• Give you a head start in accumulating currency and crafting gear.

Such bonuses add long-term value to your purchase.

Drawbacks of getting the game early

Bugs and Balance Issues

Yes, early access games can have their share of bugs, crashes, or balance quirks. However, Grinding Gear Games has a strong track record of rapid, thoughtful updates. The early PoE 2 experience has been notably stable, with frequent patches that quickly address issues.

Missing Endgame Content

While the full endgame and seasonal leagues aren’t completely in place, the current content still provides a substantial challenge and plenty of activities for progression. Plus, the early access phase is perfect for learning the campaign, experimenting with builds, and leveling up efficiently.

Changes in Meta or Mechanics

Game mechanics and balance may shift before 1.0, but mastering the fundamentals early will make adapting easier. The core systems are largely in place, so early experience won’t be wasted.

However, all of this pales in the face of helping what might be gaming’s true return to form in the ARPG genre with both your money and feedback to help the game grow. You know — in my opinion.

In conclusion

Early Access is a golden opportunity. Waiting for Path of Exile 2’s official 1.0 release has its merits, but the early access phase offers unique advantages that savvy players shouldn’t overlook. By purchasing PoE 2 now, you gain:

• A significant head start on mastering new mechanics and the storyline.
• The chance to contribute meaningfully to the game’s development.
• Immediate access to a deep, polished, and rewarding gameplay experience.
• Avoidance of launch day chaos and potential technical problems.
• Potential exclusive rewards and bragging rights!

Grinding Gear Games has poured years of effort into crafting Path of Exile 2, and what you get right now is a substantial, high-quality game that already delivers on many promises.