PoE 2 Early Access: Bug Fixes & Balance 2026 Updates Guide
After logging over 80 hours in Path of Exile 2’s early access, I’ve experienced both the incredible potential and frustrating limitations of this ambitious ARPG sequel.
Path of Exile 2 early access launched in December 2024 with over 1 million players flooding the servers within the first week.
Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has been releasing patches nearly every 48 hours to address critical bugs and balance issues that have emerged from this massive player influx.
The current state reflects a game caught between greatness and growing pains – exceptional core mechanics hampered by technical issues that the developers are racing to fix.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down everything happening with PoE 2 early access in 2026, including the latest updates, persistent problems, and what players can expect moving forward.
What is Path of Exile 2 Early Access?
Path of Exile 2 early access is a paid beta testing phase where players can experience the sequel before its full free-to-play launch.
The early access version includes six character classes, three complete acts of the campaign, and a substantial endgame system with mapping and the Atlas passive tree.
Access costs start at $30 for the basic supporter pack, which includes 300 points for cosmetics, while higher tiers ranging from $60 to $480 offer additional rewards and exclusive items.
⚠️ Important: Progress from early access will carry over to the full release, but GGG reserves the right to adjust or rebalance characters if needed.
The game is available on PC through Steam and the standalone client, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Cross-platform play isn’t currently supported, though GGG has confirmed it’s a priority for future implementation.
Players who previously spent $480 or more on Path of Exile 1 automatically received early access as a loyalty reward.
Content Currently Available
The early access build features approximately 25-30 hours of campaign content across three acts.
Six classes are playable: Warrior, Sorceress, Ranger, Monk, Mercenary, and Witch, each with unique ascendancy options unlocked through challenging trials.
The endgame includes the mapping system with over 100 different map types, the revamped Atlas passive tree offering extensive customization, and several pinnacle boss encounters.
Notable missing features include the remaining six character classes, acts 4-6 of the campaign, and several planned endgame systems like the Expedition and Delve mechanics.
How Early Access Differs from Full Release
The full release will be completely free-to-play, unlike the current paid early access model.
GGG estimates the complete game will have 12 character classes and six full campaign acts at launch.
Many quality-of-life features and optimizations are still being implemented based on player feedback during this testing phase.
Current Bugs and Technical Issues in PoE 2 Early Access
The most significant issues plaguing early access involve server stability during peak hours, with login queues reaching 100,000+ players.
I’ve personally encountered the dreaded “instance crash” bug at least once per gaming session, losing progress in maps and having to restart entire areas.
Performance optimization remains a major concern, with many players reporting frame drops in particle-heavy situations despite having high-end hardware.
⏰ Time Saver: Enable dynamic resolution scaling in graphics settings to maintain stable framerates during intense combat.
Major Bugs Being Addressed
The skill gem desync issue causes abilities to appear available but fail to activate, particularly affecting the Monk and Witch classes.
Inventory management bugs occasionally delete items when moving between stash tabs, though GGG has implemented safeguards in recent patches.
Ascendancy trial crashes have frustrated many players, with the Sanctum mechanic being particularly unstable for certain builds.
| Bug Type | Frequency | Impact | Fix Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instance Crashes | Common | High | Partially Fixed |
| Skill Desync | Occasional | Medium | Under Investigation |
| Item Deletion | Rare | Critical | Mostly Fixed |
| Login Queues | Peak Hours | Medium | Server Upgrades Ongoing |
Performance and Optimization Problems
CPU bottlenecking affects even modern processors, with the game struggling to utilize multiple cores efficiently.
Loading times between areas can exceed 30 seconds on standard SSDs, though NVMe drives perform significantly better.
The game currently lacks proper shader pre-caching, causing stutters when encountering new visual effects for the first time.
Memory leaks require restarting the client every 3-4 hours of continuous play to maintain optimal performance.
Connectivity and Server Issues
European servers have experienced the most instability, with frequent rollbacks affecting player progress.
The trade system occasionally fails to update listings, making it difficult to buy or sell items reliably.
Party play suffers from synchronization issues, with players appearing in different positions for each party member.
GGG’s Balance Changes and Updates (March 2026)
GGG has released 12 patches since early access launch, focusing primarily on game balance and critical bug fixes.
The most controversial change reduced currency drop rates by 30% after the economy became inflated within the first week.
Class balance has seen major adjustments, with the Warrior receiving significant buffs while the Monk’s damage output was reduced by approximately 15%.
Recent Patch Highlights
Patch 0.1.0d addressed the overwhelming power of minion builds by reducing zombie health by 25% and skeleton damage by 20%.
Boss health in acts 2 and 3 was reduced by 10-15% following community feedback about difficulty spikes.
The crafting system received quality-of-life improvements, including better visibility for modifier tiers and clearer affix explanations.
“We’re committed to rapid iteration during early access. Player feedback directly shapes our priority list for fixes and improvements.”
– Jonathan Rogers, Path of Exile 2 Game Director
Loot System Adjustments
Rare item drop rates increased by 40% in maps after players complained about unrewarding endgame progression.
The smart loot system now better recognizes your character class, increasing relevant item drops by roughly 25%.
Currency items now have a dedicated allocation system in party play, preventing conflicts over valuable drops.
Endgame Balance Updates
Map sustain improved significantly with the addition of more map drops from rare and unique monsters.
The Atlas passive tree received 15 new notable passives focused on increasing player agency in endgame customization.
Pinnacle boss rewards were buffed by 50% to better reflect their difficulty and time investment.
Community Response and Developer Communication
The Path of Exile community has shown remarkable patience despite the technical issues, with most feedback remaining constructive.
GGG’s transparency has earned praise, with daily updates on the official forums and regular developer livestreams addressing concerns.
Reddit discussions reveal a 70% positive sentiment rate, though frustration peaks during server outages and after controversial balance changes.
Player Feedback Priorities
The community’s top request involves improving the death penalty system, which currently removes 10% experience in maps.
Trade improvements rank second, with players wanting an auction house or at least asynchronous trading options.
Quality-of-life features like customizable loot filters and better inventory management consistently appear in feedback threads.
✅ Pro Tip: Join the official Path of Exile Discord for real-time updates on server status and patch deployments.
Developer Response Patterns
GGG typically acknowledges major issues within 24 hours of community reports.
Chris Wilson and Jonathan Rogers personally respond to controversial changes, explaining the reasoning behind decisions.
The development team has reversed three major changes based on overwhelming negative feedback, showing flexibility in their approach.
Community-Driven Improvements
Player-suggested UI improvements have been implemented in four separate patches.
The community’s build diversity concerns led to buffs for underperforming skills and more viable leveling options.
Accessibility features, including colorblind modes and font size options, were added after persistent community requests.
What’s Next for PoE 2 Early Access?
GGG has outlined a roadmap extending through mid-2026, with major content updates planned every 6-8 weeks.
The next major patch will introduce the seventh character class and act 4 of the campaign, expected in February 2026.
Cross-platform play remains a top priority, with testing scheduled to begin in Q2 2026.
Upcoming Features and Content
The trading system overhaul will introduce quality-of-life improvements without implementing a full auction house.
New endgame systems, including a revamped Delve mechanic and the Expedition league content, are planned for Q2 2026.
Controller support improvements and console-specific optimizations are scheduled for the next major patch.
Timeline Expectations
Early access is expected to continue for 6-12 months based on GGG’s current development pace.
The full free-to-play launch will likely occur in late 2026 or early 2026, depending on testing results.
GGG has committed to maintaining the early access servers even after full release for players who prefer the current version.
Development Priorities
- Server Stability: Infrastructure upgrades to eliminate queues and crashes
- Performance Optimization: CPU utilization improvements and memory leak fixes
- Content Completion: Remaining classes and campaign acts
- Quality of Life: Trading, inventory, and UI improvements
- Endgame Expansion: Additional systems and pinnacle content
Should You Buy PoE 2 Early Access in 2026?
Path of Exile 2 early access offers exceptional value for ARPG enthusiasts willing to tolerate technical issues and ongoing development.
The $30 entry price provides 50+ hours of content with the included currency points essentially making the early access free.
However, players expecting a polished, complete experience should wait for the free-to-play launch.
Who Should Buy Now?
Experienced Path of Exile players will find familiar systems with meaningful improvements worth exploring.
ARPG fans comfortable with beta testing and providing feedback will enjoy shaping the game’s development.
Players with flexible gaming schedules can work around server issues and maintenance windows.
Who Should Wait
Casual players might find the current difficulty and technical issues frustrating.
Those with limited gaming time should avoid the current queue times and potential progress loss from crashes.
Budget-conscious gamers can wait for the free-to-play launch to experience the complete, polished version.
| Factor | Buy Now | Wait for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Content Amount | 50+ hours available | 100+ hours at launch |
| Technical Stability | Improving but issues remain | Polished experience expected |
| Cost | $30 minimum | Free-to-play |
| Community | Active and engaged | Larger player base |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Path of Exile 2 stay in early access?
Based on GGG’s development pace and stated goals, early access will likely continue for 6-12 months, potentially extending into late 2026 or early 2026. The timeline depends on bug fixes, content completion, and community feedback integration.
Can I play PoE 2 early access for free?
No, early access requires purchasing a supporter pack starting at $30. However, the full game will be completely free-to-play upon official release. Players who spent $480+ on PoE 1 received automatic access.
Will my PoE 2 early access progress carry over?
Yes, GGG has confirmed that all character progress, items, and achievements from early access will transfer to the full release. However, they reserve the right to make balance adjustments if necessary.
What are the biggest problems with PoE 2 early access right now?
The main issues include server instability during peak hours, instance crashes causing progress loss, performance optimization problems, and various skill desync bugs. GGG releases patches every 48-72 hours to address these problems.
Is PoE 2 early access worth $30 in 2026?
For ARPG enthusiasts and Path of Exile fans, the $30 provides good value with 50+ hours of content and included cosmetic points. Casual players or those expecting a finished product should wait for the free-to-play launch.
How often does PoE 2 early access get updated?
GGG releases minor patches every 2-3 days for bug fixes and balance adjustments. Major content updates are planned every 6-8 weeks, with the next significant update expected in February 2026 including act 4 and a new character class.
Final Thoughts on PoE 2 Early Access
After extensive testing and monitoring GGG’s response to community feedback, Path of Exile 2’s early access represents both the genre’s future and its current growing pains.
The core gameplay delivers on the promise of a true sequel, with improved combat mechanics and deeper character customization than ever before.
Technical issues remain the primary barrier to unreserved recommendation, though GGG’s track record suggests these will be resolved.
For dedicated ARPG fans, the opportunity to shape this game’s development while enjoying substantial content makes the Path of Exile 2 Two Wishes quest guide and other early access experiences worthwhile despite current limitations.
Players seeking a polished experience should bookmark this page and check back in Q2 2026 when major improvements are expected.
The journey from early access to full release promises to be eventful, with GGG’s commitment to community feedback ensuring Path of Exile 2 will evolve into something special.
Whether you dive in now or wait for the free-to-play launch, understanding the Path of Exile 2 movement and sprint mechanics and other core systems will prepare you for one of the most ambitious ARPGs ever created.