All Confirmed Details for Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict Revealed

A Fresh Start for Path of Exile 2 with The Third Edict

As the summer season begins to wind down, players of Path of Exile 2 are in for a thrilling return to the game. With the release of early access update 0.3, titled The Third Edict, the game is set to deliver an entirely new experience that promises to redefine what players know about the world of Wraeclast. This major update not only introduces fresh content but also sets the stage for the upcoming 1.0 release, making it a must-play for both returning and new players.

Act 4: A New Chapter in the Story

One of the most anticipated features of The Third Edict is the introduction of Act 4, which brings a brand-new map and a host of new challenges. Players will journey to the Ngamakanui archipelago, a non-linear environment where they can choose their own path to uncover pieces of a powerful weapon needed to defeat the Beast. This level of freedom allows for a more personalized gameplay experience, as players can explore the area in any order they prefer.

In addition to the new map, Act 4 introduces several new bosses, including Lord of Kin and Diamora, the Song of Death. These encounters are designed to test players' skills and strategies, offering a more dynamic and engaging challenge than previous acts.

Endgame Access Without Repetition

A significant change in The Third Edict is the removal of the requirement to replay the campaign on Cruel Difficulty to unlock the endgame. Instead, three new Interlude Acts have been introduced to help players reach the level 65 threshold needed for endgame content:

• The Curse of Holten: Players return to Ogham to assist Renly in rebuilding the village and defeating corruption.
• The Stolen Barya: A mission in the Vastiri Desert where Asala fulfills her sacred duty.
• Doryani's Contingency: A mountain climb to find lost Vaal descendants and uncover hidden secrets.

These acts include 19 new areas and 12 new bosses, ensuring players can easily meet the level requirement without grinding through the campaign again. However, these acts are temporary and will be replaced when Acts 5 and 6 are added later.

The Abyssal League: A New Challenge

With The Third Edict, Path of Exile 2 introduces its first full League, called Rise of the Abyssal. This event pits players against Abyssal enemies emerging from the depths of Wraeclast. To progress, players must defeat these creatures and close the Abyss they spawn from to access Abyssal troves filled with unique loot.

New items such as Preserved Vertebrae and Preserved Ribs allow players to add Desecrated modifiers to their gear using the Well of Souls, introducing new possibilities for gear customization. Additionally, the Ancient Spire now features new bosses for players who have reached the endgame, providing even more reasons to chase the perfect build.

Quality of Life Improvements

Players will also appreciate several quality of life improvements in this update. One of the most notable changes is the ability to sprint by holding down the dodge roll button, making traversal more efficient. Another welcome addition is asynchronous trading, which allows players to buy and sell items without direct interaction, making the trading system more accessible and user-friendly.

Gameplay Balance and New Features

Alongside the new content, The Third Edict includes balance updates and enhancements to existing systems. For example, all classes receive buffs, with new skills and 150 additional clusters on the passive tree. The crafting system has also been upgraded, featuring higher-tier crafting currencies, guaranteed minimum level mods, and new Exceptional items with extra sockets or improved quality.

Support gems now allow multiple copies of the same gem, with upgrade tiers available during character leveling. This gives players more flexibility in building their characters and experimenting with different playstyles.

Endgame Expansion

Once players reach the endgame, The Third Edict opens up a wealth of new opportunities. In addition to the new maps and bosses from Act 4 and the Interlude Acts, there are now overworld endgame encounters. Events like the Vaal Vault in the Mountain Biome offer challenging boss fights, with rewards including 40 new Lineage Support Gems—unique support gems with powerful effects that can define a player’s build.

Overall, The Third Edict marks a major step forward for Path of Exile 2, offering a mix of new content, improved mechanics, and exciting challenges that will keep players engaged for months to come.