Path of Exile 2 releases Act 4 and has a free weekend

Grinding Gear Games has announced that the newest expansion for Path of Exile 2, titled "The Third Edict", is now available. The massive update adds Act 4 of the story, three interludes, a new league, and a series of improvements that expand the depth and scale of the action RPG. The expansion invites players to explore Ngamakanui, an archipelago on the Karui continent, in search of the most powerful weapon capable of defeating the Beast.

Act 4 takes players through eight distinct islands, from the beaches of Whakapanu to the infernal heat of Kin Island. Exploration is non-linear, allowing players to choose the order of island visits while facing a variety of new dangers. The new Act adds 100 new types of monsters, 16 new areas, and 12 new bosses.

The update also introduces the interludes, which replace the old Cruel difficulty. Interlude I has players helping Renly rebuild Ogham, while Interlude II takes them to Vastiri to fulfill a sacred oath. Interlude III challenges players to climb mountains in search of the lost descendants of the Vaal. Together, the interludes add 19 new areas and 9 bosses, preparing players for the endgame.

The first exclusive league of Path of Exile 2, called Rise of the Abyssal, also makes its debut. In it, players must destroy fissures full of monsters, face new bosses, and use an enhanced item crafting system to receive epic rewards.

Among the new gameplay features, the new support gem system stands out, allowing players to equip multiple gems simultaneously. Rare Bloodline Supports can be obtained from specific bosses and offer 40 new options to refine skills in the endgame. Another important addition is dash, which allows characters to move quickly outside of combat, making exploration more fluid.

The endgame has also been expanded with 25 new maps, monsters, and challenging bosses. In addition, uber versions of the bosses from Act 4 and the interludes have been added, promising valuable loot and new support gems. One of the most anticipated mechanics by players, asynchronous trading, finally arrives, allowing players to buy and sell items without relying on the online presence of the seller.

To celebrate the launch, Grinding Gear Games is hosting a free weekend from August 29th to September 1st, offering players the opportunity to explore all the new content and experience the expansion's new features without needing early access.

Grinding Gear Games has delivered a massive Act and important new features for Path of Exile 2. What do you think of the changes to the support gem system and the arrival of asynchronous trading?