Path of Exile 2 Delays PoE 1.3.26 Update

Grinding Gear Games has issued a sincere apology to Path of Exile 1 fans for the prolonged delay of the 3.26 update. Initially slated for late October, then mid-February, the update remains on hold indefinitely. This delay stems from the unexpected challenges encountered during the development and launch of Path of Exile 2.

The studio had previously committed to supporting Path of Exile 1 alongside the development of its sequel. However, the Path of Exile 1 team was reassigned to assist with Path of Exile 2's endgame development ahead of its December launch. While initially expecting a swift return to Path of Exile 1's 3.26 update after addressing Path of Exile 2's launch issues, the reality proved otherwise.

In a video message, Game Director Jonathan Rogers acknowledged the studio's miscalculation. Path of Exile 2 experienced unforeseen issues, including crashes and balance problems, requiring immediate attention from the most experienced developers. He admitted that diverting the Path of Exile 1 team was a mistake, stating that he should have foreseen the consequences and resisted the decision.

The Path of Exile 1 team's focus will remain on Path of Exile 2 until at least version 0.2.0, possibly extending a few weeks beyond that. While Rogers expressed regret for the situation and the inability to provide a firm release date for the 3.26 update, he assured fans that a solid plan for its eventual release is in place.

Path of Exile 2's early access launch on December 6th, 2024, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, was a resounding success, achieving remarkable popularity and becoming one of Steam's top 15 most-played games ever. Guides for character classes, including the Mercenary and Sorceress, are available to help players get started. Additional resources covering Spirit acquisition, trading, and ascension are also readily accessible.