Path of Exile 2 free weekend is finally here, and it’s bringing some incredible updates that every ARPG fan needs to experience. The Third Edict update (version 0.3.0) launches on August 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM PDT, giving players four full days to dive into this massive content expansion without paying a cent.
If you’ve been waiting to try Path of Exile 2 but didn’t want to buy early access, this is your golden opportunity. The free weekend runs through September 1, 2025, and includes all the new features that have the gaming community buzzing with excitement.
What Makes This Path of Exile 2 Free Weekend Special
This isn’t just any regular free trial. The Third Edict represents the biggest content update Path of Exile 2 has received during its early access period. Grinding Gear Games has been working overtime to deliver features that will fundamentally change how you experience this dark fantasy ARPG.
The timing couldn’t be better either. The developers specifically chose this weekend to stress-test their upgraded servers with a massive influx of new players. As one Reddit user noted, GGG has “beefed up our servers for the launch of the Third Edict” and needs to see how they handle the surge.
5 Game-Changing Features in The Third Edict Update
1. Revolutionary In-Game Trading System
The most exciting addition is the official in-game marketplace browser. No more dealing with third-party websites or awkward player-to-player negotiations. This asynchronous trading system lets you buy and sell items instantly through merchant windows, complete with teleportation to the seller’s location.
2. Sprint Mechanic That Changes Everything
Movement speed has always been crucial in ARPGs, and Path of Exile 2 is addressing this with a new sprint feature. You can now dash through areas much faster, though there’s a strategic element – getting hit while sprinting results in a significant knockdown penalty.
3. Massive Passive Skill Overhaul
Over 150 passive skills have been reworked, along with major rebalances across various ascendancies and active skills. This means even veteran players will have plenty of new builds and strategies to explore.
4. Fresh Content Everywhere
The update includes new areas to explore and 24 new bosses to challenge. Whether you’re a casual player or hardcore endgame grinder, there’s something new waiting for you.
5. Quality of Life Improvements
Small changes that make a big difference, like crossbow reloading and ammunition switching no longer reducing movement speed. These tweaks show how much attention the developers are paying to player feedback.
How to Join the Path of Exile 2 Free Weekend
Getting started is straightforward, but there are a few things you need to know:
- Preload Now: The game is 90GB, so download it ahead of time through the official standalone client from the Path of Exile website
- Start Time: August 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM PDT (check the official site for your local time)
- Platform Availability: PC (confirmed), with console availability varying by region
- Duration: Four full days through September 1, 2025
What to Expect as a New Player
If this is your first time with Path of Exile 2, you’re in for a treat. The game offers a more streamlined experience compared to the original Path of Exile, with improved graphics, smoother gameplay, and a more accessible skill system.
One major advantage for newcomers is that you won’t need to complete the campaign twice to access endgame content. The game also features robust co-op play for up to six players, making it perfect for jumping in with friends during the free weekend.
Don’t worry about hitting any paywalls during the free weekend either. You can experience a significant portion of the game, including early endgame content, without needing premium stash tabs or other monetization features that become relevant in longer-term play.
Why This Free Weekend Matters
Path of Exile 2 will eventually become completely free-to-play when it officially launches. However, it’s currently in early access, requiring a supporter pack purchase to play. This free weekend gives you a chance to experience what many consider the future of action RPGs without any financial commitment.
The developers are confident enough in their product to open the floodgates, knowing that many weekend players will likely purchase early access afterward. It’s a smart move that benefits everyone – players get to try before they buy, and GGG gets valuable server stress testing and feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Path of Exile 2 completely free during this weekend?
Yes, you can download and play Path of Exile 2 completely free from August 29 through September 1, 2025. No purchase required.
Will my progress save after the free weekend ends?
Your character progress will be saved, but you’ll need to purchase early access to continue playing after September 1, 2025, until the game’s full free-to-play launch.
How big is the download for Path of Exile 2?
The game requires a 90GB download. Make sure to preload through the official standalone client before the weekend starts.
Can I play with friends during the free weekend?
Absolutely. Path of Exile 2 supports co-op play for up to six players, making it perfect for group sessions during the free weekend.
What happens when Path of Exile 2 officially launches?
The game will become permanently free-to-play once development is complete. The current early access model is temporary while they finish adding content and polish.
Do I need to worry about microtransactions during the free weekend?
Not really. While Path of Exile 2 uses a free-to-play model with optional purchases, you can experience most of the game during a weekend without needing premium features like extra stash tabs.
Will there be server issues during the free weekend?
GGG has upgraded their servers specifically for this event, though some queues or connection issues are possible given the expected player surge. The developers are using this as a stress test.
Conclusion
The Path of Exile 2 free weekend represents an incredible opportunity to experience one of the most anticipated ARPGs of recent years. With The Third Edict update bringing revolutionary features like in-game trading, sprint mechanics, and massive content additions, there’s never been a better time to dive in.
Whether you’re an ARPG veteran or newcomer to the genre, this free weekend offers four days of premium gaming without any financial risk. Download the client now, mark your calendar for August 29 at 1:00 PM PDT, and prepare for an epic weekend of dungeon crawling, boss fighting, and loot hunting.