Path of Exile 2 Launch Breaks Records with Early Access Success
Grinding Gear Games has officially entered the action RPG arena once again with the release of Path of Exile 2, which became available in early access over the recent weekend. The new title has made a significant impact, amassing an impressive record-breaking peak of over half a million concurrent players on Steam alone. This figure more than doubles the player counts recorded for its predecessor, which remains a free-to-play option, whereas the sequel is initially priced at $29.99.
Launch Day Challenges and Player Engagement
However, the much-anticipated launch did not occur without its hurdles. On launch day, many players encountered difficulties, finding themselves stuck on a login screen due to backend database issues that affecting a vast number of users. Fortunately, these issues have been largely resolved, enabling most players to dive into the rich, dark fantasy world of Wraeclast.
Record Player Counts and Rising Popularity
On Steam, the game achieved its peak concurrent player count of 539,149 on Saturday, December 7. Despite a subsequent drop to around 280,000 players, interest appears to be on the rise again as gamers return to the action on Sunday.
Remarkably, Path of Exile 2 outperformed even established titles like Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play shooter with a considerable following and the appeal of the Marvel franchise. Marvel Rivals recorded approximately 451,018 concurrent players on the same day.
Future Prospects and Monetization Strategy
While current player statistics are available only for Steam, it remains uncertain how Path of Exile 2 is performing on console platforms such as Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Nevertheless, the early access release has likely resulted in several million copies sold.
In addition to the base price of $29.99, Grinding Gear Games offers various supporter packs at prices of $59.99 and $99.99. These packs provide players with extra in-game currency, cosmetic skins, and unique effects. The studio has confirmed that once the game exits its early access phase—duration unspecified, as they aim to ensure quality—Path of Exile 2 will transition back to a free-to-play model, similar to its predecessor.
For further updates and detailed player statistics, keep an eye on the official source.
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