Path of Exile

Path of Exile is an online action role-playing game from Grinding Gear Games. You play an Exile on the dark continent of Wraeclast, fighting through a dark fantasy world to gain the power to take revenge on those who wronged you. It suits players who like loot-driven action RPGs and detailed character builds, played solo or in online co-op.

Official downloads

• Steam: free, for Windows and macOS.
• pathofexile.com: Grinding Gear Games also offers its own standalone client from the official site.

How the free-to-play model works

The Steam description states plainly that the game “is completely free and will never be pay-to-win”. Steam lists in-app purchases and six paid DLC items for the game, so spending is optional.

Path of Exile or Path of Exile 2?

They are separate games. Path of Exile 2 is a newer title from the same studio; at the time of writing its Steam page lists it as an Early Access game that requires buying a supporter pack, so it is not free. The original Path of Exile described here remains free.

System requirements (Steam)

A broadband connection is required; the game is online only. Steam lists full controller support, including DualShock and DualSense controllers, as well as online co-op and PvP, so you can play with friends or on a couch setup.

Staying safe

Sites selling in-game currency or offering modified clients are a common source of scams and stolen accounts. Download only from Steam or pathofexile.com, and never give your login to a third party. Botting and cheating break the game’s terms and can end in an account ban.

Questions

Is Path of Exile pay-to-win?

Grinding Gear Games says it will never be pay-to-win.

Does it run on a Mac?

Yes. Steam lists macOS 10.13 as the minimum.

Is Path of Exile 2 free too?

Not currently. Its Steam page sells Early Access supporter packs.

Sources

• Path of Exile on Steam
• Path of Exile official site
• Path of Exile 2 on Steam (for current access model)