Grinding Gear Games has announced the release of Path of Exile 2's major update version 0.3.0, titled "The Third Edict", which will fundamentally transform gameplay and add extensive new content.
The update launches August 29 at 10 PM GMT across all platforms. Alongside the patch release, free weekend access will be available from August 29 to September 1, allowing everyone to try the game without purchase.
Act 4 and Campaign Revolution
The centerpiece addition is Act 4, taking players to the Ngamakau archipelago – eight islands featuring 16 new zones and 12 unique bosses. Unlike previous acts, these new locations can be completed in any order, providing unprecedented freedom in world exploration.
The storyline continues the quest for an ancient weapon – the "Instrument of the Third Edict," capable of destroying the Beast. Players must collect scattered fragments of this artifact across the archipelago's various islands.
A key change is the complete removal of Cruel difficulty mode. Instead of repeating the first three acts, developers have added three Interludes – mini-acts that bring characters to level 65 and unlock endgame access:
- "The Curse of Holten" – returning to Ogham village to fight corruption
- "The Stolen Baria" – journeying through the Vastiri desert
- "Doryani's Plan" – ascending mountains to reach Vaal descendants
"Rise of the Abyssal" League with Unique Mechanics
The patch introduces the new "Rise of the Abyssal" league with its own economy. All existing characters receive free passive skill tree resets due to extensive balance changes.
The league's core mechanic involves Abyssal cracks appearing throughout the world starting from Act 1. Players must destroy monsters around these cracks to seal them. Notably, characteristics of killed enemies can transfer to Abyssal creatures, making them uniquely dangerous.
The league adds new crafting currency – "Ancient Bones," usable for adding hidden Abyssal modifiers to rare items.
Sprint System Addresses Movement Speed Issues
One of the most anticipated additions is the sprint system. Holding the dodge button after performing the maneuver automatically transitions characters into fast running mode.
Sprint is available to all classes without time restrictions, but has an important caveat – taking damage while running causes characters to fall to the ground. This makes the mechanic perfect for exploration outside combat while requiring caution around enemies.
Complete Support Gem System Overhaul
Developers have completely reworked the support gem system, making it more flexible. Players can now equip multiple copies of the same gem on a character, with levels increased from three to five.
Unique "Dynasty Support Gems" have been added – 40 special gems available in late-game stages. These changes significantly expand build creation possibilities.
Extensive Class and Skill Improvements
All classes receive significant buffs to increase build diversity in endgame. The passive skill tree gains over 150 new nodes, many tied to specific specializations.
Notable improvements include:
- Monk – ability to fight unarmed with enhanced wind skills
- Warrior – new abilities like "Smith's Hammer" and improved defensive mechanics
- Witch – expanded ice build possibilities with new support gems
Trading and UI Updates
An asynchronous trading system allows purchasing items from offline players. Premium tabs can be converted to "Trade tabs" after the update.
Developers have also added 25 new Atlas maps, reworked the essence system, and implemented hundreds of minor interface and gameplay improvements.
Technical Enhancements
The update represents one of Path of Exile 2's most substantial changes since early access began. Combining new content, fundamental mechanical changes, and the first full league makes patch 0.3.0 a pivotal moment in the game's development that should significantly enhance the experience for both newcomers and series veterans.
The update represents one of Path of Exile 2's most substantial changes since early access began. Combining new content, fundamental mechanical changes, and the first full league makes patch 0.3.0 a pivotal moment in the game's development that should significantly enhance the experience for both newcomers and series veterans.
You can find the full list of changes on the official Grinding Gear Games website.