Path of Exile 2 just got an update that’s less about gameplay and more about your wallet. Patch 0.2.1b arrived after three months of silence, but it’s purely a microtransaction patch: no fixes, no new content, just cosmetics. For a game still in Early Access, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
The game’s player base has plummeted since launch, which hit a massive 578,000 concurrent players. Now? Peaks hover around 10,000. Compare that to the original Path of Exile, which once saw 68,000 players in a single day. Yikes.
Grinding Gear Games seems to be focusing more on the first game’s ongoing success than its sequel. The lack of meaningful updates to Path of Exile 2 makes you wonder why anyone should buy it in Early Access at all. Early Access games should be evolving rapidly, shaped by player feedback, but this patch doesn’t reflect that.
Don’t get me wrong, the game isn’t dead yet. Grinding Gear plans a bigger update on August 29th, introducing a new League with fresh content like bosses, crafting tools, and items. Leagues disrupt the game’s economy and gameplay while active, so that’s something to look forward to. But an update every four months? That’s not quite what you’d expect from a game still testing the waters.
Below are the full patch notes for 0.2.1b, if you’re curious about what exactly this microtransaction patch brings:
Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.1b Release Notes
- Watcher’s Wrath Armour Set
- Archon of the Atlas Armor Set
- Skull of Undeath
- Syndicate’s Demise distinct Finisher Effect
- The Originator’s Portal Effect
- Rose Charges
This patch also enables the Mercenaries Supporter Packs for Path of Exile 2, featuring two series: the Phrecian Magistrate and the Cryptkeeper. Each offers exclusive cosmetic content.
Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a bit let down. What do you think? Is it worth sticking with Path of Exile 2 during Early Access if updates are this sparse and light? Let me know your take in the comments below.
