PoE2 0.3.0: Path of Exile 2's Next Major Update
The world of Wraeclast is about to expand once again. Developer Grinding Gear Games has officially revealed the next major update for Path of Exile 2, titled The Third Edict, which will launch on August 29, 2025. This highly anticipated expansion continues the studio's steady rollout of new content, giving players new storylines, bosses, and endgame systems to dive into.
For fans who have been following the game since its early access debut in December 2024, The Third Edict represents one of the biggest leaps forward yet for the action RPG. With a fresh Act, challenging bosses, and major structural changes to the leveling and endgame experience, players have plenty to look forward to, whether they're seasoned veterans or new adventurers testing the game during its upcoming free-to-play weekend.
Path of Exile 2's Update Roadmap
Grinding Gear Games has been releasing consistent updates for Path of Exile 2 throughout 2025, each one layering on new features, classes, and balance changes. Back in April, the Dawn of the Hunt expansion introduced the Huntress class, a completely new archetype, alongside five Ascension Classes, over 100 new Supports and Unique items, and even two entirely new item types. These additions significantly shifted the meta and gave players more build diversity than ever before.
Now, just four months later, the developers are ready to raise the stakes again with The Third Edict.
Act 4: Journey to Ngamakanui
The centerpiece of The Third Edict is Act 4, a major campaign chapter that sends players to the Karui archipelago of Ngamakanui. This volcanic chain of islands is shrouded in mystery, home to both natural hazards and supernatural threats.
The questline tasks players with finding fragments of a legendary weapon, the only hope against the Beast, one of the game's most terrifying antagonists. The islands themselves are explorable in any order, offering diverse biomes such as lush beaches, scorched volcanic landscapes, and storm-ravaged cliffs. Each area presents unique enemies, hazards, and loot opportunities.
This non-linear structure marks a departure from the more linear acts of the past, giving players more freedom in how they approach their journey.
New Bosses: The Lord of Kin, Diamora, and Song of Death
A new act wouldn't be complete without new bosses, and The Third Edict delivers in spades. Grinding Gear Games has confirmed at least three major boss encounters:
The Lord of Kin, a towering warrior who commands legions of spectral allies.
Diamora, a fiery sorceress with devastating area-of-effect magic.
The Song of Death, a siren-like entity whose haunting abilities can manipulate and disable players mid-battle.
Each of these bosses is designed to push players' builds to their limits, demanding careful preparation, strong gear, and mastery of mechanics. Defeating them will be essential for progressing through the act and collecting new rewards.
Endgame Changes
One of the most notable changes in The Third Edict is how it reshapes the endgame progression system. Previously, players needed to replay the first three Acts twice to reach the endgame, which some felt was repetitive. With the new update, however, the developers are introducing three interludes instead.
These interludes will feature brand-new areas and bosses that carry players up to level 65, the point where endgame officially begins. This streamlined structure not only reduces repetition but also adds more variety, giving players fresh content to experience before diving into the endgame grind.
Free to Play
To celebrate the launch of The Third Edict, Path of Exile 2 will be free to play from August 29 through September 1. During this limited-time event, players on both PC and consoles will have access to the full game, including all prior updates and the new expansion.
It's a perfect opportunity for newcomers to try the game without committing to an early access purchase. After September 1, players will need to either buy an early access key or wait for the game's eventual full release.
Final Thoughts
When The Third Edict drops on August 29, Path of Exile 2 will take another massive step forward. Whether you're diving into Act 4's volcanic islands, challenging the new bosses, or preparing for the revamped endgame, there's plenty to be excited about. And with a free-to-play weekend giving everyone a chance to try it out, the expansion is likely to draw in both old fans and curious newcomers.
Just be prepared: in Path of Exile 2, progress isn't only about defeating enemies, it's about managing your resources, mastering the mechanics, and making smart use of your POE 2 Currency, whether through farming, trading, or investing in specific items, which will be crucial for progressing efficiently. Do all that, and you'll be ready to face the challenges waiting in Ngamakanui.
MMOexp POE 2 Team