Path of Exile 2 has no preload window confirmed for October 8, 2026. Grinding Gear Games’ published preload directions below apply to specific past events: the December 2024 Early Access launch, the August 2025 Third Edict update, and a 2025 free weekend. For a new launch or patch, check the game’s latest announcement and your platform’s store; the route depends on whether you play through the standalone PC client, Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, or PS5.
Where to preload Path of Exile 2 on each platform
For the December 2024 Early Access launch, Grinding Gear Games listed five routes. The directions were event-specific, not a current preload schedule.
| Platform or client | December 2024 Early Access launch route |
|---|---|
| Standalone PC client | Download from the official Path of Exile site. The original FAQ said the client would be available at 5 p.m. PST on Thursday, December 5, 2024; that date has passed. Official FAQ and launch guide. |
| Steam | Look in the Steam Library, using the same Steam account and client where you intend to play. Launch guide. |
| Epic Games Store | Look in the Epic Games Store Library. Launch guide. |
| Xbox | Use the Xbox store. The original FAQ said predownload was already available during that launch run-up. Official FAQ and launch guide. |
| PS5 | Use the PlayStation Store. For that 2024 launch, the FAQ said PlayStation Founder’s Packs would go live 24 hours before Early Access and purchasing one should allow predownload. This is not confirmation of a current pack requirement. Official FAQ and launch guide. |
For Steam and Epic, use the corresponding store library rather than another PC client’s files. Console downloads are handled through the relevant console store. The cited 2024 instructions do not supply current menu labels or confirm that a download is available now.
How to check for a new preload
- Check a recent announcement on the official Path of Exile 2 site for a preload date and any access conditions.
- Open the client or store where you plan to play: the standalone PC client, Steam Library, Epic Games Store Library, Xbox store, or PlayStation Store.
- If the game or update is not offered for predownload, wait for an announcement or store listing. Past event dates and access rules do not establish when a future preload will begin.
Why update preloads can work differently
Preloading a game ahead of its original launch is not necessarily the same process as predownloading a patch. For the August 2025 Third Edict update, Grinding Gear Games said players needed access to Path of Exile 2 to predownload the patch. Its guide described a 117 GB torrent for the standalone PC client only; the GGPK file could not be used with Steam or Epic. The torrent included existing client content, and additional files still needed updating once patching began. Console players could predownload that update through their platforms. These were instructions for that update, not a standing method or current download size. Third Edict FAQ and launch guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
A separate August 2025 free-weekend FAQ required an Early Access key to predownload ahead of that event. It directed standalone PC players to the official download page, Steam and Epic players to their store clients, and Xbox and PS5 players to their shops. Those conditions applied to that free weekend only. Free-weekend FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
- 👉️【Usage Notes】When using the gamepad for the first time, it needs to be connected to the PS5 console via a USB-C cable（It must be the data cable included in the package or the original data cable）, and then press the Home button to activate it. If your controller has any functional issues, please use this url to update the firmware: we.tl/t-yAwofXJL9YOyyq3K !!! The gamepad is only compatible with PS5 series consoles and Windows PCs, and it is not compatible with PS4.
- 👋【Quick Connection & One - click Wake - up】 You can connect to the PS5 console by pressing the HOME button on the controller. When connecting to the console for the first time, you need to use a data cable. It also supports use on computers with Windows operating systems.
- 🎮️【Controller with Sound】 The controller is capable of producing sound, providing an immersive gaming experience. Please note that the controller is only equipped with a speaker and has no microphone. If you want to use the microphone fuacnction, please use an external headset. It is equipped with a 3.5mm TRRS headphone jack（not compatible with Apple headphones.）
- 🌈【Customizable Colors】Press the Lighting button to switch colors and light effect modes with one click. It features a color memory function, ensuring that the next time you use it, it will still be the color you prefer.
- 🕹️【High - Precision Joysticks】Equipped with upgraded joysticks, these effectively reduce the joystick dead zone and extend the controller's service life.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
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