Grinding Gear Games has announced that Path of Exile 2's first major content update, Dawn of the Hunt, will launch on April 4, 2025, at 12 PM PDT (3 PM EDT) across all platforms. This free update introduces new leagues with fresh economies, extensive balance changes, and new support gems, while maintaining all existing character progress and purchases.
What's Included in Dawn of the Hunt?
The Dawn of the Hunt update represents the first major content expansion for Path of Exile 2 since its Early Access launch in December 2024. While Grinding Gear Games is keeping many details under wraps until the patch notes release later this week, we know the update will introduce new support gems and implement extensive balance changes across the game.
Unlike traditional Path of Exile league launches, the Dawn of the Hunt content will be available in both the new leagues and the core game. There are no exclusive in-game mechanics tied specifically to the Dawn of the Hunt leagues, making this more of a universal content update rather than a league-specific event.
Fresh Start with New Leagues
Players looking for a fresh start can join new leagues with reset economies when the update launches. Grinding Gear Games recommends this approach due to the extensive balance changes coming with the update.
To join a fresh economy, players will need to select the Dawn of the Hunt banner when creating a new character. While existing characters and items will not be wiped, passive trees will likely be reset due to the balance changes, giving veterans a chance to reconsider their build choices.
What About My Existing Characters and Purchases?
Current players can rest easy knowing their progress won't be erased. As confirmed in the FAQ, Grinding Gear Games is honoring their previous commitment not to wipe characters or progress. All purchased stash tabs will be available in the new leagues, though they'll start empty as expected with a fresh economy.
Additionally, many Path of Exile 1 microtransactions are now available for use in Path of Exile 2, including the Paladin and Penance Supporter Packs. However, it's worth noting that PlayStation platform purchases remain locked to that platform and cannot be used elsewhere.
Release Details and Preparation
The Dawn of the Hunt update launches simultaneously across all platforms on April 4, 2025, at 12 PM PDT (3 PM EDT). This includes the standalone PC client, Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
For PC players using the standalone client, a torrent file for predownloading the update will be available on April 3, 2025. This allows players to prepare for the launch without waiting for servers to come online.
What Can New Players Expect?
While the update is free for existing players, newcomers to Path of Exile 2 will still need to purchase any Early Access Supporter Pack to gain access to the game. The Dawn of the Hunt update doesn't change the entry requirements for the Early Access period.
Grinding Gear Games has also announced that while no new Supporter Packs will accompany this update, players can look forward to a new mystery box and Huntress-themed microtransactions launching on the release weekend (April 5-6, 2025).
Upcoming Information
In the days leading up to the launch, Grinding Gear Games will release additional information including:
- Full patch notes detailing all balance changes and new features
- Item filter information for the update
- Details about Twitch Drops during the launch weekend
The developer has confirmed they won't be revealing the new Support Gems before launch, preferring players to discover them in-game. This approach maintains some mystery around the update's content and encourages exploration.
With the launch just days away, the Path of Exile community is buzzing with anticipation for what looks to be a substantial expansion to the already impressive Early Access version of the game. Whether you're a veteran Exile or considering jumping in for the first time, April 4 marks an exciting new chapter in the ongoing saga of Wraeclast.