Path of Exile 2: ‘The Third Edict’ Update Arrives August 30th
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Grinding Gear Games is set to release the highly anticipated “The Third Edict” update for Path of Exile 2 on Saturday, August 30th. This substantial content drop introduces Act 4, a new interlude system, and a host of quality-of-life enhancements designed to reshape the endgame experience for players across PC, Steam, playstation, Xbox, and the Epic Games store.
Exploring the Namakanui Islands in Act 4
Players will journey to the remote Namakanui Islands, a chain of eight islands steeped in mystery and danger. The narrative unfolds as players seek fragments of “The Third edict” and confront formidable beasts.Act 4 is designed with a non-linear structure, allowing players to explore the islands – including locations like Whakapanu and Kin Island – in any order they choose. This offers a dynamic and personalized exploration experience.

Interludes: A New Path to Endgame
Replacing the customary “Cruel” difficulty,”The Third Edict” introduces three new interludes. These limited-time actions provide a seamless transition from the campaign to the endgame, eliminating the need for repeated campaign playthroughs. The interludes consist of 19 new areas and nine new bosses, offering a substantial amount of fresh content.
- Interlude I: Return to Ogham and aid in the rebuilding of Renly, purging the corruption that plagues the villagers.
- Interlude II: Traverse the Vastilli desert, assisting Asara in fulfilling sacred vows and confronting those who disrupt the gifting process.
- Interlude III: Ascend the mountains to uncover the secrets of the lost Var, venturing into icy caves and confronting hidden dangers.
Did You Know? The interludes were designed to address player feedback regarding the repetition of the campaign, offering a more streamlined path to endgame content.
New League Mechanics: The Abyss’s Revival
The first limited league for Path of Exile 2, “abyss’s Revival,” challenges players to repel encroaching cracks and the monstrous hordes they unleash. Defeating monsters within the abyss yields valuable treasures and rewards. This league introduces new monsters, crafting systems, three new bosses, and challenging endgame pinnacle bosses.
Significant System Revamps
“The Third Edict” isn’t just about new content; it also brings substantial changes to core game systems. the support gem system has been overhauled, removing the previous limit of one support gem per skill. Support gems are now available in multiple levels, allowing for progression throughout the campaign. Additionally, powerful Lineage Support gems, obtainable from specific bosses, offer further customization options.
Pro Tip: experiment with different support gem combinations to discover unique and powerful character builds. The removal of the one-per-skill limit opens up a world of possibilities.
Sprint Mechanic
A new sprint mechanic has been added, allowing all character classes to quickly traverse zones by holding the dodge roll button. While offering increased speed, players must be cautious as they are vulnerable to attacks while sprinting.
Crafting and Balance Adjustments
Extensive balance adjustments have been made to character classes, ascendancies, skills, and notables. Crafting has also received significant improvements,including higher-level basic currency items and guaranteed mod levels when using Greater Orbs of Transmutation. Players can now forge even more powerful items.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| act 4 | Over 100 new monsters, 16 new areas, 12 new bosses |
| Interludes | 19 new areas, 9 new bosses, replaces “Cruel” difficulty |
| Support Gems | Unlimited support gems per skill, multiple levels |
| League Mechanic | Abyss’s Revival: defeat monsters, claim treasures |
| Trading | Asynchronous trading system implemented |
Endgame Expansion
“The Third Edict” expands the endgame with 25 new maps, featuring unique environments and challenging encounters. These include siren-rising coasts,goblin king tide pools,haunted cliffside towns,and storm-wielding reapers. Players will face bosses from Act 4 and the interludes, with opportunities to acquire powerful Lineage Support gems.
Asynchronous Trading
One of the most highly requested features, asynchronous trading, is finally implemented. This system allows players to purchase items even when the seller is offline, significantly improving the trading experience. This addresses a long-standing community desire for increased accessibility and convenience, as noted in player forums and feedback surveys (Game Developer,2023).
free Weekend Access
A free weekend will be available from 5:00 AM saturday, August 30th, to 5:00 AM Tuesday, September 2nd, allowing players to experience the new content without purchasing the early access version. This is a prime opportunity to dive into Path of Exile 2 and explore all that “The Third Edict” has to offer.

“The Third Edict” is available for purchase on PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store. The Early Access Supporter Pack grants access to the update and exclusive content, including the Justice and Trarthan Executioner Packs. What aspects of the new content are you most excited to explore? Will the new crafting options change your build strategies?
Path of Exile 2: A Continuing Evolution
Path of Exile 2 represents a significant evolution of the original Path of Exile, building upon its complex character customization and deep endgame systems. The game’s continued development, driven by player feedback and a commitment to innovation, positions it as a leading action RPG. The success of Path of Exile can be attributed to its free-to-play model and consistent content updates, fostering a dedicated and engaged community (Newzoo, 2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is “The Third Edict”? It’s a major content update for Path of Exile 2 introducing Act 4, interludes, and significant system changes.
- when does “The Third Edict” launch? The update launches on Saturday, august 30th.
- What are the interludes? They are three new limited-time actions that replace the “Cruel” difficulty, offering a smoother transition to the endgame.
- Is asynchronous trading available? Yes, the long-awaited asynchronous trading system is now implemented.
- is there a free weekend? Yes, a free weekend runs from August 30th to september 2nd.
- What platforms is Path of Exile 2 available on? PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.
- What is the Abyss’s Revival league mechanic? Players must repel cracks and the monsters they unleash to earn rewards.
We’re incredibly excited for you to experience everything “The Third Edict” has to offer! Share your thoughts,builds,and adventures with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights into the world of Path of Exile 2.