PoE 3.26 Release Date, Next Season Start Date 2025 — Path of Exile

Path of Exile 3.26: Release Date and What to Expect

Path of Exile (PoE) 3.26 is one of the most anticipated updates in the game's history. After several delays and a prolonged content drought, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has confirmed that the expansion is slated for release on Friday, June 13, 2025. This marks a significant return to form for PoE 1, especially after the extended Settlers of Kalguur league and the challenges faced during the launch of Path of Exile 2.

Confirmed Release Timeline

GGG has officially announced that the 3.26 expansion will be revealed during a livestream on June 5, 2025, with the full launch following on June 13, 2025. This schedule aligns with the typical pattern of announcing expansions approximately a week before their release. The delay from the initially expected early 2025 release was due to resource allocation towards PoE 2 and the need to ensure a polished experience for players.

What to Expect in 3.26

While specific details about the 3.26 expansion are still under wraps, based on GGG's history and community discussions, players can anticipate:

New League Mechanic:
A fresh gameplay system that introduces unique challenges and rewards.
Atlas Expansion:
Potential additions to the Atlas of Worlds, including new regions, bosses, and map tiers.
Unique Items and Gems:
Introduction of new unique items, skill gems, and support gems that could redefine the current meta.
Quality of Life Improvements:
Enhancements to existing systems, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.

Personal Experience

As a dedicated PoE player, the extended duration of the Settlers of Kalguur league tested my engagement. However, the upcoming 3.26 expansion reignites my excitement. The prospect of new mechanics and the thrill of exploring uncharted content is a testament to PoE's enduring appeal.

The upcoming 3.26 expansion represents a pivotal moment for Path of Exile 1. With its release, GGG has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the original game and its community. As we approach June 13, 2025, the anticipation continues to build, promising a revitalized experience for both veteran players and newcomers alike.

Path of Exile 1 has received two new expansions this year with the ongoing Settlers of Kalguur being one of the most successful leagues ever. Despite the delay, launching Path of Exile 2 in Early Access this year is a very important milestone for us and we've been working very hard to make it happen.

After many days of internal discussions, we made the decision to not launch the 3.26 expansion for Path of Exile 1 this year. We’re looking to announce this new league in early 2025 (think late January) however we have to remain flexible with this window as releasing an entirely new project can come with challenges that we cannot predict.

This means that the Settlers league will be extended to early 2025.

Join the Settlers of Kalguur event on November 7th PST

To brighten up the wait, on November 7th PST we're launching a fresh version of the Settlers of Kalguur with a little twist, that would run in parallel with the ongoing Settlers League.

By participating in this event you'll be able to play the Settlers league, in Standard, Hardcore, Solo Self-Found and Solo Self-Found Hardcore, with a fresh economy and a ladder reset. By reaching level 50 in any version of the event you will earn one guaranteed Settlers Mystery box per account. The Settlers challenges are also available in the event, so if you were planning to complete them, you will be able to do so.

In the event, monsters in every area are affected by a pool of mods which you will be able to manipulate upon entering that area, just like in Necropolis league. Unlike Necropolis league though, these mods will only be rewarding, like in this example:

PoE Settlers of Kalguur event

The mods are the same for all players and rotate once per hour in every area, including maps.

Start date: 1PM November 7th PST which is Nov 08, 2024 5:00 AM (GMT+8) in your local time.
End date: Early 2025
Based on: Settlers League
Not voided - characters and items will migrate into parent league afterwards.
Platforms: PC and Console

Will the event run on all platforms?

Yes.

Can I play my existing character?

No, you'll need to make a new character.

Will Necropolis crafting mechanics be available in the event?

No, only the Lantern that you use to manipulate mods in the area will be available. The Necropolis area as well as Undertaker Arimor are not a part of this event.

How do I join the event?

At the character selection screen, there's a panel below your characters which will show the event available. You can join the event by clicking 'join'. This option becomes available 30 minutes before the event is set to begin. Your character won't be able to move until the event starts.

Can I make Private League versions of this event?

No.

When will I receive a Mystery Box?

The Settlers Mystery Box will be awarded automatically upon reaching level 50 in the event.

What happens if I already have all of the microtransactions from the Settlers Mystery Box?

If you already own the entire Settlers Mystery Box series, you'll instead be awarded with two Polaris Mystery Boxes.

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Path of Exile 3.26: Anticipated New Content for the Next Season

As Path of Exile players eagerly await the launch of the 3.26 expansion, speculations and expectations are running high regarding the new content that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) will introduce. While official details have yet to be fully disclosed, here’s what players can potentially look forward to based on past trends and current community discussions.

1. New League Mechanics

Every new season in Path of Exile brings with it a fresh league mechanic, and 3.26 is expected to be no different. Whether it’s an entirely new gameplay system, a reimagined version of past mechanics, or an innovative combination of both, GGG consistently delivers engaging content that challenges players and offers unique rewards.

2. Expansion of the Atlas

The Atlas of Worlds has been a focal point of Path of Exile’s endgame, and 3.26 might continue to build on this. New Atlas regions, bosses, and map tiers could be introduced, potentially with a fresh take on how players progress through the endgame. Players might also see the addition of new Atlas passive skill trees or enhancements to existing ones, providing even more customization for endgame farming strategies.

3. New Unique Items and Equipment

With every new league, GGG typically introduces a variety of new unique items, skill gems, and support gems that shake up the meta. These items often synergize with the league’s mechanics, offering players new build possibilities and opportunities to experiment. Expect to see powerful new uniques that could become core to some of the game’s most popular builds.

4. Balance Changes and Reworks

GGG is known for continuously fine-tuning Path of Exile’s gameplay, and 3.26 is likely to bring another round of balance changes. This could include nerfs and buffs to specific skills, rebalancing of ascendancy classes, and adjustments to the potency of certain unique items. These changes often significantly impact the game’s meta, encouraging players to explore new strategies and builds.

5. Quality of Life Improvements

GGG has been making strides in improving the overall player experience, and 3.26 could introduce more quality of life (QoL) features. These might include enhancements to the user interface, stash tab improvements, or better in-game notifications. Players also hope for improvements in trade systems, inventory management, and performance optimizations.

6. New Endgame Content

Expanding on the success of previous endgame additions like The Maven and The Searing Exarch, 3.26 may introduce new endgame bosses or challenges. These could involve complex mechanics, requiring players to devise fresh strategies and builds to conquer them. Additionally, expect new rewards tied to these encounters, ranging from powerful gear to new currency items.

7. Story and Lore Developments

As Path of Exile continues to evolve, GGG often weaves new lore into the fabric of Wraeclast. 3.26 might bring new storylines, quests, and NPCs that expand the rich narrative of the game. Whether it’s through a new set of league challenges or an expansion to the existing storyline, lore enthusiasts will have something to look forward to.

Conclusion

While the exact details of Path of Exile 3.26 remain under wraps, the community’s excitement is palpable. GGG has a history of delivering content that pushes the boundaries of ARPG gameplay, and 3.26 is expected to be no different. Whether you’re a veteran player or a newcomer, the upcoming season promises to offer a wealth of new experiences, challenges, and rewards. Keep an eye on official announcements from GGG for more detailed information as the release date approaches.