Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict Update 0.3.0 Brings Act IV, Trading, and Major Gameplay Changes
Grinding Gear Games has unveiled the Third Edict Update (0.3.0) for Path of Exile 2, a massive content patch that arrives on August 29, 2025. The announcement was made during an in-depth developer livestream that detailed sweeping changes, including the introduction of Act IV, new interlude acts, the long-awaited trading system, and several significant adjustments to the game’s progression and endgame systems.
The developer livestream showcased the scale of the update, which will also coincide with a free weekend promotion. This means new players will be able to jump into Path of Exile 2 and experience the changes alongside seasoned veterans.
Act IV and New Interludes
The addition of Act IV stands as the centerpiece of this update, offering a continuation of the game’s narrative and expanding its dark, challenging ARPG experience. In addition, Grinding Gear Games is reworking progression by removing the Cruel difficulty level and introducing three interlude acts, reshaping how players transition into the endgame content.
Trading System Arrives
One of the most requested features since the game entered early access last December is finally arriving: trading. With this system, players can now exchange items more efficiently, opening up the in-game economy and adding a fresh layer of strategy for build optimization and progression.
Secrets of Abyssal League
The update also introduces a brand-new league, Secrets of Abyssal, which gives players new tools to experiment with their character builds. This system emphasizes flexibility, encouraging deeper theorycrafting and replayability for both hardcore and casual players.
A Defining Update for Early Access
Path of Exile 2 launched into early access in December 2024, earning strong praise from fans who felt it captured the spirit of challenging ARPG gameplay that they had been missing elsewhere. With The Third Edict update, the game moves into a new phase of its development, offering a more complete experience while still refining its systems based on community feedback.
Full patch notes are expected closer to launch, but the livestream preview already makes it clear that this is the most ambitious update for Path of Exile 2 yet.
Do you think the addition of trading and the new interlude acts will make Path of Exile 2 more accessible to newcomers, or do you prefer the brutally uncompromising design it’s known for?
