It appears the official release of Path of Exile 2, once pencilled in for next March, is set to face yet another delay. The director at developer Grinding Gear Games has admitted that hitting that March target is looking increasingly unlikely.

In an interview with Eurogamer published on the 5th (local time), Jonathan Rogers, director at Grinding Gear Games, explained that the launch is expected to slip further than originally planned. He remarked, "I’m confident we won’t go past 2026, but I don’t think we’ll hit March," adding, "There’s no set timeline, but I certainly don’t want it later than the end of next year. We are working to get there as fast as we can, and I have no intention of pushing it into 2027."

Path of Exile 2 originally aimed for an early access launch last December with a full release slated for six months later. However, the schedule has been a moving target; the launch was pushed to the end of this year back in March, and then moved again in October with promises of a release next year. Given the latest interview, the previously promised March date looks like a non-starter. Now, the real question is whether the team can actually deliver on that 'full release next year' target.

In a separate conversation with PC Gamer published on the 8th (local time), Rogers touched upon the struggle of balancing the fast-paced desires of fans of the original game with the more methodical, deliberate combat style of Path of Exile 2. "I did worry that we might fail to appeal to either group," he confessed, "but I am confident we can craft an experience that features brilliant combat while still making players feel powerful, capable, and like they can truly pull off these amazing feats."

Meanwhile, Path of Exile 2 is set to receive its new expansion, 'The Last of the Druids', on the 13th. This update introduces the new 'Druid' class, capable of shapeshifting into a bear, wolf, or wyvern. It also brings a new league, 'Fate of the Vaal', which tasks players with travelling back in time to thwart Queen Atziri’s plot to destroy the ancient Vaal empire. Beyond that, expect new support gems designed to bolster skill synergies.