In the realm of free-to-play action RPGs, few titles have maintained the enduring legacy and player loyalty of POE2 Currency. Since its release in 2013, the game has carved out a space as one of the most intricate, content-rich, and rewarding ARPGs on the market. But with the arrival of Path of Exile 2—first teased years ago and now inching closer with its early access release—the balance of ambition and responsibility has become a tightrope act for its developer, Grinding Gear Games (GGG).

The highly anticipated Update 3.26 for the original Path of Exile (PoE 1) became a flashpoint in this balancing act, illustrating both the excitement surrounding PoE 2 and the logistical strain it placed on the developers. Now that Update 3.26 has finally launched and players have returned in force, it’s worth taking a closer look at what happened, what it means for the future of both titles, and how GGG navigated a difficult but ultimately crucial period in its development history.

The Burden of Dual Development

By early 2025, the gaming community was already buzzing with excitement over Path of Exile 2, especially following hands-on demos, gameplay showcases, and closed alpha sessions. GGG’s commitment to evolving the ARPG genre was evident in everything from graphical overhauls to new classes, more intuitive systems, and a refined approach to player agency. Yet, behind the scenes, the studio was under intense pressure.

While PoE 2 represented the future, PoE 1 remained an active, living platform with millions of dedicated players still grinding through leagues, chasing loot, and theorycrafting endgame builds. Supporting both games simultaneously turned out to be far more complex than initially imagined. Update 3.26, originally slated for a late 2024 release, faced repeated delays as GGG reallocated resources to ensure that the PoE 2 early access launch met community expectations.

In January 2025, Jonathan Rogers, director at GGG, addressed the elephant in the room with uncharacteristic transparency. In a developer blog, he candidly admitted that the team had underestimated the workload required to manage two full-scale ARPGs at once. He acknowledged mistakes in project planning and communication, and most notably, he offered a heartfelt apology to PoE 1 players who felt sidelined during this pivotal moment.

This honesty struck a chord with many in the community. While disappointment lingered, it was tempered by understanding. GGG had built its reputation not just on the complexity of its game systems, but also on its communication and community engagement. That trust, though shaken, was not broken.

Update 3.26: A Return to Form

With the release of Update 3.26 now finally behind us, the picture looks far more optimistic. Players have returned in droves, eager to dive into a league that feels like a love letter to the PoE community. Rather than phoning it in, GGG doubled down on the content, seemingly determined to prove that PoE 1 remains a vital, evolving game even as PoE 2 looms on the horizon.

The update brought with it a brand-new league mechanic that integrates seamlessly into both early and late gameplay. It introduces a dynamic encounter system that lets players shape their challenge level and rewards—an approach reminiscent of beloved mechanics like Delirium and Metamorph. Endgame mapping has been refined with new Atlas tree nodes, unique boss fights, and even some surprise cameos from past league mechanics in hybridized forms.

What’s particularly striking about Update 3.26 is how it feels curated. Rather than simply adding more grind or complexity, the patch focuses on meaningful choice and replayability. GGG seems to have learned from past criticism about bloat and balance. Build diversity has seen a sharp rise thanks to several reworks of underused ascendancy classes and new skill gems that open up fresh playstyles. The buzz across forums and streamers is that this is one of the best leagues in years—and many are calling it a reminder of what made Path of Exile so addictive in the first place.

Player Response: Relief, Excitement, and a Renewed Hope

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Reddit threads once filled with frustration over delays are now celebrating new builds, league starter strategies, and min-maxed loot drops. Twitch viewership for PoE surged in the days following the update’s launch, with prominent streamers returning to showcase their latest discoveries. The sentiment seems clear: while GGG stumbled under the weight of its dual ambitions, it has righted the ship with a reminder that it still understands what makes Path of Exile tick.

For veteran players, 3.26 is a breath of fresh air. For lapsed players, it’s a compelling reason to return. And for new players—especially those who discovered Path of Exile through PoE 2 marketing—it’s a strong introduction to the depth and madness that defines the franchise.

What This Means for the Future of PoE 2

With PoE 2 in early access and its systems being tested and refined in real-time, Update 3.26 represents more than just a return to form for PoE 1. It’s also a testing ground for systems that may later be adapted into PoE 2. There’s an unmistakable sense that GGG is using PoE 1 not just as a legacy platform, but as a lab—experimenting with mechanics, systems, and player feedback in a live environment before finalizing them for the next chapter.

This synergy could become one of GGG’s most potent tools. Rather than treating PoE 1 as a placeholder or shadow of its successor, the studio has an opportunity to keep both games thriving. PoE 2 will offer a fresh start, new lore, and a reimagined campaign, while PoE 1 will retain its status as the sandbox for experimental endgame content. If managed correctly, this dual ecosystem could offer something no other ARPG can: two distinct but interconnected experiences catering to different playstyles and player desires.

Challenges Still Ahead

Despite the successes of Update 3.26, challenges remain. The pressure on GGG’s development team is unlikely to lessen. Managing patch cycles, balancing live content, and continuing to develop PoE 2 into a full release-ready product will require discipline, careful planning, and likely some degree of restructuring internally.

Community expectations are also higher than ever. The positive reception of 3.26 has reinvigorated the player base—but it has also set a new bar. GGG must now deliver consistent quality updates across both titles, and any perceived slip-up will be judged against this renewed optimism.

There’s also the broader industry landscape to consider. Competitors like Diablo IV, Last Epoch, and Torchlight Infinite are all vying for player attention. While Path of Exile remains dominant in terms of depth and complexity, innovation from rivals will keep the pressure on.

Conclusion: A Resilient Studio, A Reinvigorated Game

The road to Update 3.26 was long, winding, and fraught with tension. But its successful release marks a crucial turning point—not just for PoE 1, but for GGG as a studio and for the future of the Path of Exile franchise. In navigating the challenges of dual development, issuing a rare public apology, and ultimately delivering a triumphant update, GGG has shown resilience, humility, and above all, a deep love for its community.

As PoE 2 continues to evolve and take shape, it’s heartening to know that PoE 1 isn’t being left behind. Instead, it’s being refined, respected, and repowered cheap POE2 Currency. And for the countless Exiles still grinding maps, chasing mirrors, and pushing builds to the limit, Update 3.26 is not just an update—it’s a promise kept.