Here's a detailed guide on how to install and launch Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2):
PC (Standalone Client): 
Download the Client: (See Download Guide below)
1.Visit the official Path of Exile website.
2.Navigate to the download section for Path of Exile 2.
3.Click on the download link for the standalone client.
Installation:
1.After downloading, run the installer.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions. The default installation path is usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Grinding Gear Games\Path of Exile 2.
3.If you need to change the installation directory due to space constraints:
4.After opening the .exe, before clicking "agree," look for an "options" button where you can change the install directory.
Preloading:
•Preload was available starting at 5 PM PST on December 5, 2024. This helps ensure you're ready to play at the launch time.
PC (Steam):
Purchase Early Access:
1.Launch Steam, log in, and search for "Path of Exile 2."
2.Choose the Early Access pack you want and proceed with the purchase.
Download & Install:
1.Once purchased, go to your Steam Library.
2.Click on "Path of Exile 2" and then "Install."
3.Preloading on Steam was not available, but you can start downloading as soon as the game is available for installation.
Consoles:
Xbox Series X|S:
1.Go to the Microsoft Store on your console.
2.Search for "Path of Exile 2." If you've purchased a supporter pack, you can download it ahead of the official launch.
PlayStation 5:
1.Access the PlayStation Store.
2.Search for "Path of Exile 2."
3.If you own a Founder's Pack, you could preload 24 hours before Early Access started.
Launch Guide:
PC
1.Launching on PC (Standalone):
2.Navigate to where you installed the game or use the desktop shortcut if created.
3.Double-click the Path of Exile 2 executable to start the game client.
4.Log in with your PoE account to access your characters.
5.Launching on Steam:
6.Open Steam.
7.Go to your Library, find Path of Exile 2, and click "Play."
Consoles
1.After installation, find the game icon on your console's home screen or in the game library.
2.Select the game to launch it. Log in with your PoE account or link your account if it's your first time playing.
General Tips for Launch Day: 
•Server Load: Expect queues or server issues due to high demand on launch day. Be patient.
•Patches: There might be a small patch to download at launch to ensure you're on the latest version.
•Account: Ensure your account is set up and linked if you're using crossplay or cross-progression features.
•Early Access: Remember, to play during Early Access, you must have either purchased a Supporter Pack or spent a significant amount in PoE 1.
Troubleshooting: 
•Installation Issues: If you run into problems, check the official forums or support section of the Path of Exile website for guides or to report issues.
•Login Problems: Double-check your credentials or reset your password if necessary.
Additional Notes
•Crossplay: Ensure your friends are added across platforms if planning to play together. See also: Crossplay Guide to Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2)
•Updates: Keep an eye out for any last-minute updates or announcements from Grinding Gear Games regarding the launch. See Update Guide below.
Download Guide
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to download Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) for early access:
PC (Standalone Client)
•Preload Availability: The standalone PC client was made available for pre-download starting at 5 PM PST on December 5, 2024.
How to Download:
1.Visit the official Path of Exile website.
2.Navigate to the download section for Path of Exile 2.
3.Download the installer from the site.
4.Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the game.
5.Launch the game client once installed to begin preloading the game files.
PC (Steam)
How to Preload:
1.Open the Steam client and log into your account.
2.Search for "Path of Exile 2."
3.Go to the game's page on Steam and click "Add to Cart" for the version you want to buy.
4.Complete the purchase and then install the game from your Steam Library.
Xbox Series X|S
•Preload Availability: Pre-download was already available for Xbox players before the official early access start.
How to Download:
1.Open the Xbox Store on your console.
2.Search for "Path of Exile 2."
3.Select the game and choose to download it if you've purchased a supporter pack or met the lifetime spending threshold.
PlayStation 5
•Preload Availability: PS5 players can preload if they've purchased a Founder's Pack, which allows for pre-download 24 hours before early access begins.
How to Download:
1.Go to the PlayStation Store on your PS5 console.
2.Search for "Path of Exile 2."
3.Select the game from the search results.
4.If you have the Founder's Pack, you should see the option to download the game.
General Notes:
•Early Access: Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access on December 6, 2024, at 11 AM PT for players who have either purchased a Supporter Pack or met the lifetime spending threshold in PoE 1.
•Downloads: Keep in mind that while preloading allows you to download most of the game in advance, there might be small patches or updates to download when the game officially goes live.
•Cross-Progression: Path of Exile 2 supports cross-progression across all platforms, so your progress will be saved regardless of where you play.
Update Guide
This guide should help players navigate through the early days of PoE 2's early access, understanding the latest changes and preparing for what's to come in this evolving game. Remember, PoE 2 is in early access, so expect more changes as the game moves towards its full release.
General Updates and Changes:
•Early Access Release: PoE 2 entered Early Access on December 6, 2024. This version includes the first three acts of the campaign and six of the twelve classes. The game is planned to be free-to-play upon full release, but early access requires purchasing a Supporter Pack or having met a lifetime purchase threshold.
•Server and Login Status: The early access launch experienced significant server issues due to high demand. However, these have since been largely resolved, with servers now online and queue times significantly reduced.
Patch Notes Summary:
Patch 0.1.0d:
•Skill Balancing: Skills like Supercharged Slam and Magnetic Salvo were nerfed for being too powerful. Trigger gems saw adjustments to energy gain to balance their usage against different types of monsters.
•Dodge Roll Mechanics: Changes were made to improve the effectiveness of dodge rolling, especially in tight situations with monsters.
•Bug Fixes and Quality of Life: Numerous bugs related to gameplay mechanics, item drops, and user interface were addressed.
Patch 0.1.0e:
•Checkpoint Fast Travel: Introduced the ability to teleport between checkpoints, enhancing exploration and navigation.
•Respec Pricing: Cheaper respec costs, especially at higher levels, to encourage experimentation with different builds.
•Honor Damage and Endgame Adjustments: Melee players benefit from less honor damage at close range. Endgame mechanics were buffed to be less punishing, including the removal of certain map modifiers.
•Trial of the Sekhemas: Fixed issues with damage over time calculations, making the encounter more balanced.
Gameplay Enhancements and Bug Fixes:
•Loot and Rewards: Adjustments have been made to make the game feel more rewarding. Increased drop rates for specific currencies like Regal Orbs and Gemcutter's Prisms, and changes to campaign boss drops.
•Monster Behavior: Changes to monster density and behavior in specific encounters like Ultimatum, ensuring consistent difficulty and reducing unfair deaths.
•Itemization: New systems like charm slots have been made easier to manage, enhancing build diversity and player engagement.
Community Feedback and Upcoming Changes:
•Developer Response: Grinding Gear Games has been actively addressing player feedback, particularly regarding the game's pace, difficulty, and reward system. More updates are expected to focus on these areas.
•Future Patches: More skill balancing, potential new content, and further improvements to existing systems like the passive skill tree and endgame are anticipated based on ongoing community feedback and developer insights.
Tips for Players:
•Stay Updated: Regularly check the official Path of Exile forums, social media, and updates from community leaders for the latest patch notes and game information.
•Experiment with Builds: With the reduced respec cost, now's a great time to try out various builds without significant penalties.
•Engage with Community: Join discussions on platforms like Reddit or X to share experiences, get advice, or report bugs.
Remember, the game and its platforms might receive updates that could change some of these details, so it's always good to check the official Path of Exile 2 website or social media for the latest information.
Remember, Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access on December 6, 2024, so these steps are tailored for that period. Enjoy your adventures in Wraeclast!
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