New Zealand based independent developer Grinding Gear Games announced back in December that the Path of Exile Open Beta was being targeted for a January 23rd release, and it looks like all systems are go as the time draws near for the game to begin the final steps towards launch. The much anticipated action-rpg has been in closed beta testing since August of 2011, and most reviews of the closed beta version of the game have been positive. The open beta event will be preceded by a final character wipe for players who have participated in the closed beta. Along with the launch of the Path of Exile open beta will be the unveiling of Act 3, which is a new area that even closed beta testers have yet to see.
Players interested in getting into the game now can still do so by purchasing one of the starter packs for as little as $10. These packs directly support the development of the game, and I haven’t heard a single person who purchased one of the starter packs say that it wasn’t worth it. Once Path of Exile is in open beta it will be free to download and play, and Grinding Gear does not intend to charge for access to content. The starter packs are just a way for those who wish to support the game to do so, and none of the rewards from the packs can be considered “pay-to-win”.
Path of Exile is an online action-RPG set in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast. It is designed around a strong barter-based online item economy, deep character customization, competitive PvP, and ladder races. The game boasts six character classes, but each class can be customized to play in whatever style suits the player through the extensive passive skill tree. If you haven’t seen the beast that is the passive skill tree, check out the picture below.
Head over to the official site to sign up for the Path of Exile open beta later this month, or to pick a starter pack and begin playing today.
