Path of Exile: New Patch 3.25 Event and Predictions of Patch 3.26

Nov-20-2024

 

As the Path of Exile (POE) continues to immerse itself in the expansive Settlers of Kalguur league, a few key developments have surfaced that could shape the near future of the game.

 

From the expected release date of patch 3.26 to the introduction of a new Settlers of Kalguur event, there's a lot on the horizon. Let's dive into the details of these upcoming changes, how the community can prepare, and what it means for players invested in the game.

 

 

Why POE 3.26 May Be Delayed Until Next Year

First, let's address the inevitable question on every POE player's mind: when will patch 3.26 arrive? Initially, many speculated that Path of Exile's next major update would arrive sometime in December 2024. However, with Path of Exile 2's Early Access launch pushed back from November 15th to December 6^th, GGG has been forced to adjust its release schedule.

 

The commercial reality is clear: GGG would prefer not to overshadow Path of Exile 2 with a new patch so soon after its highly anticipated launch. This means that, rather than seeing the release of patch 3.26 in mid-December, it's increasingly likely that it will be pushed back into 2025.

 

Although there is no firm date yet, many believe patch 3.26 will land sometime in late January or early February 2025. However, given the dynamic nature of game development, there's always the possibility of delays. For now, it seems safe to assume that POE 3.26 will not be released in 2024. This delay also gives players more time to wrap up their activities in the current Settlers of Kalguur league before the next major update.

 

The New Settlers of Kalguur Event: A Fresh Start with New Challenges

To bridge the gap between major updates and provide players with a fresh experience, GGG has announced a new Settlers of Kalguur event. Starting on November 7th for North American players (November 8th for Australian players), this event promises to offer a new twist on the familiar Settlers of Kalguur mechanics, while introducing exciting new features that could breathe fresh life into the game.

 

Key Features of the New Event

1. Economy and Ladder Reset: Much like the base Settlers of Kalguur league, this event will feature a complete economy and ladder reset. This means that players can start fresh and experience the league from the ground up, offering a level playing field for both veterans and newcomers alike.

 

2. Enemy Modifiers: A standout feature of this event is the introduction of enemy modifiers. Borrowing a mechanic from the previous Necropolis league, these modifiers will not only change how enemies behave but also increase the rewards players can earn, such as enhanced POE currency drops, item drop chances, and enemy pack sizes. This addition is designed to make progression feel more rewarding, especially for casual players.

 

3. Parallel with the Settlers of Kalguur League: While this event offers new gameplay, it will run in parallel with the ongoing Settlers of Kalguur league. Players who are still active in the regular league can continue their progress while also participating in the new event. For those looking to explore a new character or challenge, this offers the perfect opportunity to switch gears without abandoning existing progress.

 

4. Mystery Box Rewards: Players who reach level 50 in the new event will earn a mandatory Settlers Mystery Box, which contains a random cosmetic from the new additions in POE 3.25. If players already own all of the available cosmetics, they will receive two Polaris Mystery Boxes instead. This rewards players with exclusive content and incentivizes participation in the event.

 

5. Game Modes: The event will offer four different game modes: Softcore Trade, Solo Self-Found Hardcore, and two additional Hardcore and Solo Self-Found versions. Notably, there will be no support for Ruthless mode, as demand for it in this event is minimal.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of POE 3.26 and Beyond

While the Settlers of Kalguur event offers an exciting diversion, players are still waiting for the next big update: POE 3.26. As discussed earlier, it's likely that this update will be pushed into early 2024. With the launch of Path of Exile 2 looming on the horizon, GGG is setting the stage for the next chapter in the game's development. Whether it's new mechanics, fresh content, or improvements to existing features, POE 3.26 promises to be a significant update that will continue to evolve the game.

 

In the meantime, the new Settlers of Kalguur event offers plenty of opportunities for players to explore new content, experiment with different playstyles, and prepare for the eventual launch of POE 3.26. Whether you're gearing up for the event or simply enjoying the last stretch of the current league, there's no shortage of excitement in the Path of Exile.

 

So, grab your gear, sharpen your skills, and get ready for what comes next—whether it's the new event or the future of Path of Exile itself.