Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has announced another delay for Path of Exile 3.26, when does the PoE 1 next league come out? In this article, let's dive into the PoE 1 3.26 release date, and reasons for delays, and break down the changes in the latest PoE 2 new patch. 

Path of Exile 1 3.26 League Release Date (Delayed)

Path of Exile 3.26 League has been indefinitely delayed, marking a significant shift in GGG’s development strategy. The delay is primarily due to resource allocation challenges, as the studio focuses on Path of Exile 2 Early Access and its long-term success. With over 1 million signups on Steam alone, generating at least $30 million in revenue, GGG is prioritizing PoE2's development to satisfy its growing player base. However, this decision comes at the expense of PoE1, raising concerns about its future. The delay of 3.26 has led to speculation that PoE1 might eventually be discontinued, as maintaining two separate games with overlapping mechanics and shared development resources is proving difficult.

Based on the latest information, the Path of Exile 1 3.26 League would begin after the release of the Path of Exile 2 0.2.0 Patch. GGG had initially aimed for a release in late October 2024, but various factors, including the stress of launching PoE 2, pushed this timeline back. The new target for the PoE 3.26 release date is now set for late February 2025, which is significantly longer than the usual 3 to 4 months between league releases.

New Content in PoE 3.26

While specifics about the new content in PoE 3.26 remain unclear due to the delay, the community is expecting a new league with fresh mechanics, items, and balance changes. However, the uncertainty around its release has left players frustrated, especially since PoE1 has not received a major update in over six months.

The PoE1 community is in turmoil, as many believe GGG is shifting its full focus to PoE2, leaving PoE1 in a precarious state. Many argue that PoE1 is still in its best state with the Settlers of Kalguur update, and a simple event could keep the community engaged. However, with PoE1 developers being reassigned to PoE2, its long-term sustainability is in question.

Path of Exile 2 New Patch & Updates

In the recent Patch 0.1.1c for Path of Exile 2, several notable changes and improvements have been introduced, particularly aimed at enhancing the gameplay experience for players engaging with endgame content. 

1. Increased Respawn Attempts for Pinnacle Bosses

Players can now have up to five respawn attempts for League Pinnacle bosses, including those in the Breach, Expedition, and Ritual mechanics. This change is designed to alleviate the pressure of learning boss mechanics without incurring excessive costs for retries, it is easier for players to engage with these challenging encounters.

2. Persistent Minimap Icons

Minimap icons for League mechanics and Strongboxes will now remain visible even after their locations have been discovered. This improvement will help players locate these mechanics more easily, especially after completing a map, reducing the time spent searching for them.

3. Additional Checkpoints

More checkpoints have been added to various map areas to reduce backtracking. This change aims to improve the overall navigation experience within maps, addressing issues where checkpoints were previously placed in hard-to-reach locations.

4. Improved Minion Movement

Minions will now be able to squeeze through tight spaces if they have been stuck for a while. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for players using minion-based builds, as it enhances the AI's ability to navigate complex map layouts.

5. Bug Fixes

A potential fix for crashes affecting players on Windows 11 (specifically the 24H2 version) has been included, addressing a significant issue that rendered the game unplayable for some users. Additionally, various other minor bug fixes have been implemented to improve overall game stability.

PoE 2 Issues to Be Fixed

PoE2 is currently facing serious technical issues that need urgent fixes. These include major bugs, crashes, and performance problems, particularly with Windows 11's 24H2 update, which is causing CPU-related crashes. Additionally, players are experiencing GPU overheating and even account security vulnerabilities. Beyond technical issues, PoE2’s endgame remains underdeveloped, with only three acts completed so far. While the game has been successful, balancing concerns persist, with a handful of builds like Stormweaver dominating the meta.