Path of Exile 2 Gets Major Performance Boost on PS5 and Xbox
▼ Summary
– Path of Exile 2 is receiving a major performance boost by optimizing its code to better utilize multiple CPU cores, leading to at least 25% higher frame rates.
– The performance improvement is especially significant on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles due to their typically slower, non-upgradable CPUs, with gains often doubling the stated estimate.
– The developer, Grinding Gear Games, has no current plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 version, citing a small engine team and a focus on existing platforms.
– A key update on December 12th will also introduce a new druid class and a league inspired by *Loop Hero*, alongside the performance improvements.
– The game’s visually obstructive “Delirium fog” is being significantly reduced and made non-mandatory to address widespread player complaints.
Players of Path of Exile 2 can expect a substantial improvement in how the game runs, particularly on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. This performance leap stems from a fundamental reworking of the game’s code to more efficiently distribute tasks across a processor’s multiple cores. According to the developers, this technical overhaul should deliver frame rates that are at least 25 percent higher while dramatically reducing disruptive stutters during intense gameplay sessions.
During a recent presentation, co-game director Mark Roberts identified the central processing unit, or CPU, as the primary bottleneck. “The primary issue is CPU load,” Roberts stated. “To address that a lot of things have been optimised, and we have done a lot of work to take advantage of more of your CPU cores. You should see frame-rates at least 25 percent higher, and a lot less bad frame spikes during gameplay. It does make quite a big difference, especially on consoles.”
Interestingly, that 25 percent figure might be conservative. In a follow-up discussion, fellow game director Jonathan Rogers suggested the real-world gain could be far greater. He explained that consoles were singled out because their fixed hardware, with typically slower CPUs compared to high-end PCs, is more susceptible to performance issues in the game’s demanding endgame content. “I would say, if anything, it’s understated,” Rogers admitted. “I was willing to commit to 25 percent because I know that we’re definitely hitting that, but honestly, in a lot of situations, it’s straight up double.”
These underlying optimizations also provide a welcome boost to the gaming experience on devices like the Steam Deck. When asked about the possibility of a release on the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, Rogers indicated it wasn’t a current priority. With a small engine team and numerous existing platforms to support, the focus remains on perfecting performance elsewhere before considering new hardware.
This performance patch arrives on December 12th as part of a broader quarterly update. The update will also introduce a new Druid character class and a fresh league featuring an underground temple system inspired by the indie title Loop Hero. Yet, for many dedicated players, another change might be even more immediately gratifying: a significant reduction of the infamous Delirium fog.
The game’s community has been vocal about the visual obstruction caused by this grey haze, flooding forums with memes about poor visibility. The developers have listened. Rogers confirmed the fog has been toned down “significantly.” The adjustment came in two parts. First, the team removed a game mechanic that made the fog effect virtually mandatory in every area. Second, they redesigned the fog itself for the remaining Delirium content to be far less intrusive. “It’s not nearly the same as it was before,” Rogers said. “It’s much more fine. So it’s fixed in two ways: it’s not mandatory and when you do get it, it’s way less annoying.”
Path of Exile 2 is currently playable in early access on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The full 1.0 release, which will include the complete six-act campaign, is anticipated sometime next year.
(Source: EuroGamer)
