Path of Exile 2 New Patch Release Date (0.2.0 Update) & First Race Event Guide

Grinding Gear Games is introducing the first competitive racing series in Path of Exile 2 and also mentions the release of the next 0.2.0 patch in the announcement. In this article, we’ll focus on the PoE 2 new patch update date, the first race event with time and rewards, and new content to expect.

Path of Exile 2 New Patch Release Date - When Does PoE 2 0.2.0 Update Come Out?

Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.2.0 is expected to be released around late March or early April 2025. The most possible release date of PoE 2 0.2 is around March 21st or 28th, 2025, introducing two highly anticipated new classes: the Druid (featuring were-bear, werewolf, and a mysterious third transformation form) and the Huntress, along with the new spear weapon type. 

This update will likely include a server and economy reset, as the current economy has become inflated with expensive items. The PoE 2 patch is anticipated to bring balance changes, adjustments to potentially broken items, and additional content after approximately three months since the previous update.

Path of Exile 2 First Race Event

The first race event in Path of Exile 2 will be a competition where players compete to kill the Act 3 bosses in a standard solo self-found environment with fixed layouts. The event will have no trading allowed and while it's not hardcore, deaths will result in a one-minute penalty during which players cannot move. The race will be open to everyone and will be held across three separate weeks, with special Demigod items and cosmetic rewards for top performers in each class.

1. Event Schedule:

Race 1: 3 AM on March 3, 2025/11 AM PST on March 2

Race 2: 3 AM on Mar 10, 2025/12 PM PDT on March 9 (One week after Race 1)

Race 3: 3 AM on Mar 17, 2025/12 PM PDT on March 16 (One week after Race 2)

2. Rewards - Demigod’s Virtue (Golden Visage)

The Demigod's Virtue is an exclusive unique helmet that will be awarded to the top player of each character class (Ranger, Sorceress, Witch, Monk, Warrior, Mercenary) in each of the three races, with only 18 helmets available in total (6 per race) now. But the rewards for new classes will also be available when they are added to the game.T his prestigious item provides a 25% increased rarity of items found virtuous and can be used both as a functional item and a cosmetic. Unlike many race rewards, these helmets are tradeable, allowing winners to either keep them as trophies, use them for their stats, or trade them to other players using the microtransaction system. 

3. Key Rules:

• Free to participate, no registration fee is required

• No streaming requirement

• No limitation on race participation, you can participate in multiple races

• Available on both PC and Console with a shared prize pool

• The format is Standard Solo Self-Found with fixed layouts

• Death penalty: 1-minute movement restriction

• Inappropriate character names will result in disqualification

• GGG staff and Alpha participants are not eligible

• Events will be hosted live by Zizaran and RaizQT

4. How to Participate In?

Login Requirements:

• Have a Path of Exile account

• The game must be installed on a PC or Console

• Ensure your timezone settings are correct in your account

How to Join:

• Go to the Character Select screen

• Look for the "Join" button for the specific race

• Create a new character when prompted

• Your character will spawn but won't move until the race officially starts