Introduction:
Just think about immersing into one of the most popular action RPGs in the last decade — absolutely for free. Path of Exile (PoE), created by Grinding Gear Games, has attracted more than 30 million registered players worldwide and scratched an itch for a game with deep build customisation, difficulty and everchanging league content. But before you can stake your claim on exile and murder Wraeclast, you need to know how to install Path of Exile the exact way.
So whether you are freshly joining the game or returning after an absence, here are easy-to-follow instructions on how to install Path of Exile on PC (Steam and standalone), PlayStation, and Xbox. We will also discuss system requirements, typical installation issues and recommended setup ideas to get your onboarding process started on the right foot.
After following this guide, you will have a functioning installation of Path of Exile on your computer so that you can get started playing the latest league! Let’s get started.
What Is Path of Exile? A Quick Overview
Path of Exile Path of Exile is a free online-only action RPG under development by Grinding Gear Games in New Zealand. The game is developed by Grinding Gear Games, and what began as a 2013 release has transformed into a live-service experience that brings new “leagues” to the game about every three months – leagues are large updates that bring new mechanics, items and story content.
It is entirely free to download and play. Its monetisation model is around cosmetic microtransactions: this includes no pay-to-win, which is why people are fans of PoE and not (or less so) on any competitors.
Path of Exile System Requirements: Can Your PC Run It?
Before you read the information on how to download Path of Exile, check if your computer configuration is sufficient. The game can also come with poor performance, crashes and long loading times for those running it on underpowered hardware.
| Specification | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
| OS | Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz | Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| GPU | NVIDIA 8800 GT / ATI 4850 | NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 480 |
| Storage | 40 GB HDD | 40 GB SSD |
| Internet | Broadband required | Stable broadband / fibre |
If I have at least the minimum requirements on my PC, am I good to go? A SSD is highly recommended — it will greatly decrease the time you spend in zones, which is important if you plan to do fast-paced league play.
How to Install Path of Exile on PC — Standalone Client
The direct download version is the preferred method of installation for PC players who wish to receive updated versions more quickly and don’t want to have Steam running when they play. Here’s how to install Path of Exile using the official standalone client:
Step 1: Register Account on Path of Exile Website
- Visit the Path of Exile official site by going to www. pathofexile. com.
- Click “Create Account” in the upper right hand corner.
- Give us an email,address, select a username and password, enter the CAPTCHA information.
- Be sure to check your email and click the link in order to confirm your account.
Step 2: Download the Path of Exile Installer
- Go to the Path of Exile website and log into your new account.
- Go to section “download”..
- Choose “Windows”, and click “Download” under Stand-alone installers.
- Save the installer file (PathOfExileInstaller. exe) to some place easy to remember like your desktop or downloads folder.
Step 3: Run the Installer
- Double-click PathOfExile Installer. exe to start the setup wizard.
- If you receive Windows Defender SmartScreen or UAC prompts, click “More info” then “Run anyway”—this is a legitimate installer.
- Choose your installation directory. Default: C:\Program Files\Grinding Gear Games\Path of Exile. You can switch this to any drive with more than 40 GB or free space.
- Tap “Install,” then let the download process finish. Depending on internet speed, it can take anywhere between 20 minutes to well over an hour.
Step 4: Launch Path of Exile and Log In
- After installation is complete click “Play” OR select “Start Menu” in the shortcut.
- The launcher of the game will come up and it may download more patch files. Wait for this to complete.
- Type in your account log-in and click ”Log In.”
- Choose a character and embark on your journey in the world of Wraeclast.
How to Install Path of Exile via Steam
For those who’d rather handle their gaming affairs through Steam, Path of Exile is also available for download from the Valve-run storefront. The Steam version is connected to your GGG (Grinding Gear Games) so you will never lose progress.
Steps to Install Path of Exile on Steam
- Run the Steam client and log in to your Steam account.
- Type “Path of Exile” into the search bar on top.
- Click the link to enter the Path of Exile store page, then click on “Play Game” or a green install button (this is a free game, so don’t fret about making payment).
- Select an installation directory and “Next”.
- Steam will automatically download and install the game files.
- When the download is finished, start the game from your Steam Library. The first time you launch the game, you will be asked to associate/connect or create a new Grinding Gear Games account.
How to Install Path of Exile on PlayStation and Xbox
It is also on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S — and yes, it is free there as well. Here’s how you can get POE running on each platform.
Installing on PlayStation
- From your console home screen or the web, launch the PlayStation Store.
- Type “Path of Exile” in that search bar.
- Choose the game you want from the results and “Download.”
- Wait for the download to finish and the game to install — it’s roughly 30-35 GB on PlayStation.
- Open the game, sign up for a GGG account (or log in using an existing one) and start playing.
Installing on Xbox
- Launch the Microsoft Store on your Xbox.
- Search for “Path of Exile” and select the appropriate listing from Grinding Gear Games.
- Click “Get” (the game is free) and wait for the installation to complete.
- Open and connect to your GGG account.
Standalone vs. Steam vs. Console: Which Version Should You Choose?
Every Path of Exile is good and has its pros and cons. Check the comparison so you know which method suits your gameplay.
| Feature | Standalone (PC) | Steam (PC) | Console |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
| Patch Speed | Fastest | Slightly slower | Varies |
| Controller Support | Yes (partial) | Yes (partial) | Full native support |
| Account Type | GGG Account | GGG + Steam Account | GGG + Platform Account |
| Mods / Filters | Full support | Full support | Limited |
| Best For | Power users | Steam library lovers | Couch gaming |
Troubleshooting Common Path of Exile Installation Errors
Even without a complicated install process, some players are experiencing problems. Here are the most prevalent issues, and how to fix them as fast as possible.
Error: “Path of Exile Has Stopped Working”
This has something to do with old graphics drivers or a conflict of DirectX. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your GPU from NVIDIA or AMD, download DirectX 11 or 12 if not present on your system.
Slow Download Speeds
If your download is slow as a snail, maybe try to change your Path of Exile launcher settings and set the appropriate server (usually will be closer to you). You also have to pause and resume your download to reestablish connection.
Insufficient Disk Space
The game is ~40 GB in size. Try to free space on your installation drive, or redirect the install to a different drive with enough room.
Anti-Virus False Positives
The Path of Exile installer has been known to be detected as a false positive by some anti-virus programs. This is a false positive for sure. Include the PoE installation directory in your antivirus’ exclusion list and reinstall/re-enable it.
Essential Tips for Your First Launch After Installing Path of Exile
Now that you have the game up and running, let’s look at a few things you should do before you hit the actual game.
- Use the loot filter: Path of Exile can produce crazy amounts of items. Download a community-forged loot filter like from FilterBlade. xyz so that valuable stuffs can be noticed easily.
- Tweak graphics settings: If you’re on a lower-end PC, consider lowering textures to Medium and turning off Dynamic Resolution to get better frame rates. High-end PC should turn on Vulkan for increase speed.
- Disable ground effects: Turning off ground effects (Options > Graphics) can have a significant impact on FPS in large mobs.
- Select the appropriate league: If you are a beginner, begin with the “Standard” or current challenge league. Leagues reset progress of characters but bring fresh economies and mechanics.
- Join the community: The Path of Exile subreddit (r/pathofexile), official Discord and community wikis are great help for fresh new players.
What About Path of Exile 2? Do You Need to Install Separately?
In 2024–2025, Path of Exile 2 was released in Early Access by Grinding Gear Games as an independent sequel having its own client and launcher. You’ll be able to download Path of Exile 2 through the official PoE 2 site or Steam if you purchase them both. Your GGG account works for both games, but characters and stash are different between the 2 games.
If you’re keen to check out Path of Exile 2 for yourself, well, the procedure of how to get Path of Exile 2 is almost exactly the same as how you got the original game in so far as this guide can help with that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1: Is Path of Exile free to download and play?
Yes. Path of Exile is available for free on PC, PlayStation and Xbox to download and play. The game is monetized through optional cosmetic microtransactions, which won’t impact gameplay balance.
2: How big is the Path of Exile download?
It’s downloaded initially to about 20–25 GB, but full installation size is about 40 GB with patches and updates.
3: Is Path of Exile available for a laptop?
Certainly, if your laptop has minimum system requirements. Dedicated graphics card is highly recommended. You can play this game with integrated graphics, but you will have a poor frames per second rate and reduced visual quality.
4: Is an internet connection needed to play the game?
Yes. Path of Exile is an online game only. You’ll need to have an active internet connection to play — there is no offline mode.
5: How do I patch Path of Exile after installing it?
The Path of Exile launcher will automatically check and download updates on every launch. You shouldn’t have to download patches on your own.
6: Is it possible to on PC and your progress will carry over?
No, Path of Exile is not cross-platform. Your characters, stashes, and items are bound to the platform that they were born on.
7: How long does Path of Exile take to download?
Installation The app itself is not particularly large, although it depends less on the software and more on how fast your connection is. It may take any where between 2 – 3 hours plus in slower connections.
Key Takeaways: How to Install Path of Exile at a Glance
- Path of Exile is now available on PC (standalone and Steam), PlayStation and Xbox.
- The game needs around 40 GB space and a stable internet.
- PC’s standalone setup has faster patch speeds; Steam is better for library management.
- Sign up for a free account at Grinding Gear Games before you install — it works on all platforms.
- Once you have installed PoE then get a loot filter and set the graphics settings for the best experience.
- Path of Exile 2 needs to be installed separately, but uses your GGG account.
Conclusion: Start Your Exile Today
Finding out how to install Path of Exile is the first obstacle you will need to conquer on a road that’s going to provide one helluva good time. With more than ten years’ worth of content, one the most complex build systems in the genre and an active community, PoE brings hundreds — if not thousands — hours of gameplay for you to play at no cost whatsoever.
Regardless of which option you went the route of — whether it’s the standalone PC client, through Steam or on console — here are all you need to know to get started. Follow the steps in this guide, learn more about your settings and gear, and by all means don’t be scared to get involved in the community – Path of Exile has one of the friendliest player bases in gaming.
Ready to begin? Head to pathofexile. com, download the client, and start your first day in Wraeclast. The darkness is coming — and your exile begins today.
