Path of Exile 2 Freeze Resolved in Latest Update

Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular action RPG, has unfortunately encountered some performance hiccups. Some players are experiencing game freezes requiring a hard reboot. While a developer fix is awaited, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

Resolving Path of Exile 2 PC Freezes

Several players report complete system freezes during gameplay or area loading. Before resorting to more involved methods, try these initial adjustments:

Graphics API: Switch between Vulkan and DirectX 11 at game launch.
V-Sync: Disable V-Sync in the game's graphics settings.
Multithreading: Disable Multithreading in the graphics settings.

If these basic adjustments fail, a more complex workaround, suggested by Steam user svzanghi, offers a temporary solution:

Start the Game: Launch Path of Exile 2.
Open Task Manager: Access your PC's Task Manager and click "Details."
Adjust Affinity: Right-click on "POE2.exe," select "Set Affinity," and uncheck "CPU 0" and "CPU 1."

This method doesn't prevent freezes entirely, but it allows you to force-quit the game via Task Manager and restart without a full system reboot, saving time. However, you must repeat this process each time you launch the game, or a freeze will necessitate a full system restart.

Until an official patch arrives, these methods provide temporary relief for Path of Exile 2's freezing issues. For more gaming tips and strategies, including optimal Sorceress builds, check out The Escapist.