Xbox gamers urged to check out free RPG, no subscription needed

Xbox users are being urged to check out a free-to-play game that doesn’t require any form of Xbox Game Pass subscription, although they are simultaneously being warned that there’s a bit of a catch.

Path of Exile is a free-to-play action role-playing game from developers Grinding Gear Games that originally launched back in 2013, before being ported to the Xbox One in 2017.

Personally I’ve not played this one, but I have played its sequel, Path of Exile 2, and if the first game is anywhere near as much of a time-sink as the second… then you may want to make sure you’ve got a lot of free time squared away before you commit to downloading it.

Since the original game released back in 2013, it’s seen a boatload of expansions and updates, but one thing has always remained constant: it’s 100% free to play.

However, users over on the r/pathofexile subreddit are warning players that while they love the game, the free trial is a bit of a trap.

"It's the most expensive free game you'll ever play. Even before you factor in the monetary value of your time," commented user Only_One_Kenobi.

"Don't regret a single cent or minute I've spent on this game though."

“Free to play. But if you end up enjoying it, stash tabs will be "required". I mean you can play for free for ever, but you will want to be able to trade, and the item specific tabs like map and currency takes insane amount of items per tab,” replied user OrkanKurt.

“You can get those "on sale" from time to time. And I would recommend buying a supporter pack rather then just points. Or you will end up cheating your self from value, in my opinion.”

Now I’ve not spent a single penny on any Path of Exile 2-related extras yet, but that’s because the sequel isn’t actually free-to-play (for the time being).

While PoE2 is in early access, you have to pay for the “Early Access Supporter Pack” if you want to play it. Once it leaves early access, the game will go fully free-to-play, just like the first game.

Maybe it might be worth giving the OG Path of Exile a go before deciding whether you want to invest any cash into the sequel, but don’t blame me if you decide to invest in said “free” title later on.