Path of Exile 2 Earns Steam Deck Verified Ahead of Dec. 11 Launch

Valve has classified Path of Exile 2 as Steam Deck Verified ahead of the game’s free-to-play 1.0 release on Dec. 11. The designation indicates the title meets Valve’s compatibility standards for the Steam Deck handheld.

Path of Exile 2 was developed by Grinding Gear Games and has been available in early access prior to the Dec. 11 launch. The full release will complete the main campaign, introduce swords via the Duelist class, and transition the title from paid early access to free to play.

The developer delivered an endgame overhaul in May, titled Return of the Ancients, which reworked the Atlas endgame systems. During early access, Grinding Gear Games continued to refine performance, stability and control schemes.

The Steam Deck Verified label reflects Valve’s testing results for running the game on Deck hardware. Path of Exile 2 supports controllers and includes pause functionality, allowing players to stop and resume sessions on the handheld. Players who prefer more detailed crafting can move items to their stash and complete those tasks later on a PC with keyboard and mouse.

Grinding Gear Games reported addressing persistent performance issues during early access. In late July the studio ran wide simulations and shipped a development PC to hardware engineers as part of efforts to address frame-rate and compatibility problems. The Steam Deck Verified classification followed those development and testing activities.

Pre-registrations for Path of Exile 2 have passed one million, unlocking two of five milestone rewards available to anyone who signs up by launch day. Registration requires only an email address. The confirmed rewards include a special portal effect and a Scourgeborn boar pet; additional milestones depend on higher sign-up totals.

The game is available in early access now, with keys starting at $29.99 or £23.93. Early access purchases include a bundle of in-game currency intended for additional stash tabs or cosmetic items. Grinding Gear Games states purchased items affect only appearance or convenience and do not alter gameplay balance.

At launch, Path of Exile 2 will offer the completed campaign, revised endgame systems and verified Steam Deck compatibility.