Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular action RPG, has unfortunately encountered some performance hiccups for certain players. Some users are experiencing complete PC freezes requiring a hard reset, particularly during load screens or gameplay. While a patch from Grinding Gear Games is awaited, several workarounds can mitigate this issue.
Troubleshooting Path of Exile 2 PC Freezes
Several players report their PCs freezing completely during Path of Exile 2 gameplay, necessitating a hard reboot. Before resorting to drastic measures, try these initial steps:
- Graphics API: Experiment with switching between Vulkan and DirectX 11 at game launch.
- V-Sync: Disable V-Sync in the game's graphics settings.
- Multithreading: Deactivate Multithreading in the graphics settings.
If these adjustments prove ineffective, Steam user svzanghi offers a more involved solution:
- Launch the Game: Start Path of Exile 2.
- Task Manager: Open the Windows Task Manager and navigate to the "Details" tab.
- Set Affinity: Right-click on the
POE2.exe
process and select "Set Affinity." - Disable Cores: Uncheck the boxes for CPU 0 and CPU 1.
This workaround won't eliminate freezes entirely, but it allows for a less disruptive game restart. Instead of a full PC reboot, you can simply close Path of Exile 2 via Task Manager and relaunch.
Important Note: This affinity adjustment needs to be repeated each time you start the game. Persistent freezing issues will still necessitate a full PC restart.
For more Path of Exile 2 tips, strategies, and builds (like optimal Sorceress builds), be sure to check out The Escapist.