Hey, exiles! Buckle up for some Path of Exile 1 news that's equal parts "ugh, really?" and "oh, heck yeah!" Grinding Gear Games has just dropped a bombshell: the 3.26 expansion has been delayed to June 2025. But don't sulk yet - they're throwing us a sweet treat in the meantime with free private leagues of Legacy of Phrecia goodies from Easter. Let's unpack the timeline, what's coming and how you can keep your Wraeclast grind alive until summer!
The Bad News: 3.26 delayed until June
First, the sting - 3.26 won't be landing until June. If you, like some of us, were hoping for an early May drop, tough luck. GGG are taking their sweet time cooking up something big, and while it's a bummer to wait, it could mean a juicier expansion. Patience folks - good things come to those who wait, right?
The good news: Free Private Leagues Easter Promotion
Now for the silver lining: from 23rd April (Easter week), GGG will be running free private leagues with a Legacy of Phrecia flavour. The event's alternate ascensions and idol system - the wild stuff that rocked PoE 1 earlier this year - are getting a second life. You'll be able to create private leagues with these exclusive twists at no extra cost, although there may be some restrictions on the templates.
Expect options such as
Alternative Ascendancies only: Ditch the classics for Phrecia's funky classes.
Idols Only: Keep the basic Ascendancies, but spice up the endgame with the Idol system.
Full Phrecia ruleset: Both combined for maximum mayhem.
Hard mode variations: Maybe 20% monster speed or damage buffs for masochists - no extra loot, just bragging rights.
Details are still sketchy, but it's a playground for mixing and matching. Perfect for keeping things fresh while we wait.
Timeline breakdown: What's when
Here's how it works:
Now until 23 April 2025: The Legacy of Phrecia event continues in PoE 1.
There's still time to grab the Autumn Knight armour set if you're leveling up!
23rd April to end of May: Free Private League promotion kicks off. Dive into the Phrecia templates and experiment like a mad scientist.
End of May to June: A short "dead period" as private leagues wind down - a breather before the big drop.
June 2025: 3.26 lands (fingers crossed, no more slips!).
It's a clever bridge to keep us hooked without burning out before the expansion hits.
Why It's Worth Sticking Around
This promo is a godsend for tinkerers. The Legacy of Phrecia Ascendancies (think spider summoning or nature channeling madness) and the Idol System (replacing the Atlas Tree with customisable map mods) were a blast earlier this year. Getting them for free in private leagues means you can test wild builds or crank up the difficulty without breaking the bank. Plus, with 3.26 delayed, GGG's betting on quality - June could bring a banger worth the wait.
Prep tips: Get ready now
Complete the Phrecia goals: Reach levels 20, 40, 60, and 80 before April 23 for the full armour set.
Plan your league: Decide if you're going Alt-Ascendant, Idol-focused, or both - test builds early.
Stock up on currency: Private leagues may reset economies, so hoard some chaos for trade.
Don't sleep on it - this is your chance to mess with the wild side of PoE 1 before 3.26 reshuffles the deck.
Thanks for Reading
PoE 1's 3.26 is cool until June, but free Legacy of Phrecia private leagues drop Easter to keep you slaying! Quick recap: event runs until 23rd April, promo starts after that, then 3.26 in the summer. Get in there, tweak some builds, and hold on tight - big things are brewing!
Buy Path of Exile Currency