How to Fix Path of Exile 2 Freezing PC Issues

Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular action RPG, has unfortunately encountered some performance hiccups for certain players. Some users report complete PC freezes requiring a hard reset, particularly during loading screens or gameplay. While a developer fix is awaited, several workarounds can mitigate this issue.

Troubleshooting Path of Exile 2 Freezes

Several in-game settings adjustments can help resolve freezing problems:

• Graphics API: Experiment with switching between Vulkan and DirectX 11 at launch.
• V-Sync: Disable V-Sync in the graphics options.
• Multithreading: Deactivate multithreading in the graphics settings.

If these adjustments prove ineffective, a more involved solution, suggested by Steam user svzanghi, offers a temporary workaround:

1. Start the game.
2. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Click "Details".
3. Adjust CPU Affinity: Right-click on POE2.exe. Select "Set Affinity...".
4. Disable Cores: Uncheck the boxes for CPU 0 and CPU 1.

This method doesn't eliminate freezes entirely, but it allows you to force-quit the game via Task Manager and relaunch without a full PC reboot, saving time. The downside is that you must repeat this process each time you launch Path of Exile 2. A subsequent freeze will still necessitate a PC restart.

Until an official patch arrives, these methods provide temporary solutions to Path of Exile 2's freezing issues. For more gaming tips and strategies, including optimal Sorceress builds, be sure to consult The Escapist.