Grinding Gear Games, the developers behind the hugely popular free-to-play action RPG Path of Exile, have officially announced their next major expansion: Settlers of Kalguur. This much-anticipated expansion, along with its accompanying Challenge League, is set to release on July 26, 2024. The launch will be simultaneous across all supported platforms, including PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

For players eager for even more content, the announcement came with exciting news about the future of the franchise. Grinding Gear Games also revealed that a closed beta test for Path of Exile 2 will soon be available, and players interested in participating can register on the game’s official website.

A New Chapter in the World of Wraeclast: Settlers of Kalguur

The Settlers of Kalguur expansion introduces players to a new storyline filled with familiar faces from past Path of Exile content. This time, players will aid Kalguuran pioneers who have embarked on an ambitious mission to establish trade routes between Wraeclast and their distant homeland. The central location in this expansion is Kingsmarch, a budding town that serves as a trading hub for the  Path Of Exile Currency pioneers. Players will be tasked with helping to build out Kingsmarch, establishing vital infrastructure that supports trade and survival.

Players' main objectives revolve around mining rare resources, protecting skilled workers, and developing Kingsmarch into a thriving trade center. The expansion puts a fresh spin on the familiar gameplay loop of Path of Exile, as it combines resource management, building mechanics, and combat in an integrated way.

Resource Mining and Monster Encounters

At the core of the Settlers of Kalguur expansion is the concept of mining special resources. During their exploration, players will encounter different types of minerals scattered throughout the world. Each mineral presents its own unique challenges, requiring players to defeat powerful enemies before claiming the resources.

Crimson Iron is found in corrupted veins, which will trigger monster spawns when players approach. This type of mineral is highly sought after but is protected by powerful corrupted creatures that make its acquisition a challenge.

Orichalcum, a mystical metal worshipped by demons, brings an entirely different type of encounter. Demonic forces will guard this resource fiercely, requiring players to strategize and overcome waves of demonic foes.

Bismuth causes the environment around it to become elementally unstable, forcing players to navigate dangerous conditions. This makes obtaining Bismuth not only about fighting off monsters but also managing environmental hazards such as bursts of fire, ice, or lightning.

These minerals are essential for the progression of the game’s building and trading systems. However, collecting them is only the beginning. Once players have successfully fought off monsters and claimed the resources, they will need to hire workers to mine the materials.

Hiring and Managing Workers

In Settlers of Kalguur, managing workers becomes a key gameplay mechanic. Raulf, a central NPC, is responsible for recruiting miners and other skilled laborers. Players will need to hire these workers, who are paid in Gold — a new resource introduced in the expansion. Managing the labor force effectively is crucial to the success of your mining operations and the overall development of Kingsmarch.

As players progress, they will face increasingly difficult decisions about how to allocate resources and protect workers from the dangers of Wraeclast. The balance between combat and resource management adds a fresh layer of complexity to the Path of Exile experience.

New Challenge League

In addition to the expansion’s main content, Settlers of Kalguur will also feature a brand-new Challenge League. These temporary leagues are a hallmark of Path of Exile, providing players with unique mechanics, rewards, and challenges that keep the gameplay experience fresh and engaging.

While specific details about the Settlers of Kalguur Challenge League are still under wraps, players can expect it to POE Exalted Orbs tie closely to the expansion’s themes of resource gathering, trade, and battling against powerful foes. Challenge Leagues also traditionally introduce new items, skills, and mods, giving players plenty of opportunities to experiment with new builds and strategies.

Path of Exile 2 Closed Beta Announcement

On top of the Settlers of Kalguur expansion, Grinding Gear Games gave fans even more reason to be excited with the announcement of the Path of Exile 2 closed beta. The sequel to the beloved action RPG has been in development for some time, and this marks a significant step toward its eventual release. Players interested in getting a sneak peek at what Path of Exile 2 has to offer can register for the closed beta on the official website.

The hype surrounding Path of Exile 2 is already palpable, and this beta test will allow select players to experience some of the new mechanics, world design, and content the sequel will bring to the table.

Conclusion

With the release of Settlers of Kalguur just around the corner, July 26, 2024, promises to be an exciting date for Path of Exile players. The combination of new gameplay mechanics, resource management, combat encounters, and the anticipation of the Path of Exile 2 beta makes this one of the most significant updates to the game in recent memory. Be sure to stay tuned and prepare for the next chapter in Wraeclast’s epic saga.