If you’re a dedicated Path of Exile 1 player, the upcoming leagues and updates in 2026 are likely already on your radar. With Grinding Gear Games continuing its reliable four-month expansion cycle, many players are asking the same questions: when will Path of Exile 3.28 be released, and how should you prepare for the new league?

This article covers everything you need to know about the PoE 3.28 release date, the projected league roadmap for 2026, and how to choose and prepare the best league starter builds for a strong launch.

PoE 3.28 Release Date – When Is Path of Exile 3.28 Coming Out?

Updated: January 13, 2026

According to the latest official announcement from Grinding Gear Games, Path of Exile 3.28 is scheduled to launch in early March 2026, continuing the studio’s established four-month development cadence. While the exact launch date has not been formally confirmed, GGG has stated that a content reveal livestream will be announced in the coming weeks.

This timing gives players plenty of opportunity to finish the remaining challenges in the ongoing Keepers of the Flame League before the new expansion arrives.

Expected Launch Window

GGG has been remarkably consistent with its release schedule:

· PoE 3.27 – Keepers of the Flame: October 31, 2025

· PoE 3.28 (Expected):

  · February 27, 2026 (Friday), or

  · March 6, 2026 (Friday)

Historically, league announcements arrive approximately one week before launch, accompanied by a major livestream detailing new mechanics, balance changes, skill reworks, and endgame updates. If you plan to league start on day one, late February to early March 2026 is the window to mark on your calendar.

Path of Exile League Schedule Outlook for 2026

If GGG maintains its four-month cycle throughout the year, the broader roadmap for Path of Exile 1 in 2026 is likely to look like this:

· PoE 3.28: Early March 2026

· PoE 3.29: Late June 2026

· PoE 3.30: Late October 2026

This predictable cadence ensures that players receive fresh content roughly every quarter, keeping the endgame ecosystem active and preventing long droughts between leagues.

How to Create the Best League Starters for PoE 3.28

Choosing the right league starter can make or break your early progression. A strong starter allows you to generate currency quickly, complete Atlas progression smoothly, and transition into your preferred endgame content without frustration.

Below are the key principles to keep in mind when preparing for PoE 3.28.

1. Understand the New League Mechanics

Every new Path of Exile league introduces a core mechanic or heavily reworks an existing one. Understanding how this mechanic functions is critical when selecting a starter build.

For example, Keepers of the Flame reimagined the classic Breach mechanic using lessons learned from Path of Exile 2. This resulted in fast-paced, density-heavy encounters where builds with strong area damage and consistent uptime excelled.

For PoE 3.28, choosing a build that:

· Clears dense packs efficiently

· Maintains strong survivability during prolonged encounters

· Scales damage without expensive gear

will help you fully capitalize on the league mechanic, while remaining effective across core game systems like mapping, bossing, and farming.

2. Balance Early Power With Endgame Scalability

The best league starters are not just powerful on day one—they remain viable well into the endgame.

An ideal PoE 3.28 starter should:

· Clear maps efficiently in early progression

· Function well on minimal gear

· Scale into red maps, Uber bosses, and pinnacle encounters

Slam builds are frequently recommended for this reason. Skills such as Earthshatter, especially when paired with Berserker or Slayer, offer:

· Massive early damage

· High survivability

· Excellent scaling with investment

These builds are also forgiving for Solo Self-Found and Hardcore players.

3. Follow Build Guides and Stay in Your Passive Tree Region

Path of Exile’s passive skill tree is enormous and unforgiving to mistakes—especially early in a league.

For new and returning players:

· Stick close to your class’s starting region on the passive tree

· Follow established build guides with leveling trees and gem setups

· Avoid experimental paths at league start

Well-written guides provide step-by-step progression, including:

· Passive point allocation

· Gear priorities

· Gem links and upgrade paths

This minimizes wasted time and ensures consistent progress.

4. Focus on Endgame Content You Enjoy

Once you complete the campaign and unlock mapping, success comes from specialization.

Path of Exile offers a wide range of endgame activities, including:

· Breach

· Delve

· Heist

· Blight

· Rogue Harbour

· Expedition

Using the Atlas Passive Tree, you can heavily Path Of Exile Currency invest in the content you enjoy most, increasing both its frequency and rewards. For example, players who enjoy Blight can fully specialize in Blight nodes and farm it exclusively for efficient profit and mastery.

5. Consider Build Popularity and Meta Viability

Popular builds tend to be popular for good reasons:

· Extensive guides and videos

· Easier access to gear and advice

· Proven performance in the current meta

Strong league starters commonly recommended include:

· Earthshatter Berserker / Slayer

· Poison Pathfinder (excellent for mapping and bossing)

· Witch Wander (light radius or herald stacking)

· Energy Blade Elementalist

· Cold Slayer

· Ignite Elementalist

While builds like Righteous Fire remain playable, they often suffer from slower clear speed and higher gearing requirements at league start.

6. Know Your Build’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Every build has trade-offs:

· Slam builds: Incredible early damage, weaker late-game scaling

· Poison and ignite builds: Forgiving, strong in breach-style content

· Minion builds: Powerful at high investment, slower and more complex early

· Unique-dependent builds: High ceiling, but risky early due to item availability

Understanding these limitations helps set realistic expectations and prevents burnout.

7. Prepare for PoE’s Learning Curve

Path of Exile is famously complex. Success requires patience and continuous learning.

To stay ahead:

· Use tools like Path of Building and PoE Ninja

· Watch build guides and league analysis videos

· Read patch notes and balance previews carefully

Community resources play a massive role in long-term improvement. Platforms like ELD.GG will continue to provide up-to-date PoE league coverage and affordable PoE currency options as new content rolls out.

Final Thoughts

With Path of Exile 3.28 launching in early March 2026, now is the perfect time to plan your league start strategy. By understanding the league schedule, choosing a reliable starter build, and preparing for the game’s depth and complexity, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding start to the next league.

Whether you’re pushing early Atlas completion or farming efficiently for endgame currency, preparation is the key to success in PoE’s ever-evolving world.