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 hard restarts, particularly during loading screens or gameplay. While a developer patch is awaited, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

Addressing Path of Exile 2 Freezing Issues

Several players have experienced game-induced PC freezes necessitating a hard reboot. Before resorting to more involved solutions, try these initial steps:

• Graphics API: Switch between Vulkan and DirectX 11 at game launch.
• V-Sync: Disable V-Sync in the game's graphics settings.
• Multithreading: Disable Multithreading in the graphics settings.

If these adjustments don't resolve the problem, a more complex workaround, suggested by Steam user svzanghi, may help. Note: This requires repeating the process each time you launch the game.

Workaround (Requires Repetition):

1. Start Path of Exile 2.
2. Open your PC's Task Manager and click "Details."
3. Right-click on POE2.exe and select "Set Affinity."
4. Uncheck the boxes for CPU 0 and CPU 1.

This workaround won't eliminate freezes entirely, but it allows you to force-quit the game via Task Manager and relaunch it without a full PC reboot, saving time. However, you must repeat steps 1-4 for each game session.

For now, these methods offer temporary relief from Path of Exile 2's freezing issues. Continue to check back for updates and further solutions. For more Path of Exile 2 guides and strategies, including optimal builds, be sure to visit The Escapist.