The next major expansion for Path of Exile is officially locked in, and POE orbs excitement is building fast. With a March 6 launch date confirmed and teasers on the way, players now have a clear timeline to prepare. Whether you're chasing final rewards in the current league or planning your next build, this guide breaks down everything you need to know-and how to get ahead before launch day.

Key Dates You Shouldn't Miss

Timing is everything in seasonal ARPGs, and version 3.28 comes with several important milestones:

Livestream Reveal: February 26 (11 AM PST)

Expansion Launch: March 6 (11 AM PST)

Keepers Challenge League Ends: March 2 (1 PM PST)

The livestream hosted by Grinding Gear Games will showcase full patch details, league mechanics, and likely skill balance changes. Watching it live can give you an early strategic advantage since you'll know what builds or mechanics are getting buffed or nerfed.

Theme Spotlight: The Maraketh Influence

Although this expansion is themed around the Maraketh culture and lore, developers confirmed one key detail: Trial of Sekhemas will not be added to Path of Exile 1.

Why this matters for gameplay:

It clarifies expectations for new mechanics.

It prevents players from stockpiling resources for content that won't arrive.

It signals that the focus is likely on a different system or mechanic tied to the theme.

Understanding what isn't coming can be just as important as knowing what is, especially when planning builds or farming strategies.

What To Do Before the Current League Ends

With only a short window left before the Keepers Challenge League closes, now is the time to finalize your progress.

Priority checklist

Finish remaining challenges for cosmetic rewards.

Spend accumulated currency before the economy freezes.

Test experimental builds you might use next league.

Many veteran players use the final days of a league as a testing ground. Since nothing carries over except knowledge and cosmetics, it's the perfect time to experiment without risk.

Smart Preparation for 3.28 Launch

Starting strong on day one can define your entire league experience. Preparation is mostly about planning rather than grinding.

Recommended pre-launch steps

Research starter builds that don't rely on rare gear.

Clear your stash tabs for easy organization.

Review leveling routes to reduce campaign time.

Efficient players often reach maps hours ahead of others simply because they already mapped out their progression path.

Launch Day Strategy Tips

When the expansion goes live, server queues and competition will be intense. Here's how to stay ahead:

Early advantage tactics

Log in 15–30 minutes early.

Skip optional quests during leveling.

Focus on movement speed and survivability over damage early.

The first 24 hours are less about perfection and more about momentum. Players who reach endgame quickly gain access to valuable drops and market opportunities.

Why This Expansion Matters

Every major update reshapes the meta, economy, and build viability. Even small balance tweaks can elevate forgotten skills or weaken dominant strategies. Since this update arrives after months of player feedback, it's likely to include meaningful adjustments.

For competitive players, early adaptation is the biggest advantage. For casual players, the new theme and mechanics provide a fresh reason to explore Wraeclast again.

Final Thoughts

The 3.28 expansion isn't just another patch-it's a reset button for strategy, progression, and competition. With a confirmed launch date, upcoming teasers, and a final countdown for the current league, now is the ideal moment to prepare.

Plan your build, finish your challenges, and cheap POE orbs mark your calendar. When March 6 arrives, the sands of time won't wait-and neither should you.