Path of Exile 3.28 launched on March 6, 2026 — exactly on the predicted date. The four-month development cycle that Grinding Gear Games follows held true, and the release landed on the leading March 6 window rather than the alternative March 13 date that some had flagged as a possible fallback. The expansion, now known as the Mirage league, introduced a reworked Atlas and the new Mirage mechanic at its core.
Those details held up in practice. A few other aspects of the pre-launch window are worth noting for players who followed the build-up.
For players who enjoy the lore side of PoE 1, the 3.27 Keepers of the Flame storyline offered a unique twist after defeating the two Breach Lord bosses. Completing that sequence unlocked a corridor in the Keeper Monastery, leading to a story-driven exchange with the NPC Isith — no gear rewards, but a memorable moment for lore enthusiasts.
In the weeks before 3.28 dropped, two notable private leagues were running:
The confirmed March window removed the scheduling conflict an earlier February release would have created, giving players in both games room to finish their 3.27 and PoE 2 early-access seasons before committing to Mirage. If you are starting your first 3.28 character now, may your Vaal Orbs treat you kindly.
