Path Of Exile 2 Carry Run

With the official release date of Path of Exile 2 1.0 approaching, ExileCon 2026 keynote is also counting down. A short trailer, Become the Darkness, only about thirty seconds long, has once again sparked heated discussions in the community.

In the trailer, a dagger points directly at a gold coin, surrounded by eerie black shadows, with a cryptic voiceover:

Beware what lurks… in your shadow.

Does this trailer hint at the upcoming arrival of Shadow class, or is it setting the stage for a new Perandus-related league mechanic?

Will Shadow debut alongside the confirmed Duelist in 1.0? What clues does Perandus Coin in the trailer hold? As the official release draws near, these questions have become the focus of players' attention.

Shadows and Daggers May Hint at a New Class

Judging from the visual elements, this trailer seems to focus its clues on Shadow class. Daggers are the signature weapon of Shadow in the original Path of Exile, yet this class never appeared throughout the early access phase of Path of Exile 2.

If Shadow debuts in December alongside Duelist, who are confirmed for 1.0, it would mean that PoE 2 has included two base classes in the same major update for the first time. This would undoubtedly be a major highlight of version 1.0.

However, daggers and narration alone are not enough to confirm a new class. Players on the official PoE forums have pointed out that swords appeared in previous trailers, but these weapons were not implemented in the subsequent updates.

Another, more cautious interpretation suggests that the narration in the trailer might be from the voice actor for Monk, and the word shadow might simply be creating a mysterious atmosphere related to Heist or Syndicate content, rather than directly hinting at a new class.

Therefore, while this trailer has fueled speculation about Shadow's return, its specific meaning remains unconfirmed. Whether the official announcement hints at a new class, a new weapon, or a completely new game mechanic related to shadows remains to be seen, pending a keynote at ExileCon 2026.

Perandus Coin May Hint at the Return of the Classic League Mechanism

Compared to the dagger, Perandus Coin in the trailer is equally noteworthy.

Perandus family is a significant faction in the Path of Exile universe, closely connected to the Eternal Empire. The most representative figure is Cadiro Perandus. In the Perandus league, players can explore areas to find Perandus Chests, collect coins, and then trade with Cadiro for equipment and other rewards.

Perandus league was initially introduced with PoE 2.2.0. Although this mechanic did not continue as a permanent feature, Perandus family did not disappear from the game's universe; instead, they maintained connections with other factions.

For example, Janus Perandus is associated with Immortal Syndicate. In Betrayal league, players need to investigate Syndicate members, adjust organizational relationships, and enter Safehouse to obtain rewards. Cadiro also had connections with Research Safehouse, where Janus resides.

These background elements make the appearance of Perandus Coin even more intriguing. It may be more than just a simple nostalgic tribute; the development team may be considering reusing Perandus family story, integrating it into new story missions, trading mechanics, or endgame gameplay.

Will classic equipment and crafting mechanics return?

Perandus-related clues have also sparked player anticipation for the return of classic items and systems.

Among them, Varunastra is a particularly representative unique weapon. It possesses a special weapon type detection, allowing it to interact with various one-handed melee weapon mechanics, giving it unique value in the PoE build system.

Another piece of equipment that has garnered attention is Seven-League Step, whose main feature is providing a significant movement speed bonus, making it useful during character leveling and rapid movement.

Furthermore, Perandus Manor is a unique map related to Perandus family's background. If this content reappears in the sequel, such special areas might also appear in a completely new form.

Besides equipment, players are also hoping for the return of some crafting mechanics from Immortal Syndicate, such as Veiled modifiers and Safehouse Crafting Benches. These systems previously provided Path of Exile with a wealth of equipment crafting options.

If they are redesigned in the sequel, it could not only expand the uses of PoE 2 currency but also further enrich endgame gear progression.

Act 5 may further expand the Wraeclast history

The appearance of Perandus family has also drawn players' attention to the development of subsequent campaign storylines in Path of Exile 2.

In the PoE universe, the Perandus family is connected to historical events such as the Eternal Empire and Cataclysm. Cadiro participated in power and wealth transactions during the Empire era, and the family's treasure has become an important part of the game's world.

If the sequel plans to further explore the history of Wraeclast, these characters and factions could serve as entry points for story expansion.

Players are also wondering if Act 5 will bring more content related to the old world, such as Oriath, Eternal Empire, and Twilight Order.

For PoE 2, continuing the old world's lore doesn't necessarily mean simply repeating past stories. Introducing new characters, areas, and quests to allow players to understand Wraeclast's history from different perspectives might be a more promising direction.

More information will be revealed at ExileCon 2026

Based on current clues, Shadow, Perandus family, and Immortal Syndicate are all noteworthy. Will the developers be able to leverage these classic elements to bring more class choices, richer story content, and a deeper endgame to Path of Exile 2? ExileCon 2026 on November 7th may reveal the answer.

Apple's October 28, 2026, announcement of its new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display has renewed an interesting question among ARPG fans: Can Path of Exile 2 finally deliver a satisfying gaming experience on a Mac?

Featuring the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a tandem OLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 128GB of unified memory, Apple's latest professional laptop offers impressive hardware specifications. Its performance capabilities make it an attractive option for demanding applications, creative workflows, and potentially more intensive gaming experiences.

However, there is an important distinction between having powerful hardware and having official game compatibility.

Path of Exile 2 does not currently offer a native macOS version. Mac users can explore third-party compatibility solutions to run the Windows version on Apple Silicon hardware, but these methods introduce additional requirements and potential performance limitations.

So, does the new MacBook Pro make PoE 2 a worthwhile Mac gaming experience? And should players spend thousands of dollars on Apple's latest hardware just to explore Wraeclast? Here's what you need to know.

Does Path of Exile 2 Officially Support Mac?

No. Path of Exile 2 does not currently provide an official native macOS client.

Grinding Gear Games originally confirmed in its November 2024 Early Access FAQ that the game would not support macOS at the beginning of Early Access, although the developer expressed interest in adding support in the future.

That distinction remains important when evaluating Mac compatibility in October 2026. Steam's current Path of Exile 2 system requirements list Windows rather than macOS, and the available installation options do not establish an official Mac release.

For comparison, here is the current platform situation:

This means purchasing a new MacBook Pro does not automatically give players access to a native version of PoE 2.

Nevertheless, the absence of native support does not mean Mac owners have no way to play. Several compatibility solutions are worth examining.

How to Play Path of Exile 2 on Mac in 2026

Although Grinding Gear Games has not provided a native macOS client, third-party solutions have made running Windows games on Apple Silicon Macs increasingly accessible.

There are two main approaches worth considering: running the game locally through a compatibility environment or streaming it through a cloud gaming service.

1. Run PoE 2 Locally Through Compatibility Software

Tools such as CrossOver and newer Mac gaming compatibility applications can help users run Windows games without installing a traditional Windows operating system.

One relevant example is GameToMac, which published an updated Path of Exile 2 Mac installation guide on September 22, 2026.

Its documented setup uses an Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 26.5 or later, and a Steam account with access to Path of Exile 2. The guide recommends budgeting approximately 150GB of storage for the tested installation and additional update space.

This is not an official GGG solution, but it demonstrates that Mac users have alternatives to waiting for a native release.

The main requirements of this particular setup are:

Another option is CrossOver, which uses compatibility technology to run Windows applications on macOS.

MacResearch previously reported testing Path of Exile 2 through CrossOver on an M4 Max Mac, achieving approximately 88 FPS at 2560 × 1440 resolution under its tested configuration.

That result provides useful historical context, but it should not be interpreted as a guaranteed benchmark for the new M5 Pro or M5 Max models. Different game versions, compatibility layers, graphics settings, and hardware configurations can produce different results.

2. Use Cloud Gaming Instead

Cloud gaming offers another way to access Path of Exile 2 without relying on MacBook's local GPU to render the game.

Services such as GeForce NOW and Boosteroid have been discussed in Mac gaming guides as potential solutions for Windows-only games.

Instead of processing the entire game locally, a remote gaming server handles rendering and streams the resulting image to Mac.

This approach has several practical advantages:

• Players do not need to depend on local Windows game compatibility.
• MacBook's internal GPU does not need to handle the full rendering workload.
• Players can potentially use older or less powerful Macs.
• Local storage requirements may be lower because the game runs remotely.

However, cloud gaming introduces its own limitations. A stable internet connection is essential, and network latency can affect responsiveness.

For an action RPG like PoE 2, where dodging attacks, positioning, and reacting to dangerous encounters matter, input delay can be particularly noticeable.

For players who already own a capable Apple Silicon Mac, local compatibility software may be worth exploring. Those who prioritize convenience may prefer cloud gaming, provided the service supports their region and game account.

What Does the New M5 MacBook Pro Bring to PoE 2?

Apple announced its new MacBook Pro lineup on October 28, 2026, introducing PROLED XDR Display technology alongside M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.

The new hardware is particularly interesting for gamers because it combines powerful processing capabilities with a high-quality display.

However, not every improvement directly translates into a better PoE 2 experience.

PROLED XDR Display: Better Visuals for Wraeclast?

The new display is one of Apple's biggest selling points.

According to Apple's announcement, PROLED XDR uses tandem OLED technology and offers:

• Up to 2,000 nits peak HDR and SDR brightness.
• A 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
• A variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
• P3 and Adobe RGB color gamut support.
• An optional nano-texture finish.

For a dark fantasy ARPG like Path of Exile 2, improved contrast and color reproduction could make environments, spell effects, and visual details more appealing.

The 120Hz refresh rate is also attractive because smoother image presentation can improve the overall feeling of movement and combat.

However, a 120Hz screen does not guarantee 120 FPS gameplay.

The game must actually render frames at a sufficiently high rate, and compatibility software can introduce additional limitations. Players should also distinguish between the display's HDR capabilities and whether the Windows game running through a compatibility layer properly supports the complete display experience.

M5 Pro vs. M5 Max: Which Is More Suitable for PoE 2?

Apple positions M5 Pro and M5 Max for demanding professional workloads, but the distinction also matters when evaluating gaming hardware.

M5 Max configuration offers greater graphics-oriented hardware capacity and supports higher unified memory configurations.

For a demanding game such as PoE 2, this could provide more room for high-resolution rendering and complex visual workloads.

Nevertheless, there are currently no independently verified, directly comparable Path of Exile 2 benchmarks for every new MacBook Pro configuration that establish a reliable FPS advantage.

The following comparison focuses on Apple's announced hardware and its potential relevance to gaming rather than presenting unverified game performance figures.

For most players, M5 Pro should be the more sensible starting point if they are already considering a MacBook Pro for work and entertainment.

M5 Max makes more sense for users who also need its additional graphics and memory capabilities for professional applications.

Buying M5 Max specifically to overcome PoE 2 compatibility limitations, however, is difficult to justify without reliable comparative game testing.

How Much Does the New MacBook Pro Cost?

Price is another important consideration.

Apple's October 28 announcement places the new MacBook Pro firmly in the premium laptop category.

The starting US prices are:

These are starting prices, not necessarily the final prices of upgraded configurations.

For a player whose primary goal is running Path of Exile 2, this creates an obvious value question.

A Windows gaming PC can offer dedicated graphics hardware, established DirectX 12 support, and a more straightforward installation process without requiring additional compatibility software.

The new MacBook Pro's display, portability, battery life, and professional capabilities may justify its price for certain users. But those benefits should be evaluated as a complete laptop purchase rather than as a way to obtain better PoE 2 performance.

Does Better Hardware Improve Currency Farming?

There is another consideration for players who spend hundreds of hours in Path of Exile 2: progression and the in-game economy.

A more powerful computer can improve the visual experience, reduce hardware-related performance bottlenecks, and make extended gameplay more comfortable when the game and compatibility environment work properly.

However, it does not automatically make farming more efficient.

Currency acquisition still depends on gameplay, build efficiency, encounter selection, item drops, and player time investment. A higher-end MacBook Pro cannot directly improve drop rates or change the game's economic mechanics.

For players balancing work, limited gaming time, and character progression, efficient resource management remains important. Understanding the value of different currency items and deciding which activities are worth pursuing can make progression more manageable.

Players researching POE 2 currency should therefore evaluate their in-game needs separately from their hardware investment. Better hardware may make playing more comfortable, but it should not be confused with a direct economic advantage.

This distinction is especially important when considering a $3,000–$5,000 laptop purchase. Hardware spending and in-game resource spending serve completely different purposes.

Is the New MacBook Pro Worth Buying for Path of Exile 2?

The answer depends on why you want the MacBook Pro in the first place.

For someone who needs a professional laptop for video editing, software development, graphic design, or other demanding workflows, the new M5 lineup offers compelling hardware specifications. Being able to play Path of Exile 2 through a compatibility solution could be an additional benefit.

For someone purchasing a laptop primarily for gaming, however, the situation is different.

Here is how different player profiles should approach the decision:

The most important consideration is that Path of Exile 2's compatibility problem is not simply a hardware performance problem.

Even if M5 Max has enough processing and graphics capacity to run the game comfortably, players still depend on a third-party compatibility environment or cloud gaming service.

That means spending more money on the laptop does not eliminate every potential technical issue.

What About the New MacBook Pro's Touch Display?

Apple also introduced Touch functionality on the MacBook Pro for the first time.

This is an interesting development for gaming, particularly because touchscreen interactions could theoretically provide additional control options in compatible games.

However, players should not assume that Path of Exile 2 will automatically support a dedicated touchscreen interface.

Apple explains that macOS can translate touch interactions into clicks for existing applications, while developers can implement more specific touch interactions through updated system APIs.

That does not mean GGG has developed a touchscreen control scheme for PoE 2.

For an ARPG that relies heavily on skill selection, movement, targeting, and quick reactions, a keyboard-and-mouse setup remains the more practical choice unless dedicated touch controls are introduced and properly implemented.

The new Touch display is therefore an interesting laptop feature, but it should not be treated as a confirmed PoE 2 gameplay advantage.

Path of Exile 2 Mac Support: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Path of Exile 2 available natively on Mac in October 2026?

A: No. Path of Exile 2 does not currently offer an official native macOS client. Mac users need third-party compatibility software or a supported cloud gaming service to explore alternative ways of playing.

Q2: Can M5 Max MacBook Pro run Path of Exile 2?

A: M5 Max provides powerful Apple Silicon hardware, but there is no official native Mac client. Players can investigate Windows compatibility solutions, although performance and stability depend on the specific software configuration. There is not yet sufficient standardized testing to promise a particular frame rate.

Q3: Can I play Path of Exile 2 on an M1 Mac?

A: Some third-party compatibility solutions support Apple Silicon Macs starting with M1. For example, GameToMac's September 2026 guide lists M1 or later and macOS 26.5 or later as its requirements. This is third-party support, not an official GGG specification.

Q4: Is CrossOver a good option for playing PoE 2 on Mac?

A: CrossOver is one possible local compatibility solution. MacResearch previously reported successful Path of Exile 2 testing on an M4 Max using CrossOver. However, compatibility and performance can change with game updates and software versions, so individual results should not be treated as universal benchmarks.

Q5: Does the new MacBook Pro's 120Hz display guarantee 120 FPS in PoE 2?

A: No. The 120Hz specification describes the display's refresh capability. Actual frame rates depend on hardware performance, game settings, rendering technology, and the compatibility environment.

Q6: Should I buy an M5 Max MacBook Pro just for PoE 2?

A: Generally, no. Without native Mac support and standardized M5 Max game benchmarks, the purchase is difficult to justify solely for this game. A Windows gaming PC is a more straightforward choice for players whose main priority is running PoE 2.

Final Verdict: Powerful Mac Hardware Cannot Replace Native Game Support

Apple's new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display is an impressive hardware announcement. The combination of tandem OLED technology, a 120Hz refresh rate, M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, and expanded unified memory makes it an attractive professional laptop.

It also highlights how much Apple Silicon Mac gaming has evolved.

Nevertheless, Path of Exile 2 Mac support remains the deciding factor, not simply the power of M5 chip. Third-party compatibility solutions offer Mac owners ways to access the Windows version, but they are not equivalent to a native macOS release.

For existing Apple Silicon users, trying CrossOver or another compatible gaming environment may be a reasonable way to explore Wraeclast without purchasing additional hardware.

For professionals who already need an M5 MacBook Pro, PoE 2 compatibility could be a welcome bonus.

But for dedicated ARPG players choosing a computer primarily for Path of Exile 2, a Windows gaming system remains the more practical investment.

Ultimately, the new MacBook Pro makes Mac gaming more interesting, but it does not remove the need for developers to provide proper platform support.