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 fix is awaited, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

Initial Fixes:

• Graphics API: Experiment with switching between Vulkan and DirectX 11 at launch.
• V-Sync: Disable V-Sync in the game's graphics settings.
• Multithreading: Disabling multithreading in the graphics settings may also help.

Advanced Solution (Temporary Workaround):

If the above steps prove ineffective, Steam user svzanghi offers a workaround, albeit a less convenient one:

1. Launch the game.
2. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Click "Details".
3. Adjust CPU Affinity: Right-click on POE2.exe, select "Set Affinity...".
4. Disable Cores: Uncheck the boxes for CPU 0 and CPU 1.

This prevents a complete system freeze, allowing you to force-quit Path of Exile 2 through Task Manager and relaunch without a full PC reboot. However, this process must be repeated each time you start the game.

For more Path of Exile 2 tips, strategies, and build guides (such as optimal Sorceress builds), be sure to check out The Escapist.