Path of Exile 2 – How To Fix the Ultrawide Issue on PC: How to Fix the Black Bar Issue
Key Takeaways:
- Ultrawide Fix: A patch by Rose enables Path of Exile 2 to support aspect ratios beyond 21:9, perfect for super ultrawide monitors.
- Easy Installation: The fix is straightforward to apply and ensures a seamless gaming experience for ultrawide users.
- Safety Guaranteed: The patch is safe, reversible, and does not interfere with online services, offering peace of mind to players.
Path of Exile 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Grinding Gear Games’ beloved ARPG, has entered early access, showcasing impressive features on PC and consoles. The PC version, in particular, stands out with robust graphics settings, controller support, and compatibility with ultrawide monitors albeit with a limitation. While the game natively supports up to a 21:9 aspect ratio, users with super ultrawide monitors (e.g., 32:9) face annoying black bars on the sides.
Thankfully, the community has stepped in to address this oversight. A patch by Rose, a prominent figure in the widescreen gaming community, removes these black bars, offering an immersive experience for ultrawide enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about applying this fix and optimizing your gameplay.
Fixing Path of Exile 2’s Ultrawide Limitation
Why the Issue Exists
Path of Exile 2 supports ultrawide monitors up to a 21:9 aspect ratio, a standard for many modern displays. However, super ultrawide setups (32:9 or similar) encounter black bars due to unoptimized rendering beyond this ratio. Developers have likely deprioritized this feature due to limited demand and the additional effort required to mask extraneous background assets.
The Community Solution
Rose’s patch offers a workaround, enabling proper rendering for aspect ratios beyond 21:9, including 32:9 and custom resolutions. This simple modification enhances gameplay by eliminating black bars and providing a fully immersive ultrawide experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing the Ultrawide Patch
- Download the Patch:
Visit Rose’s GitHub page here and download the Path.of.Exile.2.ultrawide.v1.0.zip file under the Assets section. - Extract the Files:
Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file directly into your Path of Exile 2 installation folder. - Launch the Game:
Start Path of Exile 2. The patch automatically adjusts the rendering, removing the black bars for aspect ratios beyond 21:9. - Verify the Fix:
Test the game on your super ultrawide monitor to ensure it displays correctly.
How to Remove the Patch
If you encounter any issues or no longer need the fix, simply delete the extracted files from the game’s installation folder. This will revert the game to its original state.
Known Issues and Workarounds
The patch works flawlessly in most cases. However, some users may notice light background textures or static frames during certain sequences. These artifacts are minor and do not detract significantly from the experience.
Importantly, the patch does not interfere with online play or risk account bans, as confirmed by community reports over an extended period.
Enhancing Your Path of Exile 2 Experience
Beyond ultrawide support, there are several ways to optimize your Path of Exile 2 gameplay:
1. Addressing Crashes and Freezes
Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date and allocate the game to your dedicated GPU. Adjust in-game settings like texture quality and shadows for smoother performance on older hardware.
2. Improving Visuals
Take advantage of the game’s robust graphics settings, including support for upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR. Experiment with these options to balance quality and performance.
3. Controller Support
The game’s built-in controller support works seamlessly. Configure your controller preferences for a more relaxed gaming experience.
FAQs
1. Will I get banned for using the ultrawide patch?
No. The patch only alters local display settings and does not interfere with online services. Community feedback over the years confirms its safety.
2. Can I use this patch for Path of Exile 1?
Yes! Rose has also developed a similar patch for Path of Exile 1. You can download it here.
3. What resolutions does the patch support?
The patch supports resolutions like 5120×1440 and 5760×1080, as well as other custom resolutions.
4. Are there any plans for official super ultrawide support?
The developers have not announced plans to support aspect ratios beyond 21:9, likely due to limited demand and the additional work required.
5. How often is the patch updated?
Rose regularly updates the patch to maintain compatibility with game updates. Check the GitHub page for the latest version.
