Can you pause during co-op in Path of Exile 2?
Path of Exile 2 is an action RPG designed from the ground up to be an online experience. While you can play the game solo, it is recommended to team up with friends or fellow guild members and form co-op parties to tackle monsters and clear dungeons.
However, when playing any co-op or online game, many of us might have wondered if it's possible to pause it in the middle. The answer is yes, you can pause Path of Exile 2 even during co-op, but there are some restrictions and details you need to be aware of. In this guide, we’ve shared everything you need to know about pausing during co-op in Path of Exile 2.
How to Pause During Co-op in Path of Exile 2
Typically, in co-op games, when the host or party leader pauses the game, it pauses for all party members. However, in Path of Exile 2, the system works a little differently. While playing co-op, the game can only be paused if all co-op party members pause simultaneously.
Read more: Path of Exile 2's pre-holiday patch is set to make sweeping changes for Trials, Skill Gems, characters, and the endgame
If just one party member pauses the game, it won’t affect the gameplay for others. So, for the game to effectively pause, the entire party must pause together. During our tests, we also discovered some additional details about the pause system. For example, the game pauses when accessing the Esc menu, but if you select any options within that menu — such as “Options” — it automatically unpauses.
At this time, it’s unclear whether this behavior is intentional or a glitch. As things stand, if you access your settings, the game cannot remain paused. Hence, we highly recommend adjusting and confirming your settings before starting a co-op session. While your party members can cover your back while you navigate the menus, lingering too long may cause them to get overwhelmed by monsters.
Also read: Path of Exile 2 crashing on PC: Possible fixes and reasons
Lastly, remember that these rules apply only to co-op games. You won’t need to worry about any of these restrictions when playing solo. You can pause the game at any time and browse the menus for as long as you like — it won’t unpause or affect your gameplay.