Path Of Exile: Season Vs. Standard Mode, Explained (2024)

When you start a new character in Path of Exile, you will have a few game mode options to choose from. Veteran players may know which one to pick immediately, but for those new to the game, you may struggle to choose the right mode. Thankfully, you do not have to make that decision yourself.

In this guide, we are going to take a look at the key differences between the standard and seasonal modes (called leagues) in Path of Exile. This will highlight which is best for new players, as well as what happens to season characters once the season officially ends.

What Are The Game Mode Options?

When creating a new character, you will have the option between the following three modes.

• Standard League
• Seasonal/Challenge League
• Hardcore Seasonal/Challenge League

Rather than seeing 'Challenge League' as the option, it will display as the current league. For example, as of the publication of this guide, Settlers of Kalguur is the current challenge league. This means that the game mode options are Standard, Settlers, and Hardcore Settlers.

Game Mode Settings

In addition to choosing between standard and challenge leagues, you will have a few more options to choose from, which you can see below.

• Hardcore
• Ruthless
• Solo Self-Found

Hardcore means that when you die, your character will revert back to the standard (non-hardcore league) mode. Ruthless mode means that everything is scaled a bit harsher. This can slow the game down in terms of progression, which may be refreshing if you are a veteran player. If you are brand new to the game, we don't recommend choosing this mode.

Lastly, Solo Self-Found means that you cannot trade or party-up with other players; this can be changed after creating your character though, so you are not locked into this decision forever.

What Is A Challenge League?

A seasonal league is essentially content that is only available for a set amount of time. In the game, you may see these referred to as 'Challenge Leagues'. When the league is active, you can create a new character within it and complete specific content related to the league. For example, in Settlers of Kalguur league, you will be able to build up the town of Kingsmarch.

This town-building content is not available if you were to play a standard game. Instead, this mode just includes the base game and anything that has been added to it over time.

What Happens After A Challenge League Ends?

After a league ends, you will not be able to make characters within it anymore. Going with the league mentioned earlier, this means that you would not be able to choose the 'Settlers' option anymore.

This does not mean challenge league characters get deleted though. Instead, they will be transferred to a permanent league. This includes map progress and all items within your stash.

How Frequently Do Challenge Leagues Happen?

Challenge leagues are great if you like to restart, but how often do they actually occur? The current league began on July 26, 2024, while the previous league (Necropolis) began on March 29, 2024. In total, the challenge league lasted around four months.

This is roughly the amount of time a season will last, but it will never be an abrupt end. You'll see promotional material for the next season, allowing you to prepare in advance. Remember, the character cannot come to the next league, but this gives you the chance to try out a new class or build.

Which Game Mode Should You Pick?

When in doubt, pick the challenge league! This is where new content is implemented, so it only makes sense that you play in the challenge league. It's important to note that there are more players who play in this mode, so you will have more interactions with others.

If you are a brand new player, the challenge league is a perfect option for you as well. Starting when the league begins is a great way to ensure that you aren't miles behind other players. If you begin on standard, you may not see many other players and if you do, they may be way more powerful than you.