In Path of Exile, challenge leagues come and go, offering new mechanics, items, and content. One such league Affliction, part of the 3.23 expansion was highly anticipated for introducing the Wildwood mechanic, unique Ascendancies, and powerful league-specific gear. But like all temporary leagues, it eventually ended. Understanding the Affliction end date, what happens afterward, and how it compares to previous leagues is essential for both current participants and those planning future runs.
When Did Affliction League End?
The Affliction league officially concluded on March 26, 2024 at 9: 00¯PM GMT on PC, marking the closure of the 3.23 challenge league
Standard League Migration and Major Changes
Character Migration and Available Items
Once Affliction ended, players’ characters and stash inventories were automatically transferred to the permanent Standard League, unless the characters had voided
Mechanics and Item Cleanup
Several Affliction-exclusive systems and items were retired or altered:
- Tinctures and Charms, tied to the Wildwood mechanic, were deleted after the league ended
- Wildwood Ascendancies were removed from future play, and any Wildwood Rucksacks became remove-only inventories, accessible only in towns or hideouts
- Most Affliction-exclusive unique items were added to the core drop pool making them available in later leagues except for ‘That Which Was Taken’, which remained league-exclusive
Duration and Timeline of the League
How Long Did Affliction Last?
Affliction ran for approximately 15.6 weeks, slightly longer than the typical 13-week league cycle
Community Awareness and Countdown
Players in forums and Reddit discussions noted the league’s final month and counted down until the expected end date. While some speculation about extensions circulated, GGG confirmed the final date weeks prior, giving players ample time to wrap up challenges
Why the League Mechanics Didn’t Carry Over
Affliction Was Not Meant for Core Integration
Grinding Gear Games clarified that Affliction’s wildwood mechanic would not become part of the permanent game, unlike some previous league mechanics that were retained
Contrast with Other Leagues
Past leagues like Delirium or Abyss saw partial mechanics or items preserved in core gameplay. Affliction’s removal aligns with GGG’s selective integration policy: only mechanics that fit long-term design and balance remain after the league cycle ends
Implications for Players and Future Strategy
Finishing Challenges Early
For players still working on Affliction challenges or collecting unique items, the weeks before the end date were critical. After March 26, those tasks were no longer available, meaning unfinished challenges were lost opportunities
Inventory Management Post-League
Since Wildwood Rucksacks became remove-only, players could not further store or trade those items. Knowing this helped players clear space and plan stash management ahead of the transition
Transition into Standard and Preparing for the Next League
With the league ending and characters moved to Standard, the game world reset for Necropolis (league 3.24). Players could continue leveling, crafting, or preparing builds for the new league’s challenges. New mechanics and map content in Necropolis replaced Affliction’s structures entirely
Summary Table: Affliction Timeline and Aftermath
- Start Date: December 8, 2023 (Launch with 3.23)
- End Date: March 26, 2024 at 9: 00¯PM GMT (official), before 10¯AM PT on March 29 release day
- Duration: ~15.6 weeks (longer than standard 13-week cycle)
- Migration: Characters moved to Standard League, all progress retained
- Deleted Content: Tinctures, Charms, Wildwood Ascendancies, and usability of Wildwood Rucksacks
- Legacy Uniques: Most became permanent drops except ‘That Which Was Taken’
The Affliction league offered a bold new experience in Path of Exile 1, packed with Wildwood mechanics, Ascendancy classes, and league challenges. Yet, like all challenge leagues, it had a defined end. On March 26, 2024, it concluded, triggering migration into Standard and removal of league-specific systems and items. While most exclusive uniques were absorbed into the core game, some mechanics and aids were removed entirely. Understanding this timeline helps players appreciate how challenge leagues evolve, and prepares anyone gearing up for future expansions such as Necropolis or beyond. For those who dove into Affliction late, the closure reminds us that timing is critical and rewards are best pursued proactively.
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