Just bought PoE2 early access / New player - Confused

[Twok]

So I bought it for $30 on Steam to get Early access, which starts on Dec 6.

How do I download and install the game? Do I launch it through Steam? I heard it has its own launcher, do I need to get that and then I can install it?

Do I need to make an account? Can I just use my Steam account to play PoE2 when EA starts? If the former, how does it know my Steam account and that I purchased a early access key?

Thanks.

[Twok]

Reason for thread: This is my response to the FAQ

"How to redeem a key?
Upon purchasing your first supporter pack that includes an Early Access key, that key will be automatically redeemed on the account the purchase was made. You don’t have to do anything else, just download the game client when it’s available and login on launch day!"

This is very vague. Automatically redeemed on the account the purchase was made... I don't have an account. I have a Steam account.

"If you're unsure about your status, or want to view any of your keys, this information is available under my-account/early-access."

Again, I don't have an account.

"If you have purchased a key and/or have access granted for one PC game client (Stand-alone, Steam, or Epic), but wish to play on another game client, you will be able to do so by claiming a key to unlock access to that client. These are available at my-account/early-access and can be redeemed on the relevant platform's store. Please note these keys only unlock the client in your library, they do not on their own provide early access to your account."

Unsure if relevant. I want to play on PC and/or through Steam. I purchased through Steam, so I am assuming that steam should be my game client.

[Twok]

"As an example, if you purchase a Supporter Pack through the Path of Exile website, you will be able to claim a key to unlock the client in your Steam Library. "

Okay fine, but does it work the other way around? It is not entirely clear.

[DaDonik[GER]]

If you have no account on the POE website, then make one and link your steam account. That should work, but may take 24h to carry over from what i read here.

Edit: Then you can download it on steam on the 6th or maybe a few days earlier.
No need for any installer from the website or anything.

[Breeze]

You can just use Steam. There is a separate launcher you can get from GGG to play without Steam but you don't need it.

I'm pretty sure you can make a PoE account in game and it'll pair with your Steam account.

[Twok]

Okay, thanks yall