Some games are renowned for how they consume time, and Path of Exile 2 is undeniably one of them. With its captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and challenging fights, it’s a game that you can’t easily walk away from.
During a preview event, I spent about seven hours playing through Act 1 and part of Act 2 of Path of Exile 2, and it became clear: expect to see hours vanish. This game is like the Nosferatu of gaming, ready to drain your weekend dry as you eagerly await the December 6 release date. Brace yourselves, because this is a shared fate for anyone ready to dive in.
Grinding Gear Games has managed to take the brilliance of the original Path of Exile and evolve it into a more refined and contemporary masterpiece. Don’t worry, the complexity and challenge are still very much alive. This iteration doesn’t dilute its essence; rather, it offers a revolutionary refinement of the first game. It’s more accessible, encourages experimentation, and is loaded with surprises—even for veterans familiar with the developer’s touch.
You might think you’re ready, but let’s be honest, you’re not. Path of Exile 2 presents 12 distinctive classes, each offering a plethora of skill customization options that guarantee a unique gameplay experience. Even if we start with the same class, our characters will likely diverge dramatically. Watch out, Diablo.
Whether you play as the same class or not, your character’s evolution could head in countless directions. My Warrior could dominate with totems, causing explosions for massive area clears. Yours might harness fire, igniting enemies and boosting attacks. Perhaps you’ll discover a unique weapon that enhances bleed effects, prompting a complete gear and skill overhaul to match. Just like discovering a unique piece of clothing at a thrift store, character building in Path of Exile 2 is full of delightful surprises and adjustments.
While the original Path of Exile had a similar appeal, the sequel steps it up by providing a more welcoming experience for newcomers. It doesn’t shy away from its complexity, but offers a clearer path for players to navigate through it. Skill gems are presented with clarity, categorized by classic roles and weapon types, helping players understand the game’s systems without needing to pore over extensive guides. By the end of the campaign, new players will find themselves well-versed in the game’s mechanics.
Once you’ve honed your skills, it’s time to unleash them against an impressive array of monsters, ghouls, and other eerie adversaries in exhilarating combat. The quality of skill interactions could fail many games, but here, your abilities are explosive and impactful. They send foes bursting apart in satisfying displays of power.
Though Path of Exile has improved combat over the years, Path of Exile 2 takes it to another level. The boss fights illustrate this leap, including not just major bosses at the end of acts, but also challenging encounters scattered throughout. With dynamic phases and an eagerness to challenge, these bosses demand your attention from the get-go.
Another standout feature is the game’s atmosphere. Even early in the campaign, each biome is uniquely crafted, maintaining intrigue and freshness. You won’t tire of the zones or enemy types easily, partly due to the vast variety. Rarely will you see repetition among foes—or bosses, for that matter. Each area offers a fresh narrative and combat experience. There’s a pervasive sinister feeling, a dark tale unfolding with every new location.
These areas are peppered with surprises. Remember those intriguing boss battles? They’re not just damage counters but engaging challenges. For instance, I stumbled upon a boss named Crowbell mid-way through Act 1. This three-phase encounter included a unique design and move set, serving as a surprise challenge rather than a main story event, making for a delightful discovery.
I’ve only scratched the surface of Path of Exile 2 — experiencing a taste of Act 2 and missing Act 3 altogether. I haven’t explored the endgame, although pre-play presentations gave some insight. Still, the excitement around Path of Exile 2 is palpable. It embodies what a sequel should be, improving its predecessor while retaining its core strengths. For anyone fascinated by ARPGs or hankering for a deep, intricate game with a sinister edge, this is a must-try when it launches next month.
Mark your calendars for December 6, when Path of Exile 2 hits PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. I had the privilege of exploring the preview courtesy of a dedicated event by Grinding Gear Games, with travel assistance provided by the developers.
