Path of Exile 2 - Overview

Path of Exile 2 is set 20 years after the original and was initially planned as a graphics update. However, it became a standalone game to preserve the original's gameplay. Now, both games coexist, offering unique mechanics, balanced gameplay, and endgame content, letting players pick the experience they prefer.

Path of Exile 2 brings a bunch of new features that make it stand out from the original game, giving players a fresh and exciting experience. In this overview, you'll get all the details about what to expect in the upcoming release of Path of Exile 2!

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Path of Exile 2 Release Date

Path of Exile 2 hits Early Access on December 6, 2024, announced during Gamescom 2024’s Opening Night Live. Access might be limited, with invites or supporter packs needed, similar to past betas.

While all six story acts will be playable at launch, some features like endgame content, seasonal updates, and possibly a few classes may come later, allowing the devs to refine the game based on player feedback for a polished final release.

Path of Exile 2 Gameplay

Path of Exile 2 introduces a fresh six-act campaign, a revamped skill gem system, and enhanced character customization with a redesigned passive skill tree, including dual specialization. This system lets players create unique character builds by combining two sets of skills, offering a more flexible playstyle that adapts to different situations.

Set for early access in late 2024, Path of Exile 2 continues Grinding Gear Games commitment to free-to-play, without pay-to-win elements. It will also support full cross-play and cross-progression, allowing players to team up seamlessly across platforms without losing progress.

The announcement of PoE 2 has sparked significant excitement within the ARPG community. As we gather more information, it's becoming clear that this sequel aims to elevate the already popular Path of Exile to new heights.

Let's explore the major elements of PoE 2, including the revamped endgame, new character builds, mechanics, and what we can expect from Grinding Gear Games' ambitious follow-up.

Skill Gem System

A standout feature in Path of Exile 2 is the new skill gem system. Support gems are now socketed directly into skill gems, simplifying the process and eliminating many frustrations from the original system while still maintaining depth. Players can now have six-link skills across all abilities, vastly expanding their combat potential.

Path of Exile 2 Classes and Weapon

The game also introduces 12 new character classes, each with unique ascendancies and playstyles, providing a diverse range of options for every type of player.

In Path of Exile 2, all characters start with the same basic stats, which simply place them on the skill tree. This means that while each class has unique abilities and playstyles, everyone begins at the same point and branches out as they progress.

Players can explore new weapon types like spears and crossbows, as well as over 700 new equipment types. Each campaign area now includes unique boss encounters, which enrich the gameplay experience, as players face more than 100 bosses with distinct mechanics throughout the campaign and endgame maps.

Endgame and Map System in PoE 2

The endgame in Path of Exile 2 is designed to build upon the intricate and engaging mapping system from the original game. In the current PoE, endgame content revolves around The Atlas of Worlds, which contains a variety of maps that serve as randomized mini-dungeons filled with monsters, treasures, and powerful bosses.

While it remains to be seen how much the Atlas system will be retained in Path of Exile 2, developers have hinted at further expanding the variety of map types, modifiers, and introducing new endgame bosses.

In Path of Exile 2, you can expect the Conquerors of the Atlas expansion to be part of the game, along with tough bosses like the Elder and Shaper. PoE 2 will build on the rich story from the first game, and own boss fight are going to get even more epic. They’ll be more intense and challenging, with multiple phases that require you to know the boss mechanics really well to win.

Builds and Skill System Overhaul

One of the most significant updates in Path of Exile 2 is the complete rework of the skill gem system. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Old System (PoE):
  • Skill gems had to be socketed into gear.
  • The power of your skills depended on how many support gems you could link, which relied on how many sockets your gear had (aiming for the perfect six-linked item).
• New System (PoE 2):
  • Skill gems are now linked directly to your character, not your gear.
  • Support gems attach directly to the skill gem itself, eliminating the need for perfect six-linked items.
  • This new system gives players more flexibility in builds, allowing them to focus on character optimization without being restricted by gear sockets.

With this major change, expect build diversity to skyrocket. PoE 2 offers players more freedom to experiment with different skill combinations without the restrictive nature of gear-dependent gem setups.

Each of the new classes introduced will have its own unique Ascendancy classes, similar to the original game's skill tree, but with even more detailed specialization paths. This gives players more control over crafting powerful and innovative builds for endgame content.

Weapon Classes and Combat Upgrades

Combat in Path of Exile 2 is getting a big boost, with a focus on weapon types and how they change the way you play. Each weapon, whether it's a bow, axe, or staff, will have unique skills and animations, making your choice of weapon feel more important and fun during battles.

For example, dual-wielding certain weapon types will unlock unique attack animations and playstyles, offering a more visceral and tactical feel to combat. This is especially important as PoE 2 looks to modernize the gameplay while maintaining the depth and complexity that veteran players love.

Animations have been vastly improved, giving combat a more fluid and responsive feel. The developers have mentioned their goal of making every weapon feel distinct, not just in terms of power and stats but also in how they function in combat. This will create a greater sense of immersion and allow for more dynamic encounters.

PoE 2 Story and Campaign

In Path of Exile 2, players dive into a brand-new campaign, taking place years after the first game's events. While the exact details are still a secret, we know you’ll face an ancient evil threatening Wraeclast. The campaign features seven acts, just like the updated first game, with new areas, towns, and characters, alongside some returning favorites.

Wraeclast is now even darker and deadlier. From cursed forests to ancient ruins, each zone is carefully crafted to pull you into the gritty, intense lore. Expect tougher quests, tricky puzzles, and dynamic world events that can change how zones and battles unfold.

League Mechanics and Replayability

One of the standout features of the original PoE is its league system, where every few months, a new temporary challenge league is introduced with its own unique mechanics and rewards. While it's unclear how leagues will transition into Path of Exile 2, it is expected that Grinding Gear Games will continue to innovate and add fresh mechanics to keep players engaged.

Seasonal leagues are key to PoE's longevity, and it's likely that Path of Exile 2 will continue to push the boundaries by offering new league mechanics and features that introduce fresh content into the game. Whether it's modifying how loot is acquired, introducing new enemies, or fundamentally changing how the game is played, the league system will ensure the replayability of Path of Exile 2 for years to come.

Graphics and Performance

One of the most apparent changes in Path of Exile 2 is its graphical overhaul. Powered by an entirely new graphics engine, PoE 2 features high-fidelity visuals, including detailed character models, realistic lighting, and vastly improved environmental design. Every aspect of the game looks significantly sharper and more detailed, offering a cinematic experience without sacrificing the fast-paced combat that PoE is known for.

Despite the increased graphical fidelity, the developers have emphasized their commitment to making Path of Exile 2 playable on a wide range of systems. The game will offer customizable settings to ensure smooth performance even on lower-end machines while allowing high-end setups to take full advantage of the improved visuals.

The Future of PoE 2: A Living, Evolving Game

Path of Exile 2 is more than just a sequel. It's a complete overhaul that will run concurrently with the original PoE, giving players the choice of playing either campaign while sharing a unified endgame and economy. This duality offers players unparalleled flexibility, allowing them to switch between PoE 1 and PoE 2 content while retaining their characters and loot.

Expect Path of Exile 2 to continue evolving with frequent updates, expansions, and community-driven content. Just as the first PoE revolutionized the ARPG genre, PoE 2 aims to push the boundaries of what's possible in an action RPG, combining depth, customization, and an ever-expanding universe that keeps players coming back for more.

Conclusion

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a game-changer for both fans of the original game and newcomers to the genre. With its overhauled systems, improved graphics, and a more accessible yet deeply intricate skill system, it promises to be one of the most exciting ARPG releases in recent years.

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Change Log

• 28.10.2024 - Path of Exile 2 overview published.