Path of Exile 2 Looks Set to Take the ARPG Genre to New Heights

Every time more gameplay for Path of Exile 2 is showcased, it's hard not to be impressed. The visual improvements alone make the game look absolutely stunning compared to the original Path of Exile, which has been showing its age over the past decade. But it's not just the graphics that have seen an overhaul – nearly every system and mechanic in the game has been reworked or expanded upon for the sequel.

What's even more impressive is that Grinding Gear Games is making these massive changes to Path of Exile while the original game continues to see huge success. Path of Exile consistently ranks as one of the most played games on Steam and just hit a new all-time concurrent player peak only a few weeks ago, over 11 years after first launching. With all the new features, classes, and content coming in Path of Exile 2, it has the potential to reach an even wider audience.

A True Sequel Worthy of the Name

Initially, Path of Exile 2 was planned as a major expansion or update to the original game. But the developers eventually decided to spin it off as a fully standalone sequel. This was the right call, as it has given them the freedom to completely rework and improve upon nearly every element of the game.

One of the most immediately noticeable upgrades is the improved visuals. Both the environments and character/enemy models have received a complete overhaul and everything just looks much more polished and detailed. But gameplay has seen just as many enhancements, such as overhauled animation systems, reworked skills that now have extra mobility built in, and a new universal dodge mechanic.

Combat, which was always a bit lacking in impact and feedback in the original game, has also been addressed. Attack and spell animations have more punch to them now and the developers are aiming to slow the early-to-mid game pacing down from Path of Exile 1's "zoom zoom" battles.

Deep, Engaging Class Design

Every class showcased for Path of Exile 2 so far highlights just how much depth and synergy exist between their various skills, abilities, and mechanics. Take the Witch for example, who can summon an army of minions with different capabilities. But that's only scratching the surface, as you can allocate minions from different classes, give them specific commands, and enhance them through temporary minion spells.

The Ranger class focuses on mobile ranged combat with skills that let you move while attacking. Different arrow types further enhance abilities, and all have interactions like poison plants and combos with fire skills. Melee classes like the Champion and new Marauder are no less intricate, with elaborate damage/defense scaling mechanics and synergies between their abilities.

Perhaps the most impressive is the Mercenary, which effectively takes the role of an FPS character within an ARPG. Various "crossbows" that function like different gun archetypes, attachments that add extra skills, and the layers of interaction between ammo types, skills and grenades result in enormous build diversity and complexity from the start.

Endless Possibilities for Build Crafting

With over 1,500 passive skill options, 240 active skill gems that can be modified by 200 support gems, and the interactions between class mechanics, it's clear there will be astronomical possibilities for creative builds in Path of Exile 2. And that's before even touching the unique items, helm enchants, league mechanics and endgame systems ported over from the original game.

With over 100 unique main story bosses, expanded endgame bossing, mapping, and other repeatable content, Path of Exile 2 looks primed to keep players engaged for hundreds if not thousands of hours with new goals to achieve and different ways to optimize their characters.

A Bright Future for Both Games

Perhaps the best part is that Path of Exile 1 will continue to receive new content, leagues and updates on its own alternating schedule from Path of Exile 2. This means there will be a constant stream of new things to experience between both games, without major downtime between new seasons. It also ensures purchases like stash tabs and cosmetics carry over between the two versions.

Overall, Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to push the ARPG genre further than ever before thanks to the immense scale of content, depth of systems, and passion of its developers. For both new and veteran players, it promises to deliver an adventure that can occupy thousands of hours across multiple builds and leagues. 2023 can't come soon enough for this hugely ambitious sequel's full release.