Path of Exile 2: A New Era of Grinding Gear Games' ARPG

November 11, 2024

Path of Exile, initially released in 2013, has grown into a massive action role-playing game (ARPG) with nearly 30 expansions. Each expansion has introduced layers of content, creating a rich and complex world for players to explore. Now, developer Grinding Gear Games is preparing to launch Path of Exile 2, a sequel designed to coexist with the original, promising a new chapter in the game's history.

A Fresh Start with Familiar Roots

Path of Exile 2 retains the core ARPG elements of its predecessor but introduces a brand new campaign with six acts, over 100 environments, and a multitude of bosses and enemies. Twelve character classes, each with three ascendancy subclasses, offer diverse playstyles. The game also boasts an impressive array of equipment and new weapon types, such as crossbows, flails, and spears.

Grinding Gear Games faced a significant challenge: surpassing the original Path of Exile's decade-long success. The sequel needs to offer a unique experience while respecting the core principles that attract a dedicated player base. Balancing innovation with familiarity is key to the sequel's success.

Reimagining Combat and Movement

One of the primary motivations behind Path of Exile 2 was to overhaul the combat system. The original game's decade-old character rigs limited the developers' ability to implement new animations and combat mechanics. By rebuilding these rigs from the ground up, Grinding Gear Games has opened up a world of possibilities.

The sequel introduces eight-directional movement using WASD controls (in addition to mouse clicking) and a dodge roll, adding a new layer of dynamism to combat. The reworked skill gem system allows for greater flexibility and synergy between skills, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations.

Improving Quality of Life

Path of Exile has a reputation for complexity, which can be daunting for new players. Grinding Gear Games acknowledges this and is implementing changes to improve the onboarding experience without sacrificing the depth that veteran players appreciate. Respeccing, for example, will be streamlined using in-game gold, although this introduces a trade-off with other uses for this currency.

Loot management is also being addressed. The original game often overwhelmed players with low-value items, necessitating the use of loot filters. Path of Exile 2 aims to ensure that visible loot has inherent value, making the experience more intuitive for newcomers.

Player Freedom and Community

Player freedom remains a core principle in Path of Exile 2. The community-driven economy, where players dictate prices for PoE 2 currency and items, will be preserved. However, Grinding Gear Games is exploring ways to mitigate issues like inflation, potentially by using in-game gold as a "tax" on trades.

The Future of ARPGs

Grinding Gear Games believes there's still room for innovation in the ARPG genre. Path of Exile 2 draws inspiration from both its predecessor and other modern ARPGs like Diablo IV and Last Epoch. The developers are committed to pushing the boundaries of the genre while staying true to the core elements that have made Path of Exile a success. For players looking to enhance their experience, consider options to buy PoE 2 currency at AOEAH with quick delivery. Stay tuned for more Path of Exile 2 news as the game progresses through development.