Path of Exile 2 Review: A Deep Dive into the Ultimate ARPG Sequel
Path of Exile 2 Review: A Sequel That Sharpens the Edge
Path of Exile 2 has long been on the radar of action RPG fans, and after much anticipation, it’s finally here. Developed and published by Grinding Gear Games, this ambitious sequel entered Early Access on 6 December 2024. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, it builds upon the dark and complex world of its predecessor while introducing a host of new mechanics, classes, and visual improvements.
In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into how Path of Exile 2 holds up to its lofty expectations, covering everything from gameplay mechanics to performance and narrative depth.
Game Information
Gameplay Mechanics: A Deeper, More Flexible Approach
If there’s one thing Path of Exile is known for, it’s depth, and the sequel doubles down on this reputation. From the skill system to the new Ascendancy Classes, the game offers more customisation options than ever before.
Revamped Skill Gem System
The revamped skill gem system is the star of the show. Gems are now socketed directly into weapons and armour, freeing up inventory space and streamlining the process. This small change dramatically improves the quality of life for players, while still retaining the deep customisation that fans love.
Ascendancy Classes
With 19 new Ascendancy Classes, the possibilities for character builds are near endless. Whether you want to focus on high-speed critical strikes, tanky support roles, or intricate minion builds, there’s something for everyone. Some highlights include:
The Tactician, which excels in totem-heavy builds.
The Beastmaster, perfect for players who enjoy summoning and managing companions.
Combat: Strategic and Punishing
Combat in Path of Exile 2 feels like a refined version of the original, with smoother animations and more impactful skills. The introduction of physical-based mechanics, such as dodging and directional attacks, adds an extra layer of strategy to encounters. However, the difficulty curve remains steep, rewarding careful planning over brute force.
Narrative: Dark, Intriguing, and Expansive
Set 20 years after the events of the original, Path of Exile 2 plunges players back into the dark and brutal world of Wraeclast. This time, the story is delivered through a brand-new seven-act campaign.
The campaign is more cohesive and engaging than the original, with NPCs that feel more alive and environments that tell their own stories. Themes of corruption, betrayal, and survival are woven throughout, making the narrative feel weighty and significant.
Latest Reviews
Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Feast
Grinding Gear Games has significantly upgraded the graphics engine, and it shows. The environments are richly detailed, from the crumbling ruins of ancient temples to the blood-soaked battlefields of Wraeclast. Lighting effects, in particular, deserve a mention for creating a hauntingly atmospheric experience.
The sound design complements this beautifully, with bone-crunching combat effects, ominous background music, and stellar voice acting that brings the characters to life.
Performance and Platforms
Path of Exile 2 runs smoothly on high-end PCs, with options for customising settings to maintain performance on lower-spec machines. Console players can enjoy the game with full controller support, and the introduction of crossplay and cross-progression is a game-changer, allowing seamless play across platforms.
While the Early Access version is well-polished, minor bugs and performance hiccups are expected as Grinding Gear Games continues to fine-tune the experience.
Replayability: Endless Depth
As with its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 shines when it comes to replayability. With multiple classes, countless build options, and a deep endgame system, the game is designed to keep players coming back. The endgame Atlas has been revamped, offering more variety and customisation for those who enjoy grinding through high-tier maps.
The first league, Sanctum of Reckoning, adds an additional layer of challenge with timed trials that push players to optimise their builds even further.
Verdict: A Polished Evolution
Path of Exile 2 successfully builds on the strengths of the original while addressing some of its shortcomings. The revamped skill gem system, new classes, and upgraded visuals make this a must-play for fans of action RPGs. While the game remains unapologetically complex, its rewarding depth will keep veterans and hardcore players hooked for hundreds of hours.
If you loved the first Path of Exile or enjoy challenging RPGs with deep customisation, this sequel is well worth your time. It’s a promising step forward, even in Early Access, and we can’t wait to see how Grinding Gear Games continues to refine and expand the experience.
Pros
- Deep and rewarding gameplay mechanics.
- Improved skill gem and inventory systems.
- Gorgeous graphics and atmospheric sound design.
- Crossplay and cross-progression are a huge win.
- Immense replayability with diverse builds and endgame content.
Cons
- Still a steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Occasional Early Access bugs.
- Some systems may feel overwhelming to casual players.
Overall Score
Suggested Reading
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure Review – Life, Loss, and Parallel Realities
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review – A Fresh Take or an Overcooked Sequel?
- Slitterhead Review – A Haunting Dive into Keiichiro Toyama’s Latest Horror Masterpiece
.png?width=1200&height=1200&fit=bounds&quality=70&format=jpg&auto=webp)
