Path of Exile 2 has transformed from what was initially like a large expansion to a full – fledged game, complete with new mechanics, classes, and a brand – new story and campaign. Similar to the first game, it focuses on in – depth and detailed build creation, enabling you to assemble a potent combination of skills and loot to defeat thousands of enemies across the Wraeclast maps.
Path of Exile 2 is the stand – alone sequel to the ARPG developed by New Zealand – based Grinding Gear Games. A team of Diablo 2 fans created this game as their take on the ARPG genre. After several years in beta, it was officially released as a free PC game in 2013. Path of Exile has since become one of the top games in the Diablo – like category and continues to receive regular seasonal updates. Here’s an overview of Path of Exile 2, covering new mechanics, gameplay changes, microtransactions, and its release date.
Path of Exile 2 Release Date
Path of Exile 2 will enter early access on November 15, 2024, as confirmed during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live broadcast in August 2024. It is set to be available on PC, MacOS, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. However, the full release date following the early access period has not been announced yet.
The first Path of Exile had a closed beta starting in August 2011, an open beta in January 2013, and was launched in October 2013. If Path of Exile 2 follows a similar pre – launch path as its predecessor, it might be a while before the full release. Buy poe 2 currency in advance to prepare for the game.
At ExileCon 2023, game director Jonathan Rogers said, “We’re incredibly excited to near the finish line, but we are not quite there yet. We’re determined not to rush this, and make sure we get it right.” So, it’s likely that a fixed release date for Path of Exile 2 won’t be set until Grinding Gear Games gauges the response to its closed beta testing.
Is Path of Exile 2 a Sequel?
Path of Exile 2 will be a separate game from the original. Initially, Grinding Gear Games planned for the two games to coexist as one, where players could choose to play either campaign before moving to a shared endgame. But at ExileCon 2023, the team announced that Path of Exile 2 would be a completely stand – alone game, and both games will run side – by – side.
PoE2 director Jonathan Rogers states that each game will have “its own mechanics, balance, endgames, and leagues.” However, he also mentions that the two games share “a shared platform,” meaning all microtransactions for both games, past and future, will be applicable in both – unless it’s something exclusive to one of the games.
Path of Exile 2 Gameplay Differences
- Combat Changes
- All character classes in Path of Exile 2 have access to a dodge roll with “no cooldown or limitations.” While it doesn’t make you invulnerable in a damage area, dodging at the right time can cause enemy melee strikes and projectiles to miss you.
- Weapon switching is another significant addition. Evolved from the first PoE, you can now assign specific skills to use with either of your currently equipped weapons. You can also allocate some passive skill points to each weapon slot. For example, you can specialize one slot for ice skills and the other for lightning spells, opening up diverse build possibilities.
- Item – Related Changes
- Path of Exile 2 uncut gems are a new drop. When you find them, you can pick any skill in the game and get a gem for that skill at an appropriate level based on your in – game progress. Support gems are now directly applied to the skill gems of your choice, eliminating the need to find or craft armor with linked slots for gems.
- Several crafting items are being changed or removed. There’s also a focus on finding good items among drops. In the first game, the best gear often came from crafting, and players stopped picking up floor items, which the PoE2 team considers “a bit of a travesty.”
Path of Exile 2 Classes
Path of Exile 2 features six new classes, with one new class for each stat distribution. These classes start at the same positions on the passive skill tree as the old classes but have their own endgame specializations (Ascendancies) and quest rewards.
The 12 confirmed classes are: Warrior, Marauder, Huntress, Ranger, Sorceress, Witch, Mercenary, Duelist, Druid, Templar, Monk, Shadow. The neutral Scion class may return, though the developers haven’t confirmed this yet.
Path of Exile 2 Leagues
Path of Exile 2 leagues will run on a 13 – week cycle. Similar to seasons in other ARPGs like Diablo, you can create a new seasonal character starting at level one, without any previous items, currency, or progression.
Joining a seasonal league lets you participate in its unique mechanics. For example, past leagues in Path of Exile have included creating mini – skill trees for weapons and exploring procedurally generated dungeons in a roguelike – style side mode. Leagues also typically feature balance changes, class updates, and new skill gems for new builds.
Since the first Path of Exile is continuing alongside PoE2, its leagues will run on a similar but offset schedule, with leagues in PoE1 starting about 4 – 5 weeks before the end of a PoE2 league, allowing dedicated players to play both games if they wish.
Path of Exile 2 Trailers
So far, four main Path of Exile 2 trailers have been released, along with several mini – teasers and more extensive gameplay demonstrations. The most recent trailer was shown during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live in 2024, revealing the early access launch date and new gameplay.
Path of Exile 2 Microtransactions
Path of Exile 2 is free – to – play. It includes cosmetic microtransactions and a few gameplay conveniences. The developers are firm about not allowing players to spend money for power, so there will be no pay – to – win mechanics.
In the first Path of Exile, the only gameplay – relevant microtransactions are stash tabs (standard and premium, which offer extra storage and customization options), character slots, and guild member slots. Grinding Gear Games confirms that all your current microtransactions for Path of Exile, as well as any future purchases for either game, “will be usable in both games unless it’s hyper – specific to the content of one game.”