Path of Exile 2: A Hands-On Preview of an Ambitious and Dark ARPG Poised to Surpass the Original

Some games have an uncanny ability to completely absorb your time. They captivate you with exciting gameplay, draw you in with stunning visuals, and hold you captive with challenging battles that you just can’t walk away from.

After spending about seven hours with Path of Exile 2 during a preview event, having ventured through Act 1 and partially into Act 2, it’s clear that this game is the ultimate time-stealer. Mark your calendars for December 6, because that’s when it’s launching, and trust me, we’re all in trouble. It’s not just me – you’re going to be hooked too. Apologies in advance!

What Grinding Gear Games has done is take the brilliance of Path of Exile 1 and transform it into an even more formidable and modern beast. Don’t worry, the intricate complexity and stiff challenges are still very much present. Instead of watering down what made the first game great, they’ve managed to revolutionize it beautifully. It’s more accessible than ever, yet it still encourages exploration and experimentation. Even if you’re familiar with what this team can do, expect lots of fresh twists.

If you’re thinking you might resist its pull, think again. Path of Exile 2 boasts 12 distinct classes, each bringing something unique to the table. With dizzying levels of skill customization, it’s almost certain that your journey and mine will diverge significantly. Move over, Diablo!

Even if we choose the same base class, our characters can turn out to be completely different. While my Warrior might unleash totems that create explosive area-of-effect chaos, yours could lean heavily into fire, igniting foes with war cries. Perhaps you’ll snag a unique weapon that enhances bleed attacks, prompting an entirely new character build with outstanding results. Plus, there are support gems and the famously gigantic passive skill tree to consider. Constructing a character in Path of Exile 2 is like rummaging through a thrift store, where a single item can completely reinvigorate your ensemble.

While this level of depth was present in the original, the glaring difference is the improved onboarding experience. In Path of Exile 2, navigating the labyrinthine complexity of the series feels more intuitive. Any skill gems you find are categorized by weapon type and offer easy-to-understand options. For those seasoned players, venturing off the beaten path is still possible, but this new approach offers a smoother initiation. By the time you hit the campaign’s end, you’ll have a firm grasp on how everything functions without needing extensive guides.

So, where do all these abilities lead you? They guide you right into the lairs of a mind-boggling array of monsters, ghouls, and abominations, turning combat into a thrilling ride. While it’s fun to discuss the myriad ways you can tweak your character, all that would be irrelevant if the skills lacked impact. I’m thrilled to report that’s far from the case. Your attacks have a satisfying punch, whether they’re sending foes flying or bursting them apart.

While Path of Exile 1 has made strides in improving combat, Path of Exile 2 takes it to a whole new level. This evolution shines especially in the boss battles. It’s not just the big, bad bosses at the end of each act – even the regular ones scattered throughout are formidable foes, eager to challenge you. This immediate, engaging difficulty is exactly what’s needed.

And let’s talk about the ambiance. From Act 1, the diverse biomes each tell their own story, ensuring you never tire of the environments or enemies. The sheer number of adversaries is staggering, with little repetition in the foes or bosses you’ll encounter. Each zone breathes fresh life into the journey, with a dark, pervasive atmosphere that colors everything with a sense of foreboding.

These areas are peppered with surprises too. The bosses you meet aren’t mere punching bags, but richly designed encounters. I stumbled upon a boss named Crowbell midway through Act 1, featuring a three-phase battle complete with distinct design and tactics. It felt like discovering a hidden gem, seamlessly woven into the world.

While much of Path of Exile 2 remains unexplored – I’ve only scratched the surface of Act 2, and Act 3 is still a mystery – I’m brimming with anticipation. The game embodies the essence of a true sequel, refining and expanding wherever it can while solidifying the robust core. If ARPGs are your jam, make sure you dive into Path of Exile 2 next month. It’s a deep and intricate game that promises to captivate.

Mark December 6 on your calendars when Path of Exile 2 launches on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. I was fortunate to experience Path of Exile 2 at a special preview event hosted by Grinding Gear Games, with travel assistance from the developer.