Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 is the second installment in the hack'n'slash series, which began in 2013. It competes with the Diablo series, Last Epoch and other big representatives of the genre. It is distributed in a free-to-play model with microtransactions. Grinding Gear Games team from New Zealand is behind it, and has been developing this brand from the beginning.

Plot

The action of Path of Exile 2 takes place on the dark continent of Wraeclast. Although it is home to representatives of various cultures and hides ancient secrets, at the same time one can encounter dangers there. The greatest of these, the so-called Corruption that consumes all life, was long ago considered destroyed. When it returned again, pale fear fell upon the residents of the continent. We have to face this threat during the game.

Gameplay - general outline

In Path of Exile 2 we watch the action from a bird's eye view. The game provides us with a world that we can explore on foot or on horseback. The continent is procedurally generated in the game.

The pillar of the game is the story campaign. Completing it is required to gain access to the endgame phase, which consists of dedicated maps, boss fights and special modifiers influencing the gameplay.

Combat system

The battles with opponents are the essence of the game. We encounter numerous opponents, whose greatest strength is their number, as well as bosses who are significantly more powerful.

Fights in the game require us not only be constantly on the move and avoid attacks or block them with a shield (making use of the new mechanics), but also observe adversaries in order to detect their weak points and gaps in defense. The developers focused on improving the controls, allowing computer players to control characters using the W, S, A, and D keys, as well as refining the handling of gamepads.

Character classes

Path of Exile 2 offers the following character classes:

1. Marauder;
2. Warrior;
3. Ranger;
4. Huntress;
5. Witch;
6. Sorceress;
7. Duelist;
8. Mercenary;
9. Shadow;
10. Monk;
11. Templar;
12. Druid.

Each class is a result of three selected parameters: strength, dexterity and intelligence. In addition, they were differentiated in terms of preferred weapons and combat style, as well as Ascendancy specializations for each of them, available in the later stages of the game.

Each class is dedicated to a specific play style. There's something for everyone - both those who enjoy engaging in close combat and those who prefer ranged combat or bombarding enemies with combat spells. Nevertheless, they only constitute specific starting points. Nothing prevents us from obtaining character skills associated with other classes as we progress, thus creating a kind of hybrids.

Character development

There are several hundred socketable skill gems to discover, each of which is tied to a specific active ability, as well as support gems that modify the former in various ways. The creators decided to modify the skill tree (which is less overwhelming than the one from the first game) and move the management of gems to a separate tab. The icing on the cake are the passive skills, which can be assigned to various sets. They can activate in different ways, for example when wielding a specific weapon.

And speaking of weapons - we can equip our character with both melee weapons, such as swords, spears or battle axes, as well as ranged weapons, led by crossbows. Moreover, various traps are waiting to be tested here, which we can set for enemies.

Co-op

Path of Exile 2 allows for single-player gameplay, but it spreads its wings in online cooperative multiplayer mode, designed for up to 6 players.

Graphics

Path of Exile 2 stands out from the first part of the series thanks to its refreshed graphics. The authors focused on both the models and their animations, as well as the lighting and physics.

Microtransactions

Path of Exile 2 is distributed in a F2P model. Although microtransactions have been implemented in the game, they only concern cosmetic elements, just like in the first installment of the series.

Last updated on May 29, 2020