Path of Exile 2’s early access version was released before its official launch in 2025.
This game offers excellent action and intense combat experience, while its vast content leading to the endgame is attractive and overwhelming.
Such rich content allows for in-depth exploration but may also create a slight sense of pressure, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons before purchasing.
Path of Exile 2 – overwhelming volume
Path of Exile 2 leaves a strong impression on the action RPG genre through its gothic horror atmosphere reminiscent of Diablo 2, the challenging Souls-like gameplay of Elden Ring, and the depth of the unique build system showcased in the first installment.
The early access version of the game features three out of a total of six campaign chapters.
While there are Souls-like exploration and combat elements, significant items and boss battles are concentrated in specific areas, leading to a somewhat excessive amount of unnecessary travel and combat, which gives a repetitive feeling.
Various events and interaction features that will be added in future updates could improve these aspects.
The endgame objective is to reach level 65, but leveling up is quite slow and requires considerable effort.
Path of Exile 2 is a game with unique depth and challenge, and it is expected to provide a richer experience with more content and improved exploration elements in future updates.
Path of Exile 2 – tense and captivating combat
In Path of Exile 2, the journey to the endgame takes considerable time, but players can experience an immersive adventure.
Boss battles, in particular, offer a tense experience similar to Souls-like games, appealing greatly to players seeking a sense of achievement in combat.
Each boss encounter demands high strategy and refined player skills, introducing a level of tension where a single mistake can lead to defeat, thus instilling a sense of challenge.
Without difficulty adjustment options, players must remain constantly alert, as losing focus can result in an immediate game over.
However, despite this difficulty, the exhilaration and achievement felt upon defeating a boss are indescribable.
The extreme tension present in fights, akin to titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, is equally realized in Path of Exile 2, providing an exceptional action RPG experience.
Checkpoints before boss fights help reduce stress when attempting to retry combat. This allows players to feel their progression through multiple attempts and gradually enjoy the joy of success.
Thanks to the retry system, players can continuously face challenges, ultimately experiencing the thrill of pushing beyond their limits without giving up.
The combination of combat tension and the sweetness of success creates an engaging environment in Path of Exile 2 that fosters ongoing challenges and growth for players.
Path of Exile 2 – build design through the passive skill tree
At the heart of this game is the passive skill tree, which consists of over 1,500 nodes.
This vast skill tree is intricately intertwined like a grand tapestry, allowing players to develop their characters in various ways.
Each player can enjoy the thrill of discovering their unique playstyle through this skill tree, often filled with anticipation or confronted with difficult choices.
Players can progress through the game by selecting one of the wizard classes, such as the Sorcerer.
The charm of this class lies in the increasingly sophisticated attack combinations that unfold as skills are unlocked.
For instance, early on, basic attacks can freeze enemies with a simple seven-projectile shot, but as support skills are unlocked, that attack gradually evolves to pierce through enemies.
Additionally, unlocking support skills that enhance critical hit rates further improves combat efficiency.
Chapter 3 features bosses that are all very powerful, so players must strategically gain an advantageous position through skill combos and synergies in various combat situations.
The possibilities for builds that combine skills, support skills, and passive skills are endless, creating a feel akin to that of an alchemist.
Players must employ both strategy and creativity, and the process of discovering the optimal build adds to the game’s unique charm.
This journey provides players with a sense of satisfaction and offers a distinctive combat experience within the action RPG genre.
Path of Exile 2 – great visuals and comfortable controls
Path of Exile 2 showcases striking visual beauty that captivates players.
The dark and moody theme, reflecting influences from Diablo 2, features an impressive art style of exceptional quality.
The intricate details seen in skill effects and boss design enhance the excitement and tension of battles, adding depth to each combat scene.
In particular, the masterful use of shading in visual presentation conveys the game’s dark lore profoundly and vividly.
These visual elements allow players to feel immersed, providing a visually engaging experience even during combat.
Furthermore, control schemes are crucial in action games, and Path of Exile 2 offers three control methods: mouse click, WASD key control, and controller operation.
The design incorporates the ability to use recovery items, known as flasks, with just two buttons, enabling effective response times when using a controller.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a controller. For instance, switching between keyboard and controller controls requires returning to the character selection screen, and there’s no option to adjust the camera zoom.
Despite these limitations, the sophisticated control interface based on the controller is compelling enough to outweigh these downsides.
Overall
Path of Exile 2 offers players nearly unlimited choices through a vast skill tree consisting of over 1,500 passive skills, more than 400 unique monsters, and over 50 original bosses.
The early access version experienced is merely a glimpse of this colossal world, as the game’s narrative is just beginning to unfold.
Currently, the early access version is available for $30, while the official release will adopt a free-to-play model.
Included in the early access version are three acts and six main classes, each with two ascendency options, allowing players to face over 50 powerful bosses and accumulate diverse combat experiences.
At the official launch, an additional six chapters are expected to be introduced, promising a deeper storyline and greater variety.
The anticipation surrounding the official release of Path of Exile 2 stems from its intricate and captivating lore, as well as its rich storyline.
As players explore the depths of this dark fantasy world, they await the return of hope, embarking on new experiences and challenges presented in the beta version.
This exploration extends beyond mere combat, providing players with a profound sense of immersion and the enjoyment of maximizing each character’s unique abilities and skills.
*Images were taken from Indiana Jones the great circle’s website. (https://www.pathofexile.com)
*Indiana Jones: The Great Circle
*Farming Simulator 25, Agricultural life in larger area