Hands-On Preview: Path of Exile 2 Promises to Evolve Beyond the Original With Its Dark and Complex ARPG Experience

Certain games have a peculiar way of engrossing players—those irresistible masterpieces that not only captivate with compelling gameplay and stunning visuals but also keep you hooked with thrilling challenges that refuse to let you walk away easily.

I had the opportunity to dive into Path of Exile 2 during a recent preview event, clocking in around seven hours as I ventured through Act 1 of the campaign and deep into Act 2. Let me tell you, this game is the perfect embodiment of a time-stealer. With its release slated for December 6, I can already foresee countless weekends lost to its immersive world. I suspect you might find yourself in a similar predicament—consider yourself warned.

Grinding Gear Games has expertly taken what made Path of Exile 1 so compelling and transformed it into something even more extraordinary. Fear not, the complexity and challenges that fans adore remain intact. This isn’t a watered-down sequel but rather a magnificent evolution of the original. It’s more accessible but begs to be explored, packed with surprises even for veterans familiar with the team’s past work.

You might think you’re prepared, but trust me, you’re not. Path of Exile 2 boasts 12 unique classes, each with an astonishingly vast array of skill customisation options. This ensures that while we’re both diving into the same game, our experiences will diverge significantly. Move aside, Diablo.

Yes, even if we’re playing the same class, our journeys will differ. My Warrior might thrive on deploying totems that trigger explosive attacks, while yours could wield fire, unleashing fiery war cries to torch foes and amplify attacks. Encounter a unique weapon enhancing bleed attacks, and you might want to reset and rebuild your character entirely. Throw in support gems and the expansive passive skill tree, and crafting a character in Path of Exile 2 feels like rummaging through a thrift shop—finding a game-changing piece that redefines your playstyle.

This experience mirrors that of Path of Exile 1 but what stands out in the sequel is the enhanced experience for newcomers tackling the intimidating complexity of the game. Path of Exile 2 charts a navigable path through this intricate system. Skills offer a selection based on traditional and weapon types, providing a streamlined entry point. Seasoned players can venture off the beaten path, but this approach simplifies the game’s complexities for fresh players, ensuring they grasp the mechanics by the end of the campaign—no lengthy guides required.

With these robust mechanics in place, where will your skills take you? To confront a wide range of monsters, ghouls, and oddities, all within electrifying combat scenarios. It’s not enough to wax lyrical about the sheer depth of skill customisation without experiencing the impact they deliver. Rest assured, each attack feels powerful and visually spectacular, launching enemies in a flurry of visually stunning and gory effects.

Path of Exile 1 had already improved its combat over the years, but Path of Exile 2 elevates things to a whole new level. The boss fights are a testament to this evolution, featuring phases and varied attacks that demand your full attention—an exciting prospect indeed! You won’t need to wait until the game’s end for a gripping challenge.

Speaking of standout features, the game’s tone is exceptional. Even early on, distinct biomes offer refreshing diversity, ensuring no monotony in zoning or enemy encounters. The sheer variety of foes adds depth to your journey, with rare repetitive elements during the campaign. Each new area presents a unique challenge, infused with the sinister influence of the antagonists that permeates every corner of the game.

These areas also pepper surprises throughout. The bosses are not merely damage absorbers but present genuinely engaging battles. Stumbling upon Crowbell midway through Act 1 was a delightful surprise. This three-phase battle, with a unique model and tactics, was left for curious players to discover, providing a refreshingly unanticipated challenge.

There’s much more to explore in Path of Exile 2 than what I managed during my hands-on time. I’ve only scratched the surface of Act 2, glimpsed but never experienced Act 3, and haven’t yet delved into the endgame, though I have seen it in a pre-release presentation. Despite this limited view, my excitement around Path of Exile 2 is undeniable. It exemplifies what a sequel should be—building upon stable foundations and introducing fresh improvements. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any ARPG enthusiast or those who fancy a dive into a complex, intriguing, and delightfully dark gaming experience.

Mark your calendars for December 6, when Path of Exile 2 arrives on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. This preview was made possible through a dedicated event hosted by Grinding Gear Games, with travel support from the developer.