As Path of Exile 2 approaches, the community has been buzzing about which beloved aspects of the original should carry over into the sequel. One key feature that defines Path of Exile is its seasonal "Leagues," which introduce fresh gameplay mechanics every few months. Over the years, some of these League mechanics have become iconic, adding unique challenges, progression systems, and loot opportunities. Here are five League mechanics from Path of Exile that deserve a spot in the sequel.

1. Delve

One of the most innovative and atmospheric League mechanics, Delve, was introduced in 2018. Delve sends players deep underground into the infinite Azurite Mine, filled with treasures and dangers. The mechanic revolves around a unique resource called Sulphite, which powers a crawler that lights your way through the dark and guides you through increasingly difficult zones.

Delve adds layers of progression outside of traditional maps, offering new crafting opportunities, exclusive items, and a sense of exploration that other leagues can’t replicate. The constant balance of light and darkness adds tension and makes it a standout experience. In Path of Exile 2, expanding Delve could allow for even more complex underground ecosystems, branching paths, and deeper narratives tied to the  POE Exalted Orbs lore of the mines.

2. Heist

Introduced in 2020, Heist is a unique League mechanic that introduces rogue gameplay into the Path of Exile universe. Players can hire NPC thieves to help them break into heavily guarded facilities, steal valuable loot, and escape without getting caught. What makes Heist fascinating is its mixture of planning, action, and risk.

Heists aren’t just about smashing your way through enemies. They also involve stealth and timing, making players consider their strategies more carefully. Adding Heist mechanics to Path of Exile 2 would enrich the game’s variety, offering an alternative to the usual hack-and-slash combat by creating tactical scenarios. Expanding the cast of rogues, the types of heists, and the rewards could make this system even more compelling.

3. Betrayal

One of the most complex and rewarding League mechanics, Betrayal, was introduced in late 2018 and focused on the Immortal Syndicate. Players are tasked with investigating this shadowy organization, interrogating its members, and manipulating its internal hierarchy to secure powerful rewards.

Betrayal stands out because it combines elements of intrigue and strategy with fast-paced combat. Every Syndicate encounter feels different, and there are multiple ways to engage with the system—whether you’re executing a member, recruiting them, or leveraging information to your advantage. Bringing Betrayal into Path of Exile 2 would introduce depth to the storyline, allowing players to feel like master manipulators while securing rare crafting materials and unique items.

4. Blight

Tower defense meets action RPG in the Blight mechanic, introduced in 2019. In this League, players defend against waves of  Path Of Exile Currency enemies by building various towers to slow down or defeat the oncoming hordes. The challenge is in both placing the right towers and actively defending the area while fighting alongside them.

Blight adds a refreshing layer of strategy that breaks up the usual flow of combat. The fusion of real-time strategy and action-RPG gameplay offers a welcome change of pace. For Path of Exile 2, expanding on Blight’s tower mechanics, increasing the variety of defenses, and introducing more complex paths for enemies to take would ensure this unique concept evolves with the new game.

5. Harvest

Introduced in 2020, Harvest provided players with a completely different way of crafting their gear. In Harvest, players grow sacred gardens, collecting resources from plants to craft highly specific and deterministic modifiers onto their gear. It gave players a level of control over their equipment not usually found in the random and chaotic world of Path of Exile.

While some players argue that Harvest may be too powerful, the depth it adds to crafting is undeniable. Bringing a refined version of Harvest to Path of Exile 2 would allow for a more personalized progression system. Players could work on their perfect item slowly, making farming and crafting a more intentional, rewarding process. Expanding the types of crops, crafting mechanics, and balancing them could make the system even better in the sequel.

Conclusion

Path of Exile has been defined by its innovative League mechanics, each bringing new life and creativity to the game. As Path of Exile 2 prepares to take center stage, integrating mechanics like Delve, Heist, Betrayal, Blight, and Harvest would not only honor the legacy of the original game but also give players a diverse array of gameplay options. By refining and expanding these systems, Path of Exile 2 can build on the strong foundation that made the original a genre-defining ARPG.