I’ve had the opportunity to play Path of Exile 2 several times throughout its development cycle, and there’s one thought I had after my latest session: this action-RPG keeps getting better every time I play it.

Gamescom 2023: The First Impression

The first session I had the opportunity to join was a demo at Gamescom 2023. Grinding Gear’s Jonathan Rogers took me through the Warrior and Druid classes, and I also had the opportunity to wait in line and try out the Monk for the first time. As expected, I got my butt kicked. But that’s par for the course. The demo at Gamescom was a tantalizing glimpse into Path Of Exile 2 Gold  the complex and immersive world that Grinding Gear Games is crafting. The visuals were stunning, the combat was visceral, and the new classes showed a lot of promise.

The Warrior class felt solid and powerful, with heavy attacks that left a lasting impression. The Druid, on the other hand, offered a unique shape-shifting mechanic that allowed for dynamic combat scenarios, switching between different forms to adapt to various combat situations. It was clear from this early demo that Path of Exile 2 was not just a simple sequel, but a significant evolution of the original game.

Early 2024: The Ranger

In early 2024, I had the chance to try out the Ranger, whose incredibly fun gameplay loop has you shooting lightning arrows and propagating lightning storms of death across the screen. The Ranger's agility and ranged combat style provided a refreshing change from the more melee-focused classes I had tried previously. The Lightning Arrow skill was particularly satisfying, as it not only dealt substantial damage to single targets but also created chain reactions that decimated groups of enemies. The feeling of unleashing a storm of arrows and watching as bolts of lightning arced from foe to foe was exhilarating.

The Ranger's gameplay was a testament to the flexibility and depth that Path of Exile 2 aims to offer. Each skill felt impactful, and the ability to modify and enhance these skills with different support gems added layers of strategy and customization. It was during this session that I began to appreciate the potential for creating highly personalized builds that suit individual playstyles.

More Recently: The Monk, Warrior, Sorceress, and Witch

More recently, I got to try out the Monk again and get some hands-on time with the Warrior, Sorceress, and Witch – all for the first time. Each of them feels unique, powerful, and interesting to play as.

The Monk

The Monk, once you get past the early leveling portions that have you whacking away at enemies with slow and methodical staff strikes, becomes a force to be reckoned with. You can dash in to weaken your enemies, get a few charges, and then annihilate the playing field with an incredibly powerful staff strike to the ground that sends ripples of energy that rip into the earth itself. And once I got the hang of this class's gameplay loop, I felt like I may have found another new favorite.

The Warrior

Returning to the Warrior, I was impressed by the refinements made since my first encounter at Gamescom. The combat felt even more responsive, and the new skill interactions provided a deeper sense of strategy. The Warrior's ability to absorb damage and retaliate with devastating counterattacks made him a formidable frontline combatant. Skills like Ground Slam and Leap Slam allowed for effective crowd control and mobility, ensuring that I could maintain the upper hand in most encounters.

The Sorceress

The Sorceress introduced a different kind of thrill, with powerful elemental spells that could obliterate enemies from a distance. The use of fire, ice, and lightning spells offered a diverse array of tactics to employ in battle. For example, combining a freezing spell to immobilize enemies followed by a fireball to exploit their vulnerability created satisfying and explosive results. The Sorceress's reliance on mana management added an additional layer of complexity, requiring careful planning and execution during intense fights.

The Witch

But the majority of my time I found myself playing as the Witch, who was one of the first classes I enjoyed in the original Path of Exile. In the sequel, the Witch starts out as a corpse-reviving menace who chooses what abilities the minions will wield, and can even command them to do unique attacks to great effect.

The Unearth skill gem, for instance, will create spikes of bone that travel from the earth in front of you doing a bit of damage, but will also raise the bones of corpses as short-lived construct minions. You’ll then start unlocking Skill Gems like Skeletal Warrior, Skeletal Sniper, and Skeletal Arsonist. Because you’ll only have a set amount of spirit, early on you’ll only be able to choose one of these to get started. The Skeletal Arsonist is the option I picked as it has the unique ability to explode any low-life minion in your pack. And not only is that very cool, but it also does a ton of damage to packs of enemies or bosses that weaken your minions to cheap Path Of Exile 2 Gold explosion status.

The Witch's gameplay revolves around creating and managing an army of undead minions, each with unique abilities and roles in combat. This necromantic playstyle offers a stark contrast to the direct damage-dealing approach of other classes, allowing for strategic positioning and timing to maximize the effectiveness of your minions. The satisfaction of watching a well-coordinated horde of skeletons tear through enemy ranks is unparalleled.

The Evolution of Path of Exile 2

What stands out the most about Path of Exile 2 is the level of polish and improvement with each iteration I’ve experienced. The developers at Grinding Gear Games are clearly listening to player feedback and using it to fine-tune the game. The graphics continue to improve, showcasing beautifully detailed environments and character models. The combat feels more fluid and responsive with each session, making every battle a thrilling experience.

The new skill system is particularly noteworthy. Unlike the original Path of Exile, where skills were tied to specific items, Path of Exile 2 introduces a more flexible and intuitive system. Skill gems are now directly socketed into the character’s skill tree, allowing for easier access and customization. This change not only simplifies the process of experimenting with different builds but also opens up new possibilities for creating unique combinations of skills and support gems.

Another significant enhancement is the addition of new classes and archetypes, each with distinct playstyles and mechanics. The diversity of options ensures that there is something for every type of player, whether you prefer melee combat, ranged attacks, spellcasting, or summoning. The depth of customization available through the skill tree and support gems means that no two characters will be exactly alike, fostering a sense of individuality and personal investment in your character’s development.

Conclusion

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the original game, offering an enriched and more refined experience. The improvements in graphics, combat mechanics, and the skill system are substantial, providing a fresh take on the beloved action-RPG formula. Each class I’ve played feels unique and engaging, with distinct abilities and playstyles that cater to different preferences.

As someone who has played Path of Exile 2 multiple times throughout its development, I can confidently say that this game keeps getting better every time I play it. The dedication and passion of the developers are evident in every aspect of the game, and I eagerly anticipate the final release. Whether you are a longtime fan of the original Path of Exile or a newcomer to the series, Path of Exile 2 promises to deliver an exceptional gaming experience that will keep you coming back for more.