During Summer Game Fest, I had the opportunity to get hands-on with Path of Exile 2, and it quickly became clear that Grinding Gear Games is delivering a fresh take on the action RPG formula, rich in class variety and complex spell mechanics. The demo began with a character selection screen, showcasing twelve unique classes, each offering a preview of the abilities they would unlock as they progressed. I ultimately decided on the Sorceress—a decision I wouldn’t regret, as she excelled at casting powerful elemental spells, perfect for mowing down the hordes of foes I encountered.

The Sorceress brought fire, lightning, and ice to the battlefield, and experimenting with these spells felt rewarding and satisfying. One standout mechanic allowed me to conjure a wall of flame, then send sparks of lightning through it, imbuing them with fire. Watching these newly charged sparks zigzag toward enemies added a layer of strategy and excitement, as I combined elemental powers in unexpected ways. Another spell summoned two undead skeletons that acted as companions, providing both offensive support and some protection, often engaging threats before I was even aware of them.

As I played through the introductory level, I noticed how much Path of Exile 2 has grown from its predecessor. The gameplay struck a balance between classic ARPG elements and new, dynamic features. My character journeyed through dangerous, visually striking environments filled with enemies that required skill and strategy to defeat. Combat felt challenging, yet rewarding, with every encounter offering the chance to  PoE 2 Gold try different spells and tactics. The game’s isometric perspective and fast-paced combat hearken back to classic action RPGs, but there’s a modern polish that makes Path of Exile 2 feel more immersive and engaging than ever.

In addition to casting spells, looting remained a core focus. In typical Path of Exile fashion, inventory management plays a big role, and every item collected felt like a potential game-changer. Equipment, for example, can grant new spells or strengthen existing ones, adding even more complexity to character builds. During the demo, I found a powerful staff that augmented my lightning attacks, giving me an edge in tougher battles. Items didn’t just add stats—they transformed my character’s abilities and influenced the strategies I used.

One of the highlights of my experience was the updated skill tree, which provided a web of passive upgrades that allowed me to customize the Sorceress to fit my playstyle. Path of Exile veterans will recognize the familiar layout, but the skill tree has been expanded in Path of Exile 2, allowing for even greater freedom in character progression. The new structure means players can mix and match paths, creating builds that feel personal and unique. Each level-up allowed me to POE 2 Currency unlock or enhance abilities, making my Sorceress progressively more powerful and specialized as I ventured further.

Overall, Path of Exile 2 feels like a worthy sequel, embracing what made the original great while introducing new features that elevate the experience. From elemental spell combinations to intricate character progression, the game has a depth that promises to keep players engaged for countless hours. My time with the Sorceress was an exhilarating taste of what Path of Exile 2 has to offer, and I can’t wait to see how Grinding Gear Games further refines the game leading up to its release.

With its class diversity, layered combat mechanics, and vast skill tree, Path of Exile 2 has the potential to redefine the ARPG genre. The Summer Game Fest demo only scratched the surface, but it left me eagerly awaiting more. Fans of the original and newcomers alike have a lot to look forward to when Path of Exile 2 finally launches.