Path of Exile has long been a staple in the action RPG community, celebrated for its depth, complexity, and unrelenting challenge. When Grinding Gear Games announced Path of Exile 2, the anticipation was palpable. At the 2024 Summer Games Fest (SGF), I had the chance to get hands-on with this highly anticipated sequel, and I’m here to share my experience from the perspective of someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards isometric point-and-click games.

MJ, our resident Path of Exile expert at Massively Overpowered (MOP), will undoubtedly provide the core fans with detailed insights once she delves into the new build. However, as the MOP staffer attending SGF this year, I have the unique opportunity to discuss how Path of Exile 2 feels for someone who’s more of a casual player in this genre. And yes, I played it on an Xbox controller, which, despite being my least favorite type of controller, didn’t hamper the experience as much as I feared.

First Impressions

When I sat down for my session, I had no clear indication of how long I’d be playing. The PR team set me up at a station to prepare for an interview, but we at MOP always come prepared with our questions. Hands-on time is crucial since we don’t get to take the builds home, but having direct access to the developers allows for unfiltered insights.

Right off the bat, I have to admit that the control layout on the Xbox controller was surprisingly effective. Despite my general preference for keyboard and mouse, the A, B, Y, X configuration felt intuitive. Movement was responsive, aiming was smooth, and abilities triggered correctly, provided I hit the right buttons. It offered a level of control comparable to Path Of Exile 2 Gold the WASD setup on a keyboard, which was impressive for someone who isn't typically a fan of point-and-click mechanics.

Choosing the Warrior Class

For my playthrough, I chose the Warrior class, focusing on stuns and knockdowns—my usual combat style. In hindsight, a ranged class might have been a wiser choice, but I relish being in the thick of the action. The game began with an intense escape sequence from the hangman’s noose, quickly transitioning into a tutorial that covered the basics: opening menus, equipping items, and drinking potions.

Despite the tutorial’s familiar feel, I soon realized that Path of Exile 2 wasn’t pulling any punches. There has been speculation on social media that the game might be easier to cater to console players and couch co-op enthusiasts, and the developers have indicated a desire to make the game more accessible for casual players. However, my experience was anything but easy. Even in the starter area, I found myself dying frequently, mistakenly believing I could tank hits as a heavy melee character.

Learning the Ropes

One of the early lessons the game hammered home was the importance of dodging and positioning. Unlike some action RPGs where you can rely on brute force, Path of Exile 2 demands strategic movement and careful placement. My initial overconfidence led to several trips back to town or the spawn point. However, once I adjusted to the game's demands—setting up proper positioning and mastering the dodge mechanic—the gameplay started to flow more smoothly, though it remained challenging.

Combat in Path of Exile 2 is unforgiving. Facing off against a mud mob and two larvae proved to be quite the ordeal, typical of the level I was in. Occasionally, I managed to handle two enemy spawns simultaneously, but only if I executed my dodges correctly. Potions were a constant necessity, highlighting the game's balance between offensive and defensive strategies.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Visually, Path of Exile 2 is a significant step up from its predecessor. The environments are richly detailed, with atmospheric lighting and intricate textures that bring the dark fantasy world to life. Each area feels meticulously crafted, drawing you into its eerie, oppressive atmosphere. The character models and animations are also more refined, making combat feel more visceral and satisfying.

The sound design deserves special mention as well. The ambient noises, the clashing of weapons, and the guttural roars of monsters all contribute to an immersive experience. Combined with the haunting musical score, the audio elements enhance the game's dark, foreboding mood.

Accessibility vs. Challenge

One of the most intriguing aspects of Path of Exile 2 is how it balances accessibility with its notorious difficulty. The developers have made strides to make the game more approachable, especially for those new to the genre or coming from a console gaming background. The control scheme on the Xbox controller is a testament to cheap Path Of Exile 2 Gold this effort, offering a user-friendly interface without sacrificing depth.

However, make no mistake: Path of Exile 2 remains a challenging game. The learning curve is steep, and the gameplay demands skill and strategy. This balance is crucial as it ensures that while new players can get into the game more easily, veterans will still find the difficulty and depth they crave.

Final Thoughts

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the original, maintaining its core elements of challenge and depth while making strides in accessibility and presentation. As someone who doesn't typically enjoy isometric point-and-click games, I found myself surprisingly engaged and invested in my time with the game. The controls on the Xbox controller were intuitive, the combat was satisfying, and the overall experience was rewarding, albeit challenging.

For veterans of the series, Path of Exile 2 promises more of what they love, with enough new features and improvements to keep things fresh. For newcomers or those less familiar with the genre, it offers a more approachable entry point without compromising on the core difficulty that defines the series.

As we await the full release, it's clear that Path of Exile 2 is a game to watch. Whether you're a hardcore fan or a curious newcomer, the sequel is poised to deliver a rich, challenging, and ultimately satisfying experience. My hands-on time at SGF 2024 left me eager to see more, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into the dark, enthralling world of Path of Exile 2.