Path of Exile 2 takes the grim world and elaborate systems of its predecessor and reimagines it for a new generation of players. Grinding Gear Games delivers an ambitious upgrade that builds on the first game’s foundation while introducing fresh mechanics, reworked systems, and a renewed emphasis on the grind. Currently available in early access, the game offers a glimpse into its dark, sprawling world—though not without the occasional rough edge.
Storytelling in the shadows
Right off the bat, Path of Exile 2 looks sharper, shinier, and more detailed than ever. The environments have more texture, the lighting has more depth, and the spells sparkle with extra pizzazz. Whether you’re carving through hordes of enemies with a fiery tornado or exploring a rain-soaked jungle, the game wants you to notice the upgrades. The animations feel smoother, the enemies more menacing, and even the little environmental details like crumbling ruins or eerie glowing lights add to your play.
Set decades after the events of the original, Path of Exile 2 plunges you back into Wraeclast, a land steeped in despair and corruption. The narrative retains the bleak tone of its predecessor, but shifts focus to a fresh cast of exiles, each with unique motivations for survival. The overarching story of battling against an encroaching malevolence treads familiar dark fantasy territory. Optional conversations add depth for lore enthusiasts, but the storytelling remains a backdrop to the action, serving more as a mood piece than a driving force. While the plot doesn’t break new ground, its richly atmospheric locales—from desert ruins to haunted crypts—anchor the experience.
Sure, the visuals have levelled up but the game sticks so closely to its established aesthetic that it’s hard to feel like you’re venturing into truly new territory. While everything is objectively prettier, it doesn’t exactly scream “new”. You’ll appreciate the polish, but you might not find yourself stopping to marvel at the scenery for long.
A fresh coat of dark paint
Path of Exile 2 makes bold strides in gameplay, introducing refinements that deepen the already complex systems of its predecessor. The game stays true to this legacy while streamlining certain aspects to make the experience more accessible without sacrificing depth. These changes focus on improving customisation, tactical combat, and overall progression.
The most significant overhaul comes with the revamped Skill Gem system, which eliminates the need for socketing gems into gear. Instead, Skill Gems operate from a dedicated interface, freeing you to experiment without compromising equipment choices. Active Skill Gems, paired with a variety of Support Gems, allow for intricate combinations that alter abilities. For instance, a simple attack like the Monk’s Tempest Bell can be modified for elemental damage, increased range, or chaining effects. This modular approach results in fun and creative builds by simplifying the often cumbersome gem management of the original.
One of the most notable additions is WASD movement controls, additional to the traditional point-and-click mechanics of ARPGs. This new control scheme enhances precision and is particularly useful during encounters requiring high mobility. For those accustomed to older systems, it’s an adjustment, but it feels natural in intense boss fights where environmental awareness is critical.
Combat is the centrepiece. Enemies are smarter, with new AI behaviour that includes flanking, shielding allies, and laying traps. Boss encounters are more intricate, featuring multi-phase battles that demand adaptability and precise timing. Mobility is essential, with dodge rolls and movement skills becoming integral to survival.
Building on the popular Ascendancy system, Path of Exile 2 introduces new Ascendancy classes for each core character, offering greater personalisation in power progression. Unlocking these powerful classes requires completing the Trials of Ascendancy, which have been reimagined with dynamic, thematic challenges that test combat skills. For example, the Monk’s Stormstriker Ascendancy leans into high-speed melee combos, while Spiritblade merges martial prowess with elemental magic, catering to diverse playstyles.
Promising future for fans
The endgame retains the Atlas of Worlds but significantly expands its scope. You explore a massive, procedurally generated map filled with themed nodes offering unique modifiers and rewards. Maps now include environmental hazards like Corrupted Terrain or Ethereal Zones, adding another layer of challenge and variety. Specialised passive trees further your playtime, allowing you to focus on specific map farming strategies, such as boosting boss encounters for higher risks and greater rewards.
Despite these innovations, the progression pacing can feel uneven. Completing Acts I–III twice to access the full difficulty curve may feel like a grind for some, compounded by occasional difficulty spikes. While this balance is still a work in progress, the sheer depth of the systems in place keeps dedicated players engaged.
Path of Exile 2 in early access is a beast that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but polishes it to a dazzling shine. With smarter enemies, streamlined mechanics, and enough skill customisation to make your head spin, it’s a dark fantasy playground that’s as punishing as it is rewarding. The world looks better, sounds richer, and feels more dynamic, but it’s still very much Wraeclast—gritty, grim, and just familiar enough to feel safe. If you’re a die-hard fan of the original, this is your next obsession.
