Path of Exile 2 – Early Access Review
Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) Path of Exile, is developed by Grinding Gear Games (GGG), a New Zealand-based studio renowned for its dedication to creating complex and rewarding gaming experiences. Since its launch in 2013, the original Path of Exile has earned its place as one of the most beloved titles in the ARPG genre, often hailed as a spiritual successor to Diablo II. With a decade of experience and a loyal fanbase, GGG now faces the challenge of delivering a sequel that not only meets but exceeds the high expectations of its community.
Early access for Path of Exile 2 launched on December 6th, 2024, offering anyone who pre-purchased the game the chance to experience it ahead of its full release. The paid early access allows fans to dive into the new content now, with the game set to be free-to-play when it officially launches in 2025. While some players may prefer to wait for the full, free release, others are eager to support the game and explore its features ahead of time.
But with the growing trend of early access games failing or just cash grab sucking, the question remains: Is Path of Exile 2 Early Access really worth buying?
New Game Modes
One of the key attractions of Path of Exile 2 is the introduction of fresh game modes that set it apart from its predecessor. These modes not only expand the game’s depth but also offer varied ways for players to engage with the content. Here’s a closer look at what’s new:
The New Campaign
Path of Exile 2 features a completely revamped campaign, distinct from the original PoE story. Set in the same world, the new campaign provides players with an exciting narrative that runs parallel to the events of the first game. The story is designed to introduce new players to the game while providing a fresh experience even for long-time fans. Currently, in Early Access, we only have 3 acts of content, with Act 4-6 still in development.
The Ascendancy Overhaul
While not entirely new, the Ascendancy system has received a major update in PoE 2. Players now have the option to select from a range of new Ascendancy classes, which are designed to provide greater build diversity. This change allows for even more customization of characters, giving players more freedom to fine-tune their playstyle and explore new ways to play the game.
Each class in Path of Exile 2 on release will have a total of 3 unique Ascendancies, offering players a wealth of options for character customization and specialization. However, in the current early access version, only 7 out of the planned 12 classes are available, with each class having 2 Ascendancies to choose from. These classes are Warrior, Monk, Mercenary, Witch, Ranger, and Sorcerer. The remaining classes and their full set of Ascendancies will be unlocked as the game progresses towards its official release in 2025.
Reworked Skill System
One of the most significant changes in PoE 2 is the revamped skill system. Players now have access to a wider variety of class-specific skill gems, which are deeply integrated with the new game modes. Additionally, new combat mechanics, such as weapon-specific skill gems, give players more ways to build their characters and engage with the game. This update improves the overall combat flow and adds a layer of strategy that was less prominent in the original PoE.
The ‘Endgame’ Update
Path of Exile 2 also introduces new endgame modes, making the grind more rewarding and exciting. With new bosses, challenges, and the ability to combine older endgame content from Path of Exile 1 with new systems, PoE 2 takes the concept of endgame to another level. These new endgame modes are meant to keep veteran players engaged while offering fresh content for newcomers.
With many more features coming to official release, the above already help set PoE 2 apart from the first game, giving players exciting new ways to explore the world of Wraeclast and a truly endless ‘endgame’ experience. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the PoE series, Path of Exile 2 totally shine a new light on the ARPG genre.
Current Issues
While Path of Exile 2 shows tremendous promise with its new features and revamped gameplay mechanics, early access players have encountered a few issues that are important to consider before deciding whether or not to jump in. These problems are common with early access games, as they are often works in progress, but it’s essential to acknowledge that not everything is smooth sailing yet.
Bugs and Glitches
Like most early access titles, Path of Exile 2 is not free from bugs. Players have reported a range of issues, from minor graphical glitches to more impactful bugs that disrupt gameplay. While these are being addressed through patches, they can still detract from the overall experience for those expecting a polished product.
CPU Overload and System Crashes
A significant issue in early access has been reports of Path of Exile 2 causing CPU overloads, leading to system crashes. This issue, which seems to be tied to the game’s performance on certain hardware setups, has left many players frustrated. It’s important to note that GGG is actively working on addressing this problem, but it’s worth checking the forum thread for updates and potential workarounds if you’re experiencing similar issues.
Server Stability and Connectivity Issues
Some players have experienced intermittent server instability, with occasional disconnects, crashes and latency issues. While this is often expected in early access, particularly when large numbers of players are accessing the servers, it can still be frustrating for those hoping to dive into the game without these interruptions and when death happens for players playing in Hardcore servers or during mapping.
Balancing Problems
Although Path of Exile 2 introduces exciting new skills and mechanics, many players have noticed that the game’s balance is still a work in progress. Some classes and skills feel either too overpowered or underwhelming, which can affect the overall enjoyment and challenge of the game. A particular concern has been the On Death Effects, which some players feel are either too strong or unintentionally disrupting the balance. These effects, triggered upon the player’s death, can lead to unpredictable or unbalanced outcomes in combat, making certain situations feel either too punishing or too easy. For more detailed discussions on this issue, you can check out the forum thread and the Steam community discussion for community feedback and ongoing updates. GGG is likely to adjust these systems as development continues, but for now, it remains a point of contention for many players.
Limited Content in Early Access
While the early access version offers a taste of what’s to come, the content is still somewhat limited compared to what the final release will offer. For some players, the 6 available classes, each with only 2 Ascendancies, may feel restrictive compared to the full range of content that will be available in the full game. Additionally, some players feel that the new campaign and content may not yet offer the depth and variety expected from a game of this scale.
Fun
Honestly, at its core, Path of Exile 2 is an incredibly fun and immersive experience. The new classes, with my favorite so far being the Invoker Monk, the mechanics, and the fresh take on the campaign, provide plenty of excitement for fans of the ARPG genre. The combat is fluid, the customization options are extensive, and the depth of the game’s systems gives players endless possibilities for building their characters. For those who thrive on the thrill of progression, loot grinding, and discovering new synergies, Path of Exile 2 delivers on that promise.
However, it’s not without its frustrations. Bugs, server instability, and performance issues like CPU overloads can make for a bumpy ride. Balancing problems, such as the controversial On Death Effects, also present challenges, with myself included having rage-logged multiple times to play other games because of it.
Looking past that, playing with friends for the endgame mapping experience, theorizing and respeccing builds, and the devs being super vocal in their communication (unlike other games — looking at you, Maplestory) makes Path of Exile 2 a winner to me and totally worth playing.
