Path of Exile 2 - Overview & Early Access Review

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Explore the captivating world of Path of Exile 2, an action RPG with an adaptable skill system that ignites thrilling gameplay.

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Path of Exile 2 Overview

In the early access phase of Path of Exile 2, players are treated to an expansive and captivating action RPG experience, showcasing a remarkable and adaptable skill system alongside an intriguing world.


The game is developed and published by Grinding Gear Games, set to launch on December 6th, and available on Windows via Steam. The pricing is set at £24, $30, or €28.


My gaming setup for this review includes an Intel Core i5-12600K processor, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, all running on Windows 10.


As I delve into the game, I find myself enveloped in a chaotic whirlwind of skeletons. The eerie sounds of bones clattering fill the air as they erupt from the ground in unsettling bursts. My more fragile skeletons, sensing their impending doom, erupt into flames and shards. Conversely, my more formidable skeletons fight with relentless vigor, and upon their demise, they unite their spirits to continue battling as ghosts for a brief period. Meanwhile, grotesque bone scorpions dart around, their legs fashioned from human hands. Amidst this chaos, my character – a wickedly entertaining witch – remains almost obscured.


This review is meant to evolve, reflecting the ongoing nature of the game. Even in this early access stage, Path of Exile 2 stands as a massive and immersive title. The current version consists of three substantial acts out of a planned six, followed by a challenging revisit, leading into an elaborate endgame where the true adventure begins. While I haven’t experienced everything the game has to offer, I’ve explored dark caves and ancient tombs, faced numerous formidable foes, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.


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To begin, one must revisit the initial installment of Path of Exile, a sprawling and complex action RPG that has garnered attention, particularly for its intricate skill tree. This web-like structure radiates from a central hub, akin to a scattering of marbles, evoking initial thoughts of the diverse builds one could create. However, as the enormity of the system sets in, it can quickly turn into a daunting experience.


My attempts to engage with the game were met with challenges. Path of Exile, at this stage in its evolution, presents a grim and challenging environment for newcomers, communicating its elaborate mechanics fluently to a dedicated audience that has mastered its nuances. While I could navigate through the various tutorials, my experience felt somewhat mechanical and restricted, limited by my unfamiliarity with its depth.


Thus, it was with a sense of optimism that I learned a sequel was in the works, intended to run alongside the original game. This presented a chance to join the adventure at a more accessible point, and I’m pleased to say that the experience was largely gratifying. Path of Exile 2 appears to offer a more refined and inviting exploration of its dark themes. Since the first game's release in 2013, the developers have clearly drawn upon a decade's worth of knowledge and refinement, taking a moment to reset and refine their approach. The outcome is a continuation of the original, yet it feels more concise, coherent, and user-friendly, reducing the overwhelming complexity of the previous version.


This emphasis on clarity is crucial given the game's depth. While the skill tree remains a central element, it also serves as a potential barrier for new players, who might find themselves captivated yet overwhelmed by its intricacies. At this juncture, we must delve into the significance of skill gems.In Path of Exile 2, skills are not something you develop; instead, they are discovered as loot within skill gems.


As you traverse the game world, defeating various enemies, you will come across an array of items, including rings or slightly upgraded footwear, alongside skill gems that are unassigned and come with a specific level.


You can then choose to "engrave" these gems into skills from an enticing selection available to you.


The game presents a straightforward start, with each of the six classes offering initial abilities that align with distinct gameplay styles.


For instance, my witch immediately summoned skeletons, complemented by a powerful damage-over-time effect.


Meanwhile, the mercenary unleashes explosive grenades, and the warrior can create tremors that shake the ground.


This clarity in the abilities of each class was something I appreciated, especially considering the complexity that lies ahead.


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As you embark on your journey, the excitement begins to build when "support gems" start appearing. These gems unlock a myriad of potential builds, presenting themselves initially as blank slates that you can enhance with various effects. The game thoughtfully provides suggestions for optimizing your skills, whether that means sacrificing cooldown times for increased power or extending the duration of certain effects.


The true thrill, however, arises when you opt to view all available gems instead of just the recommended ones. This opens up a vibrant array of choices, reminiscent of a candy shop, inviting you to explore and experiment. The freedom to customize your skills is incredibly appealing; there have been countless moments where I pondered enhancements, like extending a skill’s duration or adding poison to my skeletons. Each time I had the chance to adjust my setup, I eagerly dove into the menu to see what was possible.


Most of the time, these aspirations could be realized. However, like many games that offer a wealth of options, certain limitations exist. Fortunately, Path of Exile 2 maintains a balance, providing flexibility without being overly restrictive. Still, I find myself wishing I could use the same support gem across multiple skills. It feels akin to being presented with a lavish feast, only to be told that certain delectable items are off-limits. While I grasp the reasoning behind it, I can’t help but eye the enticing centerpiece on the table.In some games, navigating a skill tree can resemble following a choreographed dance routine.


You might glance up at the higher tiers, imagining the skills you'll unlock soon, like picturing yourself wielding a fireball in just a couple of hours or a revival spell shortly after.


Visualizing your epic showdown with the final boss, you inevitably settle on the meteor attack as your go-to choice.


However, in Path of Exile 2, the experience is different. The multitude of options presented by skill and support gems, along with their interconnected systems, creates a sense of spontaneity.


With each idea you explore, new possibilities emerge, even when one build crumbles, another one can swiftly rise from its remnants.


This fluid approach to an RPG's mechanics became second nature once I learned to embrace it, offering a liberating and expressive way to engage with the game.


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Gameplay Depth and Complexity

As you delve deeper into the game, the intricate layers of gameplay begin to intertwine, revealing a sense of ownership over your character that grows with each session.


The familiar mechanics of an action RPG are present, accompanied by that addictive rhythm of item collection—upgrading armor, looting weapons, and the thrill of discovering unidentified treasures, each accompanied by a breath of anticipation followed by a sigh of letdown when they turn out to be less than exciting.


However, the items here are uniquely reactive, influenced by the myriad choices you’ve made throughout your journey. I recall facing the final boss using a weapon that, surprisingly, dealt no direct damage on its own, yet amplified the potency of my other spells, creating a chaotic synergy.


This complexity expands with each class having the option to choose between two distinct “ascendancy” subclasses, which reimagine core abilities into spectacularly violent and visually striking skills. As you near the endgame, the skill trees branch out into more focused paths, catering to specific playstyles and challenges. This realization helped me grasp why the first iteration of Path of Exile felt so daunting to newcomers, while captivating long-time players—it's akin to standing at the base of a towering structure built meticulously over time.


The execution of these elements is nothing short of remarkable. Even in its unfinished state, the game presents a stunning aesthetic that immerses players in a dark fantasy world with exuberant flair. There’s something inherently captivating about a noble finding a mysterious artifact in the woods, leading to increasingly bizarre and eerie events, such as rallying locals to excavate ominous pits.


Equally enchanting are the submerged ruins in marshes, statues radiating light from their eyes, ancient mechanisms, and the haunting sight of caravans pulled through deserts by legions of undead. The creativity and visual artistry on display are staggering, even as it navigates through familiar tropes of the genre.As you embark on your journey from one location to another, a horde of desperate foes rushes towards you, eager to witness the character build you’ve crafted.


With razor-sharp teeth, these adversaries are quick to capitalize on any mistakes or distractions. However, the expansive procedural landscapes are filled with checkpoints, allowing you to learn from your setbacks and revisit your character's setup before diving back into the fray.


The combat experience is punctuated by the game’s formidable bosses, drawing inspiration from renowned developers like From Software. These encounters are not only visually striking but also feature intricate and challenging attack patterns.


Imagine facing a gargoyle adorned with flickering candles or an undead elephant burdened with a plethora of skulls. While the game provides an essential dodge roll and stresses the significance of your positioning, the boss battles may not demand the same level of quick reflexes and patience that fans of From Software's titles expect.


In fact, aside from the increasing difficulty leading up to the climax of the initial three acts, the game offers a different rhythm that sets it apart from the traditional souls-like experience.


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Currently, an investment of approximately £25 is required to access the early version of the game. However, upon the official launch, it will transition to a free-to-play model. In the interim, the developers plan to introduce three additional acts and six new characters, while also likely evolving the endgame experience reminiscent of its predecessor. At this point, the monetization strategy is straightforward and unobtrusive, featuring a shop where players can purchase cosmetic items and stash tabs to manage their collected gear more efficiently.


My primary interest lies not in future monetization tactics, but rather in how the game will evolve over the next month, three months, or even a year. During my gameplay, the team at Grinding Gear Games was actively releasing patches that adjusted fundamental elements of the game. Some aspects became easier, while others presented greater challenges, and loot drops became more frequent. This dynamic nature complicates my role as a critic, yet it undeniably adds intrigue to the experience.


Path of Exile 2 is constructed upon a delicate and intricately connected framework of systems and choices. The studio's readiness to modify and refine these elements creates an uncertain future. As dedicated players thoroughly explore the systems over extensive play sessions, the challenge remains: can the studio maintain the improvisational and expressive gameplay, or will the increasing numbers diminish the impact and significance of player choices? After investing five hundred hours in a continuously evolving live game, encountering an unyielding entity fixated on minute improvements is the ultimate dullness in gameplay.Here I stand, facing an endless journey ahead.


Suddenly, three massive apes and a swarm of ten smaller ones appear, accompanied by a gigantic worm.


I press a button, and flames explode, releasing terrifying skulls that hurtle toward the creatures.


My legion of skeletons springs into action, ready for battle.


With a brilliant blue skill gem equipped, I experiment with a new strategy: one of my skeletons is brutally impaled on a menacing spike, which ignites a fierce determination in the others.


Their loyalty is unwavering.


For a fleeting moment, doubt creeps in—will this cycle of combat never end, merely reshaped each time?


But as my troops bring down the colossal worm, its remains burst forth as a swarm of bone scorpions, dispelling my uncertainty.


A support gem lies waiting to be claimed.


Inspiration strikes.


What is PoE2 and PoE2 Currency?

PoE2 Currency in Path of Exile 2 consists primarily of Orbs and various items that play a crucial role in crafting, trading, and character progression. Unlike typical gold coins found in many games, PoE2 Currency revolves around specific items that can be used to enhance gear and greatly impact gameplay. Players can obtain this currency through in-game activities, or they can opt to acquire it by topping up on popular gaming trading platforms. These platforms provide a convenient way for players to bolster their in-game resources and enhance their overall experience.


Why do you choose LootBar.gg to buy POE2 Currency?

If players are looking to top up their POE2 Currency, they may want to consider the LootBar game trading platform. lootbar.gg offers a seamless and efficient experience for those eager to enhance their Path of Exile 2 adventures. One of the standout advantages is the competitive pricing, ensuring players can buy POE2 currency without breaking the bank. With seasonal discounts, players can maximize their savings, making it a cost-effective choice for gamers of all levels.


Moreover, LootBar.gg is renowned for its 100% secure transactions. Thanks to advanced encryption and strict security protocols, players can rest easy knowing their purchases are safe and legitimate. Additionally, the platform guarantees fast delivery, with currency arriving within 15 minutes to 2 hours, ensuring minimal downtime from your gaming. Complementing these benefits is the 24/7 customer support, which provides assistance and answers to any questions at any time, making LootBar.gg a reliable and user-friendly choice for all Path of Exile 2 players.


How to buy POE2 Currency on LootBar, a Step-by-Step Guide

To buy path of exile 2 currency on the LootBar trading platform, simply follow these steps:
- Enter the official LootBar website at https://lootbar.gg , choose your preferred language and currency type, and log into your account.
- Navigate to the Home page and locate "PoE 2 Currency" in the Game Items column.
- Select the specific PoE 2 currency item you wish to purchase, specify the desired amount, and click on “Buy Now”.
- Accurately fill in your personal information, including the Server and Character Name.
- Select your preferred payment method and click "Pay Now" to complete the transaction.
- After placing your order, accept the party invite in-game and follow the provided instructions to complete the trade.
- Finally, during the face-to-face delivery, exchange a junk item for your Path of Exile 2 currency.


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