After just an hour with the early access version of Path of Exile 2, I realized I was about to dive headfirst into yet another gaming obsession. Grinding Gear Games has certainly done it again, crafting a sequel to one of my all-time favorite action RPGs, a title that has already claimed countless hours of my life since its debut a decade ago. With significant enhancements in gameplay, endgame systems, and an intricate build-crafting approach, this sequel captivates despite the typical early access issues, including some frustratingly low loot drops.
As expected from the genre, expect to engage in intense combat against hordes of foes, defeat grotesque bosses, and frequently return to town to offload your loot due to limited inventory space. Currently, players can anticipate around 60 hours of content through the first three acts of a planned six-act campaign, needing to complete it on a higher difficulty for access to the extensive endgame filled with even more adversaries and shiny loot. Despite its unfinished nature and certain placeholder elements, my experience so far has been overwhelmingly enjoyable.
The narrative in Path of Exile 2 doesn’t break new ground; it follows the familiar trope of monstrous threats to the world, with immortals manipulating mortals. However, this doesn’t detract from the experience, as the character interactions and the exploration of the game’s rich lore are highlights. I found myself particularly fond of Alva, the treasure hunter with a penchant for adventure, and the Maraketh tribe, a group of rugged desert dwellers, added depth to the story. While the plot hasn’t reached its climax yet, the initial journey is engaging enough.
Where the sequel truly shines is in its ambitious gameplay mechanics, making it one of the most captivating action RPGs available. Choosing from the six initial classes (with plans for twelve in total), players will encounter an incredibly complex skill tree system that feels almost intentionally intricate. With over 1,500 perks available, the depth of customization is astounding. The gameplay loop of battling zombies and bizarre creatures in search of loot and experience is compelling, often leading to late-night gaming sessions. The procedurally generated maps ensure high replayability without sacrificing the feeling of crafted design.
Each class provides a distinct playstyle that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. For instance, opting for the dexterity-based ranger emphasizes evasion and mobility, while a warrior focuses on brute strength and melee combat. The mercenary class shifts the gameplay into a top-down shooting experience with a crossbow. Personally, I gravitated towards a witch focused on summoning minions, allowing me to support my undead allies while they took the brunt of the damage—an impressive level of diversity in playstyles that sets this game apart.
The complexity continues with various systems to master, from passive perk trees to skill and support gem setups, along with the atlas and ascendancy trees at the endgame. Mastering these intricate mechanics is a rewarding challenge for dedicated players. However, the early access version is not without its drawbacks; some skill trees are incomplete, which can hinder players striving for specific builds.
Unfortunately, the loot system in Path of Exile 2 leaves much to be desired. While the items themselves can be beneficial, the drop rates are disappointingly low. It seems there’s a lack of class-specific loot, and often, the gear available doesn’t complement your build. After over 60 hours of play, I only encountered a unique item once, which was unsuitable for my character. Although trading with other players is an option, it can be disheartening to grind without meaningful rewards.
I remain hopeful that loot distribution will improve as the game continues through early access.The loot system in Path of Exile 2 leaves much to be desired.
Although there are mechanisms to enhance mediocre items with new perks and increased rarities, these improvements hardly alleviate the often disappointing nature of loot drops. Players might find themselves clinging to their best items for longer than necessary due to the lack of viable alternatives, even after surpassing their usefulness. This trend isn't new for veterans of the original Path of Exile, where obtaining desirable loot has always been a challenge. However, one would hope that Grinding Gear Games would address this in the sequel. While this strategy has certainly resonated with the existing fanbase, it feels like a significant oversight in an ARPG, where exciting loot is typically a key attraction. It would be great to see some adjustments to the loot mechanics during the early access phase.
For those eager to dive into the game at launch, be prepared for a somewhat lengthy process to access the endgame content. Currently, you’ll need to replay the first three acts if you wish to reach the later stages. Grinding Gear chose to focus on these initial acts while dedicating more resources to refining the endgame experience for a polished full release. Although this decision makes sense, it results in players having to complete the first half of the narrative twice without any significant changes, other than tougher enemies, before finally unlocking the endgame. Despite enjoying the storyline, going through it consecutively just to hit a specific character level feels tedious and repetitive. Strangely, the second playthrough, termed “cruel mode,” is not actually more challenging; in fact, it feels easier due to familiarity with the encounters and a stronger character build, making it monotonous. A simpler solution could have been to elevate the characters and gear to appropriate levels directly.
However, once you break into the endgame, the experience becomes much more enjoyable. Path of Exile 2 offers a surprisingly rich endgame experience, despite still being a work in progress. Central to this is the atlas—a sprawling, procedurally generated map where players can explore various nodes to uncover objectives, including enigmatic merchants and hidden boss battles. It evokes a sense of adventure akin to a blend of Diablo and the overworld map from Super Mario World. While it shares similarities with the original's endgame, this iteration enhances nearly every aspect, making it a joy to explore. After spending over a dozen hours in this part of the game, I can easily envision myself investing another hundred hours into it. Additionally, there are trials that challenge players with unique objectives and modifiers, leading to powerful rewards and progress in the ascendancy perk tree. An endgame boss awaits, providing a final challenge for the game’s most committed players. The abundance and thoughtfulness of the content are quite impressive for an early access title, especially considering the wealth of experience gained from the original Path of Exile over the past decade.
Despite the well-developed endgame, Path of Exile 2 is not immune to the typical quirks associated with early access games. I encountered a range of issues, from minor framerate drops to major frustrations, such as a patch that wiped all my skill gems, support gems, and my best weapon from my inventory, essentially crippling my build and forcing me to grind for replacements. If you’re someone who easily gets frustrated when things go awry, it might be wise to hold off on diving in, as the early access experience can be challenging, and your hard-earned loot may disappear unexpectedly. It speaks volumes about the overall quality of the game that these technical issues didn’t deter me from continuing my adventure. Additionally, Path of Exile 2 boasts a notable visual and audio upgrade compared to its predecessor, although it still falls short of the polish seen in AAA titles like Diablo 4.
What is PoE2 and PoE2 Currency?
In Path of Exile 2, PoE2 Currency is a unique system comprising Orbs and special items, which are vital for crafting, trading, and enhancing character progression. Unlike traditional currency systems, it offers players dynamic ways to modify and upgrade their gear, thereby directly influencing gameplay. Players can acquire PoE2 Currency through various in-game activities or by visiting trading platforms such as PlayerAuctions, G2G, and others to top up and enhance their gaming experience.
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If players are looking to top up on POE2 Currency, they might want to consider using the lootbar game trading platform. Known for its reliability, LootBar provides a seamless and efficient service for gamers seeking to enhance their Path of Exile 2 experience.
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How to buy POE2 Currency on LootBar, a Step-by-Step Guide
To buy path of exile 2 currency on the LootBar trading platform, start by visiting the official LootBar website at https://lootbar.gg . Once there, select your preferred language and currency type, then log in to your account. On the homepage, navigate to the Game Items column and locate "PoE 2 Currency". Decide on the specific PoE 2 Currency item you wish to purchase and the quantity, then click on "Buy Now". Ensure you carefully fill in necessary details like your server and character name to ensure smooth processing.
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