I’ve been playing Path of Exile 2 since its early access launch on December 7th, and here are my thoughts so far. I haven’t gotten far, only reaching Act 3 due to limited playtime. This review might be helpful for those with busy lives or those new to the Path of Exile series.
My interest in Path of Exile 2 stemmed from the disappointing Diablo 4 expansion and the increasingly fast-paced consumption of games these days. The overwhelmingly positive reviews from gaming YouTubers also played a significant role. However, I can’t help but feel there’s some hype-driven exaggeration surrounding Path of Exile 2, especially since it’s still in early access.
It’s important to remember that Path of Exile 2 is unfinished, with an estimated completion rate of less than 50%. Early access costs $33, but you receive 300 in-game points that can be used to purchase stash tabs. Considering Path of Exile is a free-to-play game, charging for early access seems like a clever marketing strategy.
Here are my personal impressions of Path of Exile 2
Impressive Graphics: My initial reaction to the graphics was underwhelming. Coming from Diablo 4’s polished visuals, Path of Exile 2 felt somewhat dated. However, the environments and effects within the maps are actually quite impressive. The fire and ice effects, in particular, seem even better than Diablo 4’s.
Unique Maps: Path of Exile 2 requires a lot of walking, and the maps feel vast. While this can be tedious at times, each map is distinct and meticulously designed. There’s no repetition, which is commendable.
Atmospheric Soundtrack: The background music perfectly complements the atmosphere of each area. It enhances the dark and immersive feel without being intrusive, allowing players to fully engage with the game.
WASD Movement – A Stroke of Genius: Initially, I relied solely on mouse controls, but I soon realized that WASD movement is crucial for navigating Path of Exile 2. The game would be significantly more challenging without it.
Challenging Bosses: Each area and act culminates in a boss fight that demands precise execution and strategy. These encounters can be frustrating, especially for newcomers, potentially leading to early game abandonment. Some bosses are relatively easy, while others are incredibly challenging, requiring multiple attempts and refined strategies. Personally, I spent three days trying to defeat one particular boss. However, overcoming these challenges provides a sense of accomplishment.
Disappointing Loot: Path of Exile 2 supports trading, which unfortunately results in underwhelming loot drops. Good items often don’t suit your character, and boss drops are particularly disappointing considering the effort required to defeat them. Fortunately, I found a powerful item early on, which made Act 1 a breeze. However, Act 2 became a struggle once that item became obsolete. The game effectively demonstrates the impact of gear on character power.
Compatibility Issues with Windows 11 24H2: After updating my desktop to Windows 11 24H2, I encountered frequent crashes during map loading screens. This issue seems specific to Path of Exile 2 and needs to be addressed promptly.
Lackluster Story: The storytelling in Path of Exile 2 is disappointing. The narrative is presented in a way that makes it difficult to follow. Hopefully, this will be improved upon release, especially with the addition of Korean voice acting.
Path of Exile 2 Overall: Fun but Tiring
Path of Exile 2 is generally enjoyable. It offers a captivating and immersive experience, despite the slow pace. However, boss encounters and relentless enemy ambushes can be exhausting. Dying and having to retrace your steps through reset maps adds to the fatigue. While this reset mechanic offers opportunities for loot and experience gain, it can be tedious.
Due to this exhaustion, I find it difficult to play for extended periods.
Path of Exile 2 is still a work in progress. Unlike Diablo 4, which offers short bursts of seasonal content, Path of Exile 2 seems to demand a significant time investment. This can be both a strength and a weakness.
While I find Path of Exile 2 enjoyable, the fatigue factor prevents me from playing for hours on end. If this aspect were addressed, it would be a truly satisfying game.