Explore the Vastness of Path of Exile 2: 6 New Classes, 100 Bosses, and Parallel Gameplay with POE

Since 2019, we’ve been waiting, and now it is here. A lot of details about the eagerly anticipated Path of Exile 2 have just been released.

Path of Exile 2’s initial trailer was revealed by Grinding Gear Games in 2019. Information has remained scant, with the exception of a few teases. It was initially intended to be a big update, comparable to Overwatch 2, adding new aesthetics, content, and features to the current game.

But at ExileCon this year, everything was different. It was discovered that Path of Exile 2 is a distinct sequel that really takes place 20 years after the first game. Now let’s get into the specifics!

TRULY ONE PATH OF EXILE

It all started with a scheme to modernize vintage character models from approximately 2007. Jonathan Rogers, the director of the game, revealed how it progressed into a series of fun ventures. The decision to develop a brand-new game was made after considering how to update and improve the old Path of Exile’s quality of life.

We made a choice after realising that our plan to replace PoE 1 with PoE 2 would effectively amount to ruining a game that people adore for no reason. There will be no overlap between Path of Exile 1 and 2, and each game will have its own endgame and leagues. – Jon Rogers

For players, this means having two versions of Path of Exile to enjoy simultaneously. Both games will be active together, featuring a new league every three months (or even more frequently for dedicated players). Don’t worry about your stash tabs and skins, as they will remain usable in both games. Your prized legacy six-links in Standard won’t change, and any future purchases will be compatible with both games (except for certain exclusive content not present in PoE 1).

Image (Credits to Sali)

Here’s what we know for now:

Six new character classes, along with the six from PoE 1 for 12 total (Sorceress, Monk, Huntress, Mercenary, Warrior, Druid),

1. Three new ascendancies, one for each class
2. A new skill gem system where the connections are made within the gems themselves rather than through equipment
3. Several new abilities, such as shapeshifting (bear, wolf, cat), huge comets
4. Think of cast on crit or spell totem as examples of meta gems, which are gems that may have other gems socketed into them
5. new weapon types with unique abilities, such as the crossbow and spear
6. A six-act narrative set 20 years after Kitava’s passing
7. a new endgame with a map
8. an all-inclusive dodge roll without the need for a gem connection, with the option to dodge-cancel abilities
9. Changes to the economy and crafting, such as the implementation of gold as a kind of currency and modifications to the way chaos orbs function
10. Over 100 new bosses to battle, each with unique mechanics

GEMTASTIC OVERHAUL

In Path of Exile 2, skill gems receive a major overhaul, changing how they interact with gear. Instead of items having sockets for skills, the skill gems themselves will have sockets. Uncut gems drop from monsters and can be assigned to the skills of your choice. The number of support gems attached will still depend on the item level, but they now drop at the monster’s level, so you don’t need to level them up from scratch. This allows for more flexibility in using different skills, as you’re not limited to specific six-link items for your main damaging abilities.

Swapping items becomes much easier since skills are no longer tied to item sockets. You can switch out items without worrying about jewellers, fusings, or chromes. Additionally, parts of your passive skill tree can be assigned to a weapon swap, making it seamless to switch between different skills mid-combat.

Meta gems enable further customization by allowing you to socket multiple skill gems inside them. You can reserve Spirit to automatically cast skills based on certain triggers or link multiple skills to cast in a specific order. Spirit becomes a new resource for reserving buffs and trigger skills, making mana management more significant.

These changes create a more dynamic combat experience, allowing players to use multiple skills effectively and enabling powerful, high-cost abilities like the beloved ice comets.

GOLD FRENZY

One of the brilliant things about Path of Exile is its unique economy. Unlike other games with generic currency like gold, every currency orb in PoE serves a specific purpose, such as rerolling affixes or gem links on items, giving them intrinsic value. However, in Path of Exile 2, they are introducing gold, which initially raised concerns.

But, there’s a good reason behind it. Gold will help smoothen the early game experience without making it the primary trading currency. It means less hassle in the early stages, avoiding repetitive trips to town for specific orbs. The introduction of gold will streamline early currency drops and reduce the need to pick up and sell as much low-value gear. Additionally, gold will be used for gambling, which makes it a suitable gold sink and appeals to the love for gambling among exiles.

The Path of Exile 2 closed beta starts on 7 June, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is Path of Exile 2 and how is it different from the first game? Path of Exile 2 is a distinct sequel set 20 years after the events of the original game. It introduces six new character classes, three new ascendancies, a revamped skill gem system, new abilities, a six-act narrative, a new endgame, and over 100 new bosses. It will run alongside the first game, with both games having their own endgame and leagues.
2. How many character classes are there in Path of Exile 2? Path of Exile 2 introduces a total of 12 character classes, including six new ones (Sorceress, Monk, Huntress, Mercenary, Warrior, Druid), in addition to the six from the original game.
3. What changes are being made to the skill gem system in Path of Exile 2? In Path of Exile 2, skill gems will have sockets themselves instead of items having sockets for skills. Uncut gems can be assigned to skills, and support gems now drop at the monster’s level, allowing for more flexibility and easier item swapping. Meta gems enable further customization by allowing multiple skill gems to be socketed inside them.
4. Why is gold being introduced in Path of Exile 2? Gold is being introduced to Path of Exile 2 to streamline the early game experience and reduce the need for repetitive trips to town for specific currency orbs. It will also be used for gambling and serve as a gold sink, adding an element of excitement and variety to the game’s economy.
5. When does the closed beta for Path of Exile 2 start? The closed beta for Path of Exile 2 is set to begin on June 7, 2024. Players will have the opportunity to experience and provide feedback on the new features and gameplay