Path of Exile 2
" Immersive action RPG with deep tactical combat and stunning visuals but grind-heavy loot drops "
Path of Exile 2 Review
Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) offers a polished visual upgrade and some innovative gameplay additions, like dodge rolls, that add tactical depth. However, the game is currently mired in contradictions between its stated design philosophy and actual experience. While GGG claims a slower, more deliberate pace, the gameplay remains frenetic with overwhelming effects and punishing mechanics.
Loot scarcity, grinding, and a flawed trading system frustrate players, compounded by a crafting system that feels more like gambling than meaningful experimentation. Defensive stats are imbalanced, favoring energy shield builds and limiting build diversity. Endgame content, including Trials and mapping, is criticized for excessive punishment rather than true challenge, with mechanics that penalize certain playstyles and create tedious progression.
Technical issues further mar the experience, with performance instability, crashes, and an outdated death penalty that demoralizes players. Monetization during early access, including costly stash tabs and loot boxes, has alienated parts of the community. Despite potential and strong foundational elements, PoE2 currently struggles with design missteps, slow development, and a disconnect from player expectations, leaving many veteran and new players disappointed.
Highlights
Players praise PoE2's improved graphics, detailed environments, and atmospheric design, which enhance immersion.
The introduction of new gameplay mechanics like the dodge roll adds tactical variety and depth.
The campaign and boss designs receive some positive notes for polish and engagement, with the core combat and skill interactions showing promise.
Mapping and endgame zones feature creative layouts and challenging encounters appreciated by some players.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on loot scarcity, inefficient and frustrating trading systems, and a crafting mechanic that lacks meaningful control.
Players find the endgame overly punishing, with mechanics that feel unfair rather than skill-testing, including harsh death penalties and trial systems that discourage diverse builds.
Technical issues such as crashes, poor optimization, and server instability severely impact gameplay.
The game’s monetization during early access, including expensive microtransactions and loot boxes, is seen as intrusive and exploitative.
Many feel the developers are ignoring community feedback, resulting in slow content updates and a drifting vision for the game.
Pros
- • The dodge roll mechanic adds meaningful tactical depth to combat encounters.
- • Improved graphics and art design create a visually immersive experience.
- • Campaign and boss fights are polished and engaging for first-time players.
- • Endgame maps feature creative layouts and challenging encounters.
- • Skill interactions and character controls feel responsive and well-designed.
- • The game has potential for deep character builds and theorycrafting.
- • Atmospheric zones and environment design enhance immersion.
Cons
- • Loot scarcity and poor drop rates make progression frustrating and grind-heavy.
- • Trading system is clunky, requiring external websites and premium purchases.
- • Crafting feels like gambling with little player control or meaningful results.
- • Endgame trials and mapping are overly punishing and mechanically confusing.
- • Death penalty with experience loss is demoralizing and outdated.
- • Technical issues include crashes, freezes, lag, and poor optimization.
- • Monetization during early access is intrusive and perceived as exploitative.
Rating Criteria
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world of Wraeclast and seek to end the corruption that is spreading.