Path of Idle: Old Gods Rising

Path of Idle: Old Gods Rising is an idle RPG that combines deep character customization with an auto-battler gameplay loop. Players recruit and build teams of Godsworn characters, equipping them with a vast array of loot featuring numerous stats and affixes. The game rewards strategic min-maxing and experimentation, although the complexity and RNG elements can be overwhelming. While the early game offers steady progression and engaging mechanics, many players encounter difficulty spikes and progression walls in mid to late stages, requiring careful synergy and build optimization. The developers are highly active, frequently releasing updates and quality-of-life improvements based on community feedback, which has notably enhanced the experience over time. Despite some UI, translation, and balance issues, the game appeals to players who enjoy theorycrafting and idle grinding, but may frustrate casual players or those expecting straightforward gameplay. The art style is reminiscent of Darkest Dungeon and WoW, and the soundtrack is serviceable but unremarkable. Overall, it is a deep, addicting idle RPG with room for polish and better clarity.

Highlights

Players praise the game's deep and engaging gameplay mechanics, especially the extensive gear system and build customization. The idle and auto-battler blend allows for multitasking and casual play without losing strategic depth. The developers' active support and responsiveness to community feedback is highly appreciated, with frequent updates improving balance and quality-of-life. The game offers meaningful progression and content beyond typical idle games, including cross-class skills and a robust loot system. The art style, while derivative, is considered charming and fitting for the theme. Many find the game addictive and rewarding for those who enjoy min-maxing and theorycrafting in idle RPGs.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the overwhelming complexity and opacity of stats and mechanics, with insufficient in-game explanations causing confusion. The loot system is often described as excessively RNG-dependent, leading to frustration and tedious inventory management. UI and translation issues, such as small text, overlapping windows, and poor descriptions, hinder usability. Some players find the progression walls and difficulty spikes discouraging, especially when synergy and build experimentation are blocked by randomness. Build variety is limited as certain classes and builds dominate, and the game punishes defensive playstyles, favoring glass cannon approaches. The lack of a story and forgettable music also detract from the overall experience. Lastly, some feel the game would benefit from better crafting, filtering, and battle statistics to improve clarity and reduce grind.