When Path of Exile 2 entered early access, I didn’t expect to dive this deep into the game before its official release. Yet, within just a few weeks, I have already clocked more than triple the total time I spent on the original Path of Exile over the last decade. This alone is telling—not only about the pull of the new game but about how Grinding Gear Games has managed to keep the spirit of the original alive while ambitiously pushing its boundaries.
As a veteran of the action RPG scene with thousands of hours in Diablo II, III, and IV, I’ve always been fascinated by how these games handle complexity, challenge, and player engagement. My experience with Path of Exile 2 is shaped by this perspective, and it has been eye-opening to see how POE 2 Currency positions itself as a spiritual successor to Diablo II’s hardcore legacy rather than the “casual mainstream” trend that’s been creeping into Diablo III and IV.
A Fresh Yet Familiar Adventure
Path of Exile 2 isn’t simply a sequel for the sake of a sequel. It feels like an evolution grounded deeply in the identity of the original while boldly expanding its scope. The game maintains the dark, gritty tone and the intricate skill system that Path of Exile fans have cherished for years, but it layers on new content and improved systems that make the experience feel fresh without alienating longtime players.
The most immediate difference is in the sheer scale and polish. The graphics have taken a leap forward, providing a richer, more immersive world. Character models and environments are more detailed and varied, making Wraeclast — the shared setting for both games — feel alive and dangerous. But what truly stands out is the new campaign structure and the way the story unfolds, giving players a stronger narrative drive than the original.
For someone coming from a Diablo background, PoE2’s narrative approach is compelling. Diablo’s stories have often been dark and epic, but sometimes nebulous or overshadowed by gameplay. Path of Exile 2 brings a nuanced storytelling style that balances atmosphere, lore, and player choice without detracting from the core hack-and-slash gameplay.
Deepening the Core Mechanics
The original Path of Exile was known for its insanely complex passive skill tree, gem-based active skill system, and item crafting mechanics. PoE2 takes these elements and refines them, adding new layers of depth and strategic options.
One of the first things I noticed was the redesigned skill system, which feels both familiar and innovative. The core gem mechanic remains, allowing players to customize abilities with support gems, but there are new gem types and more fluid interactions that open up creative builds. The passive skill tree has been expanded and made more accessible without losing its strategic complexity, making it easier to plan builds while still rewarding deep knowledge.
Item crafting has also been enhanced, adding new crafting options that allow more precise control over gear customization. This deepens the loot chase and enhances the feeling of progression, making each upgrade or discovery feel meaningful.
The game also introduces new class archetypes and ascendancy options, expanding the possibilities for character builds and playstyles. The variety encourages experimentation, which is crucial in a game like this where every build can drastically change your experience.
Challenging, Yet Fair Gameplay
Path of Exile’s reputation has always been built on challenging gameplay, and PoE2 doesn’t disappoint. The game embraces difficulty and complexity without veering into frustration. The combat feels weighty and responsive, requiring tactical awareness and skill.
Enemies and bosses are varied and clever, with attack patterns and abilities that demand players to think on their feet. The balance between risk and reward remains a cornerstone of the experience, ensuring that every victory feels earned. This is a stark contrast to some modern ARPGs that lean towards more “casual” experiences — where difficulty is toned down in favor of accessibility.
For fans of the old-school Diablo II challenge, PoE2 offers a welcome return to form. It’s clear that Grinding Gear Games understands their core audience’s desire for a game that tests their skill and offers depth over flashy but shallow gameplay.
The Community and Player Base
Even in its early access stage, Path of Exile 2 has attracted an impressive player base, with concurrent players ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 since launch. This is remarkable given that the game is still unfinished and evolving.
The active community is vibrant and engaged, sharing builds, tips, and lore theories, as well as participating in the regular league content that Grinding Gear Games is known for. The developers continue to listen closely to player feedback, implementing changes and improvements at a rapid pace.
This community-driven development approach strengthens the game’s ecosystem and helps maintain longevity. It also shows the trust and respect between Grinding Gear Games and its player base, which has been cultivated over years of continuous support for the original Path of Exile.
Early Access: Pros and Cons
Playing Path of Exile 2 in early access is both exciting and, naturally, a little rough around the edges. The game is unfinished, which means occasional bugs, balance issues, and missing features. However, the current build is polished enough to offer a glimpse of what the full release promises.
The early access model also provides an opportunity to experience new content and systems firsthand, while the developers fine-tune the game based on real-world player data. This ongoing evolution means that what I’m playing today is likely to improve and expand considerably.
For players coming from other ARPGs, early access might feel a bit daunting due to the game’s complexity and learning curve. But for those who enjoy deep mechanics and hardcore gameplay, it’s a rewarding challenge.
Comparing PoE2 to Diablo Series
Coming from the Diablo series, PoE2 offers a distinctly different experience. Diablo III and IV have been criticized at times for being more streamlined and accessible, which some players feel waters down the intensity and depth of Diablo II.
Path of Exile’s ethos has been to channel the hardcore spirit of Diablo II rather than chase broader mainstream appeal. This means more complicated mechanics, less hand-holding, and a steeper learning curve, but also a richer gameplay experience for those willing to invest the time.
The narrative in PoE2 feels less cinematic than Diablo IV but more intricately woven into the world and gameplay. The loot system is more complex and rewarding, and the skill customization options are far broader.
Where Diablo focuses heavily on story-driven campaigns and polished cinematic moments, Path of Exile emphasizes player freedom, customization, and challenge — a difference that caters to different types of players within the ARPG community.
The Future of Path of Exile 2
As PoE2 continues its journey through early access, the future looks bright. Grinding Gear Games has demonstrated their commitment to creating a worthy successor that honors the original’s legacy while pushing the genre forward.
New content updates, balance tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements are on the horizon. The eventual full release will likely include more endgame content, expanded multiplayer features, and deeper storylines.
Given the enthusiastic reception so far and the active development pace, PoE2 is poised to become a cornerstone of the ARPG genre for years to come.
Conclusion
Path of Exile 2 is an ambitious sequel that exceeds expectations, even in early access. It respects its roots while boldly evolving gameplay, narrative, and visual fidelity. For fans of the original and newcomers alike — especially those with a love for complex, challenging ARPGs — POE 2 Currency offers a rich, rewarding adventure.
While it’s still unfinished, the early access experience is already immersive and compelling, and it’s easy to see why many players, including myself, have invested so much time into this evolving world. Whether you come from Diablo or are new to the genre, Path of Exile 2 promises to be a deep, satisfying journey into the dark heart of Wraeclast.