Path of Exile 2 Preview: A Soulslike Action RPG With Massive Potential
Grinding Gear Games’ Path of Exile 2 promises an immersive, Soulslike experience with intense difficulty, a lengthy campaign, and innovative mechanics, making it one of the most highly anticipated RPGs.
Grinding Gear Games’ upcoming free-to-play action role-playing game, Path of Exile 2, is shaping up to be a formidable entry in the RPG genre. Early impressions, including a review by YouTuber Fextralife, have highlighted the game’s challenging difficulty, intricate mechanics, and vast world, positioning it as a contender to join the ranks of legendary studios like FromSoftware and Larian Studios. Although Fextralife’s initial review was taken down, a mirrored version of the video is still available, providing players with a glimpse into the highly anticipated title.
A Gripping Soulslike Challenge
One of the standout features of Path of Exile 2 is its challenging difficulty, with Fextralife describing the game as “the Dark Souls of action RPGs.” The campaign is expected to last around 35 to 40 hours, with players encountering tough, punishing boss fights that demand skill and perseverance. Fextralife points out that the game offers no difficulty settings, a hallmark of Soulslike games that cater to players seeking a rewarding, high-stakes experience. The lack of hand-holding or catering to casual players ensures a truly demanding adventure, and those who conquer the game’s most difficult challenges will be rewarded with a deep sense of accomplishment.
An Artistic Masterpiece
The game’s dark-themed art direction draws clear inspiration from Diablo 2, with Fextralife praising the unparalleled attention to detail in everything from the skill effects to the boss designs. The content creator was particularly impressed by the dynamic combat mechanics, which stand out as some of the most intricate seen in the action RPG genre. These elements, combined with an atmospheric world and a compelling narrative, make Path of Exile 2 feel like a true successor to its predecessor, offering players a rich and detailed world to explore.
Expansive Maps and Limitless Possibilities
The size of the maps in Path of Exile 2 is another notable feature. Fextralife described the areas as astronomically large, with players taking up to an hour to traverse from one side to the other. While the expansiveness of the world is impressive, Fextralife did mention that some regions feel sparse in terms of events. Nevertheless, the sense of discovery remains strong throughout the game, with players able to explore a vast array of mechanics, builds, and lore. The game encourages experimentation, with nearly limitless combinations of character builds and an intuitive respec system that makes it easier for players to adapt their playstyle as they progress.
A Controller-Friendly Experience
Another key point Fextralife highlighted was the game’s user-friendly design for controllers. Path of Exile 2 feels like it was specifically crafted with console players in mind, offering smoother and more intuitive controls compared to other games in the genre, such as Diablo 4. This makes it accessible to a broader audience, allowing players to enjoy the game on their preferred platform without sacrificing gameplay quality.
