Is PoE2 More Accessible for New Players?

Path of Exile, known for its deep, complex systems and massive skill trees, has attracted a dedicated community over the years. However, the steep learning curve has also kept new players at bay, creating a reputation for being intimidating and sometimes overwhelming. As Grinding Gear Games (GGG) prepares to release Path of Exile 2 (PoE2), the question arises: will this sequel finally be more accessible to new players? Let's explore the key challenges and improvements GGG implements in PoE2 to create a more welcoming environment.

One of the biggest hurdles for new players in the original Path of Exile (PoE1) is its lack of early-game guidance. PoE1 is complex, with many intricate mechanics that players are expected to understand with minimal in-game support. From the very beginning, the game throws players into a world filled with hundreds of skill options, 1,300+ passive nodes, and several layers of customization. Many new players experience decision paralysis when faced with so many choices and often feel lost when trying to create a character build that works.

PoE1's systems are deep but poorly defined within the game itself, leading new players to seek help from wikis, third-party websites, or online tutorials to make sense of the game. This lack of in-game guidance has been a major frustration point, causing many players to drop off early on. And while many veterans love the game's complex nature, the lack of accessibility options for newcomers has deterred a larger, potentially casual audience.

Many players come into PoE hoping to create a specific type of character they may have seen in trailers or gameplay videos. However, once they start, they have no clear direction for building their character as envisioned. For instance, a player wanting to play as a necromancer might have no idea how to unlock the skeleton-summoning skills that define that archetype. Without an in-game guide, these players are left hoping that they will somehow unlock the skills they want, or they're forced to leave the game and search for information online.

This disjointed experience results in frustration and, for many, an early exit from the game. The transcript highlights this common experience, as even some of GGG's employees have shared stories of trying PoE1, dropping it due to confusion, and only later returning to appreciate it after dedicating time to learning its systems.

With PoE2, GGG seems committed to addressing many of these issues by focusing on in-game clarity and streamlining certain complex mechanics without compromising the game's depth. The most significant change comes with the new uncut gem system, which allows players to see all the skills available at each gem tier from the start. This system offers players a clearer roadmap of skill progression, making it much easier for new players to understand what skills they can unlock later on and how their character can develop over time.

For example, using the skeleton-summoning necromancer example, PoE2 will let players know from the beginning that “Skeleton Warriors” and “Skeleton Snipers” are available at Tier 1, and higher-tier gems will grant access to more powerful summons like “Skeleton Clerics.” This glimpse into the future abilities provides a clearer sense of progression, giving new players the excitement of anticipating powerful skills while also knowing how they will reach them.

One of the more divisive changes in PoE2 is decoupling skills from gear, meaning players no longer need to find specific gear with linked or colored sockets to equip skills. While some veterans may miss the challenge and decision-making that came with socketed gear, this change significantly lowers the barrier to entry for new players. Players will no longer struggle to find compatible gear for their skill setup; instead, they can focus on developing their builds without worrying about this additional layer of complexity.

The new system also allows PoE2 to suggest support gems that work well with the chosen active skill, offering players a nudge in the right direction without limiting their options. This guidance can help players make effective build decisions from the start, rather than requiring them to rely on external resources or guesswork.

GGG has also promised improved tutorials and in-game prompts for PoE2. These new player-friendly features will highlight important mechanics such as using flasks, dodging attacks, and utilizing the new gem system. For instance, many players in PoE1 fail to notice when their health is low and neglect to use flasks effectively, which is especially punishing in the early game. In response, PoE2 will implement subtle visual cues to indicate when health is low, allowing new players to grasp essential survival mechanics better.

Additionally, the new tutorials aim to guide players through the basics without overwhelming them, allowing new users to build a foundation of understanding. By ensuring that these tutorials don't interfere with the gameplay experience for veterans, PoE2 strikes a balance between accessibility and retaining the game's trademark complexity.

With PoE2 releasing as a standalone game, new players won't feel like they're lagging behind a decade of content and experience. The transcript notes that some players hesitated to try PoE1 because they felt intimidated by the game's extensive history and were worried about feeling left behind. PoE2 offers a chance for these players to start fresh, side-by-side with the established community, and enjoy a more unified experience.

GGG has shown a dedication to understanding new players' experiences by conducting extensive user testing with people unfamiliar with PoE. Observing how these testers interacted with game systems allowed GGG to make targeted improvements that better cater to first-time players. For example, testing revealed that many players didn't notice their health declining, leading GGG to implement clearer health alerts and other subtle prompts that cater to newcomers without detracting from the game's core.

While Path of Exile 2 will retain some complexity and continue to cater to hardcore players, the introduction of clearer skill progression, improved tutorials, and streamlined mechanics marks a significant shift toward accessibility. By balancing new-player guidance with the series' deep customization, PoE2 could broaden its audience while still satisfying long-time fans. PoE2's emphasis on in-game clarity and visual guidance suggests that it could become a more approachable entry into the ARPG genre, inviting new players to explore its rich, rewarding systems without feeling lost.

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