PoE 2 Early Access Review: A Must-See ARPG Upgrade

Path of Exile 2 is here, and it's not just a sequel—it's a reimagining of what an action RPG can be. While the original Path of Exile could have easily continued as a "forever game," Grinding Gear Games decided to push the envelope, transforming what was initially planned as an expansion into a full-blown sequel. After spending time with the early access build, it's clear that Path of Exile 2 is more than just a fresh coat of paint—it's a polished, tactical, and visually stunning evolution of the genre. Here's everything you need to know before diving in.

At its core, Path of Exile 2 retains the DNA of the original: a dark, gritty world filled with hordes of monsters, loot galore, and a deep character customization system. But don't let the familiar surface fool you—this sequel introduces significant changes that elevate the experience.

The addition of a dodge roll might sound like a small change, but it fundamentally shifts how combat feels. No longer can you mindlessly spam abilities and expect to survive. Enemies have telegraphed attacks that require precise positioning and timing to avoid. This new layer of strategy makes every encounter feel more engaging, especially in boss fights, which now demand careful movement and planning.

The infamous passive skill tree is back, but it's been refined to be more beginner-friendly. While still complex, it's less punishing for newcomers, with fewer "beginner traps" and a clearer progression path. Skill gems, a defining feature of the original, have also been reworked. Instead of being tied to equipment, they now have their own dedicated menu, allowing for more flexibility and experimentation early on.

Path of Exile 2 is a feast for the eyes. The dark fantasy aesthetic is more vibrant and varied than ever, with each act offering unique environments and enemy designs. From gloomy fields to lush jungles, the game constantly introduces new visuals and mechanics to keep things fresh. The attention to detail in enemy animations and boss designs is particularly impressive, making every encounter feel distinct.

The campaign follows a familiar structure: you progress through a linear story, exploring randomly generated areas, battling enemies, and collecting loot. The story itself is serviceable—you're a condemned prisoner seeking revenge on the lord who sentenced you to death, with a Lovecraftian twist thrown in for good measure. While the narrative isn't groundbreaking, it serves its purpose by providing a compelling excuse to explore the world and slay monsters.

Boss fights are where Path of Exile 2 truly shines. With 50 unique bosses in the early access build (out of a planned 100), each encounter feels like a mini-event. These battles are heavily inspired by Souls-like games, with telegraphed attacks, multi-phase mechanics, and a heavy emphasis on dodging. The fights are challenging but fair, rewarding players who take the time to learn patterns and adapt their strategies.

Even in early access, Path of Exile 2 offers a robust endgame experience. The Atlas system, a fan-favorite from the original, is present and accounted for, providing endless opportunities for grinding and optimization. Each act takes around 8 hours to complete, and with six acts planned for the full release, there's plenty of content to keep players engaged.

One of the most impressive aspects of Path of Exile 2 is its seamless integration of both keyboard/mouse and controller inputs. The game feels equally at home on both platforms, with intuitive controls and a user interface that adapts to your preferred input method. Whether you're dodging with a spacebar or a controller button, the experience remains smooth and responsive.

While Path of Exile 2 is remarkably polished for an early access title, it's not without its quirks. Some minor bugs, like overlapping dialogue and occasional clipping issues, remind you that this is still a work in progress. However, these are far from game-breaking and are likely to be ironed out before the full release.

The bigger concern is the always-online requirement. Even in single-player mode, the game relies on central servers, which can lead to input lag and sluggishness. While this wasn't a major issue during early access, it remains to be seen how the servers will handle the influx of players at launch.

Like its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play, with monetization focused on cosmetic items and quality-of-life upgrades. Grinding Gear Games has a strong track record of fair monetization, and they've promised that the sequel will follow the same model. However, the in-game store wasn't accessible in the early access build, so it's hard to say for certain how it will be implemented.

The early access build offers a substantial amount of content, with three acts and a fully functional endgame system. At $30, it's a worthwhile investment for fans eager to dive in early. However, if you're content to wait, the full game will be free upon release, which is expected in about six months.

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to one of the most beloved ARPGs of all time. With its tactical combat, stunning visuals, and deep yet accessible systems, it's a game that both newcomers and veterans can enjoy. While the always-online requirement and early access quirks are minor drawbacks, they're far outweighed by the game's strengths.

If you're a fan of the genre, Path of Exile 2 is a must-play. Whether you jump in now or wait for the full release, one thing is certain: Wraeclast has never looked this good.

What are your thoughts on Path of Exile 2? Are you diving into early access, or will you wait for the full release? Let us know in the comments!