Path of Exile 2 Crossplay and Combat Upgrades—A New Era for ARPGs
Path of Exile, developed and published by Grinding Gear Games (GGG), has firmly established itself as a cornerstone in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre. Now, GGG is set to elevate the gaming experience with the much-anticipated standalone sequel, Path of Exile 2. This free-to-play sequel promises to introduce significant enhancements that take the ARPG experience to the next level. With a blend of innovative features and refined mechanics, Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a remarkable evolution of its predecessor.
Path of Exile 2: A New Adventure That Stands on Its Own
Path of Exile 2 is not merely an expansion, but a standalone sequel. GGG introduces extensive changes and improvements without being constrained by the original game's framework. As a standalone title, Path of Exile 2 offers a fresh start for both new and returning players, providing a comprehensive and cohesive experience.
The plot of Path of Exile 2 continues the narrative of the first game, following the aftermath of the Cataclysm. Players will navigate a world that’s been irrevocably changed, encountering new characters, factions, and threats. The story is woven through a six-act campaign, each act offering unique challenges and environments that contribute to the overarching narrative.
Crossplay: Bridging Platforms and Players
One of the most notable enhancements in Path of Exile 2 is the introduction of crossplay. Unlike the original Path of Exile game, which confined players to their respective platforms, Path of Exile 2 allows players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S to team up and enjoy the game together.
With the couch co-op feature, gamers can play collaboratively on one account or log in with two distinct accounts on the same platform. The ability to play with friends on different platforms enhances the social and cooperative aspects of the game, making it more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience. Additionally, with cross-progression gamers don’t lose their previous progress when they log in and play Path of Exile 2 on a different machine.
Path of Exile 2 crossplay ensures that matchmaking is quicker and more efficient, as the pool of available players is significantly larger. This is particularly beneficial for endgame content, where having a full party is often essential for tackling the most challenging encounters.
With the Path of Exile 2 release date (Early Access) moved from November 15 to December 6, 2024, players will have to wait a bit longer to experience these enhancements. However, the extra time allows GGG to work on server-side infrastructure issues, ensuring a better launch experience.
For those planning to play on PC, the Nitro V 14 Gaming Laptop is a great option, offering powerful performance to handle the new Path of Exile game's requirements. Desktop and console players can enhance their experience with Acer's 31.5" Predator X32 X Gaming Monitor, which provides stunning visuals and a smooth gaming experience.
Path of Exile 2 Classes
One of the standout features of Path of Exile 2 is its diverse array of twelve character classes, based on Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Each class offers unique playstyles and abilities, catering to a wide range of preferences. The Ascendancy system further enhances customization, providing 36 total options for specializing characters. This level of customization allows players to create highly personalized builds, adding depth and replayability to the game.
There are six entirely new character classes, namely:
- Monk: Excels in agile melee combat, using swift attacks and elemental energies to outmaneuver and overwhelm foes.
- Huntress: Specializes in ranged combat with spears and bows, delivering precise damage while controlling the battlefield with strategic placements.
- Mercenary: A versatile, crossbow-wielding class inflicting highly damaging shots that can pierce armor, with plenty of skills to control crowds.
- Druid: A combination of melee and spellcasting, this class harnesses nature's power, shapeshifting into animal forms and unleashing offensive nature-based abilities.
- Warrior: Embodies brute strength and resilience, thriving in close quarters combat with powerful mace attacks.
- Sorceress: Wields powerful elemental magic, casting devastating spells to obliterate enemies from a distance with a focus on area control.
Combat Upgrades
In addition to new character classes, Path of Exile 2 features an overhaul of its combat system. The introduction of a dodge roll mechanic—with no cooldown—adds a layer of agility previously absent in the original game. Players can now evade attacks more fluidly, enhancing the overall combat experience. This mechanic allows for more dynamic encounters where positioning and timing become crucial elements in combat strategy.
Weapon switching is another crucial addition. Building on the first game, players can now assign specific skills to their equipped weapons. Additionally, passive skill points can be allocated to each weapon slot, allowing for specialization—for instance, one slot could focus on ice skills while the other supports lightning spells—encouraging diverse build possibilities. Moreover, there are hundreds of equipment base types waiting to be found all over Wraeclast.
When it comes to leagues, the new Path of Exile game will follow a 13-week cycle, allowing players to start new seasonal characters from level one, with no prior items or progression. Each league introduces unique mechanics and balance changes, alongside new skill gems. The first Path of Exile game will continue with a staggered league schedule, enabling players to engage with both games.
After completing the six-act campaign in Path of Exile 2, players will unlock the endgame, which features more than 100 maps. Each map comes with unique boss fights and modifiers that reimagine elements from previous leagues in Path of Exile.
Dual Specialization Skill Tree
In Path of Exile 2, the passive skill tree has undergone significant changes compared to the original game. Besides having more than 1,500 skills for extensive gameplay customization, it also features a new dual specialization system that allows players to assign passive points to two distinct skill sets. These skills activate based on the weapon or skill type in use and automatically apply when players swap between different types of attacks. However, it's worth noting that larger weapons can take longer to swap, rendering a character more vulnerable to damage from enemies.
The Skill Gem system has also undergone significant changes. Skill Gems are now more integrated into character builds, allowing for greater customization and synergy between skills. Players can experiment with different combinations to create powerful builds that suit their playstyle. Up to five Support Gems can be directly applied to Skill Gems, greatly modifying the skill's power and mechanics.
Upcoming Announcements for Path of Exile
Following the announcement of the new Early Access date for Path of Exile 2, GGG announced plans to unveil the 3.26 expansion for Path of Exile 1 in early 2025. This expansion is expected to bring fresh content and features, further enriching the game experience for dedicated players. Additionally, the ongoing Settlers of Kalguur league will be extended into early 2025, providing more time to explore its unique mechanics and challenges. The planned expansions for both Path of Exile games will be free to play, and no payment is required to win.
Sign up for the Acer Corner Email Digest and receive news and insights about gaming, gadgets, AI, and the tech-rich lifestyle.
Recommended Products
Nitro V 14 | 
Predator X32 X | 
Predator Orion 5000 |
|---|---|---|
About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn't writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Introducing: Email Digest
Every week, we’ll bring you the top 5 trending topics from our Acer Corner.
| Find out how |
Socials
|
|
|
|
