Path of Exile 2: New Free ARPG – First Impressions

I’ve never truly engaged with Path of Exile. I gave the free-to-play ARPG a shot years ago, but it didn’t stick. The complexity overwhelmed me. The menus, the skill tree, the sheer volume of item stats – it felt like too much. However, with Path of Exile 2 offering a free weekend, I decided to give it another go. I downloaded it, jumped in, and surprisingly, everything clicked. Now I understand the decade-long obsession. The hype is justified.

Right from the start, Path of Exile 2 feels more accessible to newcomers like myself. It gently guides you in with story elements, tutorials, and concise cinematics, assuming no prior knowledge. The controls felt precise and responsive, and the animations had a satisfying impact. Each arrow I fired felt powerful. (I played as the Huntress.)

The combat is what truly won me over. Compared to what I’ve seen of the original, this sequel feels faster and more visceral. Dodging, parrying, and timing attacks had a definite Soulslike feel. Encounters weren’t just about mindlessly spamming abilities; they required positioning, reflexes, and awareness. Even early bosses had mechanics that demanded attention instead of simple face-tanking. It felt refreshing in a genre often dominated by mindless clicking.

The visuals are also noteworthy. I always found the original Path of Exile to look dated, despite its gothic charm, but Path of Exile 2 is stunning. The lighting, environmental details, and effects bring the world to life in a way I didn’t expect. One moment I was navigating a misty swamp with gnarled trees, and the next I was exploring a cavern illuminated by crystal light reflected in puddles. It’s not just good for an ARPG; it’s genuinely atmospheric and immersive. Even the camera, crucial for games like this, worked perfectly.

Then there’s the skill system, notorious in Path of Exile. In the first game, skills were tied to gear, making experimentation daunting. Path of Exile 2 addresses this. Skills now have their own slot system, separate from equipment, allowing me to freely experiment with abilities without constantly rearranging my gear. I didn’t feel like I was ruining my character every time I tried something new. For someone who values experimentation over min-maxing, this change was significant.

Of course, loot remains central to the game. Monsters, bosses, and chests showered me with gear, and while I don’t yet fully understand the intricacies of mods and crafting, I never felt like I needed to. There’s still incredible depth for those who want it. The infamous passive skill tree is back, and looking at it did make my head spin a bit. But importantly, Path of Exile 2 allows you to ignore it initially. You can play casually and feel powerful, or you can delve into spreadsheets and theorycrafting if that’s your thing.

The game is remarkably approachable. The complexity is still there, but Path of Exile 2 doesn’t force it upon you. Instead, it invites you in, lets you enjoy yourself, and trusts that curiosity will eventually drive you deeper. It’s a smart design choice, and it works effectively.

When the free weekend ended, I was disappointed. I wanted to keep playing. Path of Exile 2 has converted me into a believer. If this weekend was intended to win over skeptics, I’d say mission accomplished. I’m already eager to jump back in when the game officially launches.