Overview
Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) from Grinding Gear Games arrived in Early Access as one of the most anticipated action-RPG releases in years. Building on the original Path of Exile's decade-long legacy, PoE2 isn't just an expansion — it's a reimagining of the formula from the ground up. The question is: does it live up to the hype, and is it ready to play right now?
What Path of Exile 2 Gets Right
Combat That Demands Engagement
If the original PoE rewarded players for exploding entire screens in a millisecond, PoE2 asks you to slow down and actually fight. Enemy telegraphs are visible, dodging matters, and positioning is relevant. The result is a combat system that feels more like a modern action game than a classic ARPG — in the best possible way.
A Stunning Visual Overhaul
PoE2 looks genuinely impressive. Environment design, lighting, and enemy animations are a massive step forward. The gothic horror aesthetic is richer and more detailed, and each of the six acts available in Early Access has a distinct visual identity.
Passive Skill Tree with More Clarity
The infamous passive tree returns, but with improvements to readability and meaningful restructuring around the new ascendancy system. New players will still find it overwhelming, but veterans will appreciate the deeper build paths.
Six Classes, All Distinct
The six Early Access classes — Warrior, Ranger, Witch, Sorceress, Mercenary, and Monk — each have genuinely different playstyles. The Monk in particular is a standout, bringing a fast-paced martial arts style that feels unlike anything in the original game.
What Still Needs Work
Endgame Is Incomplete (By Design)
This is an Early Access title, and the endgame map system is still being built out. Players who rush the story campaign will find less to do at the top end than in the full version of PoE1. This is expected, but it's worth knowing before you dive in.
Performance Issues on Launch
Early Access launch saw the usual server instability, and some players on older hardware reported frame drops in dense combat scenarios. These are likely to improve as patches roll out, but it's a consideration for lower-spec systems.
Loot Clarity
The loot system retains PoE's deep complexity, which is a feature for veterans but a wall for newcomers. Item affixes and crafting remain as cryptic as ever, and the game doesn't do enough to explain them.
Who Is PoE2 For?
- ARPG veterans who want a meatier, slower-paced combat experience than Diablo 4 — highly recommended.
- Original PoE fans — the changes are significant, but the depth and complexity remain. Most will love it.
- Casual players — PoE2 is demanding and complex. If you want a relaxed experience, this isn't it.
- New ARPG players — playable but expect a steep learning curve. Resources and community guides are plentiful.
Early Access Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Combat | Excellent |
| Visuals | Excellent |
| Build Depth | Very Good |
| Story | Good |
| Endgame (EA) | Developing |
| New Player Accessibility | Challenging |
Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2 in Early Access is already one of the best ARPGs available, even in its unfinished state. It makes bold design choices that pay off, and the full release promises to be a landmark game for the genre. If you enjoy deep, rewarding systems and challenging combat, it's absolutely worth playing now. If you're on the fence, waiting for full release is a perfectly reasonable choice.