Path of Exile 2 (Early Access) Review: A Promising Evolution of the ARPG Genre
Grinding Gear Games / Grinding Gear Games
PC, PS5, Xbox X | S
December 2024 (Early Access)
Action RPG (ARPG)
Path of Exile 2's Early Access release delivers a compelling ARPG experience with satisfying combat, deep progression systems, and extensive build customization options. Despite being incomplete, it offers substantial content and regular updates that justify its $30 price point.
pros
- Impactful, satisfying combat mechanics
- Deep character customization and build variety
- Excellent visual and audio design
- Regular updates and developer communication
- Engaging progression systems
- Well-balanced initial campaign
- Active trading community
cons
- Some class balance issues (particularly melee)
- Endgame difficulty spikes
- RNG-heavy crafting system
- Technical issues (map loading screens)
- Limited campaign content in Early Access
- Steep learning curve for new players
Detailed Review
The game features three complete acts with approximately 20-30 hours of initial gameplay, followed by a second playthrough on increased difficulty. The endgame revolves around a mapping system with various activities like ritual, delirium, and expedition events. Combat feels weighty and impactful, while the progression systems offer deep customization through skill trees, gear modification, and class specializations (ascendancies).
The current build maintains a steady player base of 500,000+ daily concurrent users, with regular updates addressing community feedback. While some balance issues exist, particularly for melee classes and endgame content, the core gameplay loop remains engaging and rewarding.
Plateforms: PC (Steam, Standalone client), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S
Technical Performance
Performance Issues
- Map loading screen delays
- Occasional frame drops in dense combat scenarios
- Some server stability issues during peak hours
Minimum Requirements
OS: Windows 10 64-bit CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 or equivalent RAM: 8 GB GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or equivalent Storage: 50 GB available space Note: Exact system requirements may be adjusted throughout Early Access period.
Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or equivalent RAM: 16 GB GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or equivalent Storage: 50 GB SSD
Final Verdict
Path of Exile 2, even in Early Access, sets a high bar for ARPGs with its polished combat, deep systems, and regular content updates. While some balance issues and technical hiccups exist, the foundation is strong and promising for the full release.