The wait is finally over. Path of Exile 2’s early access launch marks a pivotal moment for action RPG fans who’ve been eagerly watching its development since 2019. This isn’t just another sequel—it’s a complete reimagining of the franchise that made complex character-building and deep gameplay systems its hallmark. The game promises refined combat mechanics, a streamlined progression system, and an entirely new campaign, all while maintaining the depth that hardcore ARPG enthusiasts crave.
But does Path of Exile 2 deliver on these ambitious promises? Can it satisfy both veterans and newcomers alike? Let’s dive deep into what the early access version brings to the table and examine if it truly represents the next evolution of the ARPG genre.

Combat Evolution and Core Mechanics
Path of Exile 2 fundamentally changes how players approach combat, marking a significant departure from its predecessor’s fast-paced gameplay. The combat system now emphasizes tactical decision-making and precise timing over rapid button pressing.
New Combat Pacing and Dodge System
The game introduces a more deliberate combat rhythm, with the new dodge roll mechanic serving as its cornerstone. This defensive ability, bound to the space bar by default, provides brief invincibility frames and allows players to escape tight situations. Key features of the dodge roll include:
- Cannot be canceled once initiated
- Affected by movement speed
- Sets character unit size to zero during roll
- Allows escape through small gaps between enemies
Skill Gem Improvements
The skill system has undergone a complete overhaul, introducing uncut gems as the foundation for ability acquisition. Unlike the original game’s socket-dependent system, skills can now be freely modified with support gems regardless of gear constraints. Each skill starts with two support sockets, with the potential for expansion using Jeweler’s Orb.
Boss Fight Design Philosophy
Boss encounters in Path of Exile 2 embrace a souls-like approach, requiring players to defeat bosses in a single attempt without portal escapes. Each of the game’s 100+ boss fights features unique hand-animated sequences and carefully designed telegraphed attacks. The development team has prioritized fair hit detection and clear visual indicators, ensuring that feel deserved rather than cheap.
The combat evolution reflects a conscious decision to slow down the pace while maintaining engagement. Boss arenas feature precise hitboxes and telegraphed attacks, creating encounters that reward skill and observation rather than pure character stats. This new approach to combat creates a more methodical experience where every dodge roll and skill activation carries weight and consequence.
Character Progression Systems
Character progression in Path of Exile 2 represents a significant evolution in how players develop their characters, offering unprecedented flexibility while maintaining the depth the series is known for.
Streamlined Passive Skill Tree
The game features an expansive passive skill tree containing over 1,500 individual skills], structured around three primary attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. What sets this system apart is its innovative dual specialization feature, allowing players to allocate different sets of passives for two weapon loadouts. This flexibility enables players to maintain distinct builds simultaneously, such as having one setup for melee combat and another for ranged attacks.
The respecialization system has been completely overhauled, introducing a gold-based respec system available after Act 1. Players can visit the mysterious Hooded One to refund points, with a 50% discount on attribute node refunds, making build experimentation more accessible than ever.
Support Gem Integration
The new support gem system introduces 200 unique support gems designed to modify skill behaviors. Unlike its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 has streamlined the socket system, allowing players to:
- Directly integrate support gems into skill gems
- Upgrade support sockets through progression
- Create custom support gems through the gemcutting menu
Support gems can be acquired through multiple channels, with the most reliable sources being quest rewards and drops from rare and boss enemies. The system emphasizes mechanical modifications over raw damage increases, encouraging more creative build designs.
Build Customization Options
Character customization extends beyond just passive skills and gems. The game introduces 700 base item types, each offering unique build possibilities. While character appearance options are limited to name and class selection, the build diversity comes from the intricate interplay between:
Weapon Specialization: Players can develop distinct passive configurations for different weapon sets, enabling dynamic playstyle switching. This system allows for seamless transitions between different combat approaches without compromising effectiveness.
Spirit System Integration: The new spirit system works in conjunction with passive skills and support gems, adding another layer of customization to character builds. This integration creates opportunities for unique combinations that weren’t possible in the original game.
The progression system maintains depth while removing unnecessary complexity, creating a more accessible but equally engaging experience for both veterans and newcomers.
Early Access Content Analysis
Diving into Path of Exile 2’s early access reveals a substantial chunk of content, though clearly marked as a work in progress. The current build offers players approximately 60 hours of gameplay to reach the endgame content through multiple playthroughs.
Campaign Structure and Story
The early access version features the first three acts of the planned six-act campaign. Each act presents distinct environments and challenges: Act 1 explores the disease-ridden forests of Ogham, Act 2 traverses the crimson sands of Vastiri, and Act 3 delves into ancient Vaal ruins. To reach the endgame, players must complete these acts twice on increasing difficulty levels, reaching around level 45 on the first run.
Available Classes and Builds
The early access launch showcases six of the twelve planned classes, each offering unique playstyles:
- Warrior: Specializes in heavy armour and ground-slamming attacks
- Witch: Masters magic and minion summoning
- Ranger: Excels in bow combat and evasive maneuvers
- Sorceress: Wields elemental magic
- Mercenary: Utilizes unique crossbow mechanics
- Monk: Focuses on agile melee combat
Each class features two Ascendancy specializations at launch, with a third planned for the full release. The current build allows players to experiment with various build combinations through the passive skill tree and gem system.
Current Technical State
The early access version demonstrates both promise and expected growing pains. While the core systems are functional, players have reported various technical issues, including frame rate fluctuations and occasional progression-blocking bugs. The most notable current limitation is the unusually low drop rate for unique items, with some players reporting their first unique drop only after 60+ hours of gameplay.
The endgame systems show impressive depth despite the early access state. The Atlas system has been completely redesigned, featuring a procedurally generated map with multiple progression paths. Seven distinct endgame systems are currently available, including sequels to popular mechanics from the original game such as Breach, Ritual, Delirium, and Expedition.
Endgame Systems Deep Dive
The endgame experience in Path of Exile 2 centers around a completely reimagined Atlas system, offering players an infinite playground of customizable challenges and rewards. Upon completing Act 3 on Cruel difficulty around level 65, players gain access to this expansive endgame content.
Atlas Mapping System
The Atlas introduces a revolutionary approach to endgame progression through the Waystone system. Unlike traditional mapping systems, players use craftable Waystones to explore an ever-expanding territory. These Waystones can be modified with various currency items to enhance rewards and difficulty:
- Prefix modifications increase rewards and monster density
- Suffix modifications add challenges while boosting Waystone drop rates
- Crafted Waystones can contain up to 6 modifiers for rare variants
Challenge Mechanics
The endgame introduces several challenging mechanics that test players’ skills and build optimization. Approximately one in every four maps contains a boss encounter, making these fights significantly more impactful than in the original game. The system includes seven distinct endgame activities, each with its own progression path and unique challenges.
Key endgame activities include:
Activity | Core Feature | Notable Rewards |
---|---|---|
Breach | Demon invasions | Catalysts & Breach Rings |
Ritual | Sacrificial altars | Omens & crafting items |
Delirium | Reality-warping fog | Distilled Emotions |
Expedition | Archeological digs | Unique artifacts |
Reward Structure
The reward system intertwines with the Atlas’s passive skill tree, where players earn points by completing high-tier maps and defeating pinnacle bosses. Each endgame activity features its own dedicated passive tree section, allowing players to specialize in their preferred content.
The Precursor Tower system adds another layer of customization, allowing players to modify multiple adjacent map areas simultaneously. These modifications can create self-sustaining reward loops when properly configured, offering experienced players the opportunity to optimize their farming strategies.
Decease carries significant consequences in the Atlas, even in softcore mode. Dying in a map results in the loss of both the Waystone and any additional mechanics active in that area. This risk-reward system encourages careful build planning and tactical gameplay, making each successful map completion more meaningful.
Monetization and Value Proposition
Understanding Path of Exile 2’s monetization structure reveals a carefully balanced approach between early access funding and long-term sustainability. While the game will eventually become free-to-play, the current early access phase offers various entry points and rewards for early supporters.
Early Access Price Point
The entry barrier starts with the Basic Early Access Pack at $30, which includes the game access and 300 points for the in-game store. For those seeking additional value, the pricing tiers extend up to $480, with each tier offering increasingly substantial rewards. The pricing structure follows a strategic progression:
Tier Name | Price | Points | Extra Keys |
---|---|---|---|
Basic Access | $30 | 300 | 1 |
Lord of Ogham | $60 | 600 | 1 |
King of Faridun | $100 | 1000 | 1 |
Thaumaturge | $160 | 1600 | 2 |
Warlord | $240 | 2400 | 3 |
Liberator | $480 | 4800 | 5 |
Microtransaction Model
The game maintains the “ethical F2P” approach of its predecessor, with a microtransaction system that focuses purely on cosmetic items and quality-of-life features. Notable aspects include:
- Shared microtransactions between POE1 and POE2 where technically possible
- No pay-to-win elements, maintaining competitive integrity
- Optional stash tabs for inventory management convenience
Supporter Pack Benefits
Each tier of supporter packs offers an expanding collection of rewards, with higher tiers including all previous benefits. The Liberator of Wraeclast pack, priced at $480, represents the pinnacle of early access support, featuring:
- Exclusive armor sets and weapon effects
- Unique hideout decorations
- Special forum titles and portrait frames
- Physical merchandise including an art book and clothing
Notably, players who have spent over $480 on Path of Exile 1 automatically receive early access without additional purchase. The supporter pack system extends beyond mere cosmetics, offering practical benefits like additional game keys for friends and exclusive hideout decorations that enhance the social aspects of the game.
The monetization strategy reflects a commitment to maintaining the game’s long-term development while rewarding early supporters. Physical rewards are currently limited to PC players, though the digital benefits remain consistent across all platforms. For players concerned about value, the basic $30 entry point provides full access to all game content, with higher tiers primarily offering cosmetic enhancements and collector’s items.
Conclusion
Path of Exile 2’s early access release stands as a bold reimagining of the ARPG genre rather than a mere sequel. The tactical combat system, with its dodge rolls and deliberate pacing, marks a significant departure from the speed-focused gameplay of its predecessor. While some players might need time adjusting to this new approach, the refined mechanics create more engaging and meaningful encounters.
The game’s progression systems strike an impressive balance between accessibility and depth. Dual specialization and the streamlined passive tree allow creative build experimentation without sacrificing the complexity that made the original game special. The current three-act campaign, despite being a fraction of the planned content, already offers substantial gameplay value through multiple difficulty levels and seven distinct endgame systems.
The $30 entry point feels reasonable for the current content offering, especially considering the eventual free-to-play release. Though technical issues and drop rates need adjustment, Path of Exile 2 already shows tremendous potential. The development team’s commitment to fair monetization and regular updates suggests the game will only improve as it progresses toward full release.