When Grinding Gear Games announced Path of Exile 2, the gaming community braced itself for what felt like the sequel that could challenge giants like Diablo IV and breath some new life into the ‘looter’ genre. Now, with early access finally rolling out, it’s safe to say they have exceeded expectations. The buzz, the numbers, the gameplay—it’s all aligning to make Path of Exile 2 one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
A Seamless Evolution, Not Just a Sequel
One of the boldest moves Grinding Gear Games made with Path of Exile 2 was ditching the “hard reset” sequel model in favor of evolution. Players aren’t just jumping into a brand-new world—they’re getting a continuation that feels deeply connected to the first game, while also improving previous systems and implementing new ones.
From the updated visuals to the intricate new skill systems, PoE2 isn’t just catering to its hardcore audience; it’s opening the gates for a whole new wave of players. The skill gem overhaul is engaging. The revamped combat mechanics bring a level of polish to the genre. When devs listen to fans, it’s a beautiful thing. Seeing the wave of success the game is seeing, it feels like they poured through every Reddit complaint, Twitch rant, and forum wishlist and said, “Hold my health flask, we’re going make the best looter RPG the world has ever seen.”
Early Access Flex: Setting a New Standard
Early access for Path of Exile 2 is proving to be a case study in how to launch a game right. Instead of feeling like a glorified beta test, the experience is polished and rich, with just enough content to hook players while leaving them hungry for the full release.
Twitch numbers are through the roof, with streamers praising the game’s depth and rewarding mechanics. Grinding Gear Games understands that the success of an action RPG lies in its endgame. The bosses are brutal, the builds are insane, and the loot? A serotonin-inducing cascade of rewards that keeps you grinding late into the night. Streamers like Stroud and Gladd are all-in, pushing the game to its limits and showcasing powerful builds.
What’s Next?
If early access is any indication, Path of Exile 2 is set to dominate the ARPG space on full release. Grinding Gear Games has created something that feels like a true competitor to games like Diablo IV.
