Summary
Path of Exilehas often proved itself as a unique title in the ARPG genre. Iterated upon for years,Path of Exileoffered a far more mechanically deep and complex ARPG experience, massively setting itself apartfrom the more casualDiablotitles. This is a divisive factor, withPath of Exileoften being either adored or disdained for these design concepts.
Path of Exile 2aims to further solidify its unique position, both from the ARPG genre as a whole and from its predecessor. Some elements inPath of Exile 2are wholly different from the first game, setting them apart incredibly distinctly. These changes may be loved by some and hated by others, so defining what is an improvement is a very subjective factor. However,Path of Exile 2iterates upon and reworks some elements that even the biggestPath of Exilefans wanted to change. It is very important that veterans andnewcomers toPath of Exilealikeare aware of howPath of Exile 2improves upon its predecessor.
1Graphical Improvements
PoE Has Never Looked So Good
While ARPGs are played for their gameplay rather than graphical fidelity, players cannot deny the joy of a graphically impressive ARPG.Diablo 4is one recent example of high graphical fidelity in an ARPG, andPath of Exile 2has opted to follow in its footsteps.
Not only is the general graphical fidelity and lighting far better thanPath of Exile, level-design and art direction seem to have improved too. Each level is incredibly compelling to travel through, be they eerie forests or burning villages. These levels, coupled with the quality of the mobs, effects, and viscera ensure thatPath of Exile 2players are constantly in awe as they play through the game.
2Dodge Roll
An Extra Mechanical Layer
Path of Exilebuilds always had movement skills suggested, often synergizing with the rest of the build to provide active mechanical damage reduction. However, for new players or players early on in their builds, these movement skills were underwhelming or entirely absent.Path of Exile 2has remedied this issue.
Path of Exile 2includes adodge roll mechanicby default. This, coupled with more telegraphed mechanics on mobs and bosses, ensures that players can feasibly dodge a lot of incoming damage. There are skills to enhance this dodge roll. However, by default, all players will have access to this useful and intuitive mechanic.
3Fewer Loot Drops
Loot Is More Valuable
Path of Exileis famous for its immense number of loot drops that make loot filters almost mandatory. This can be overwhelming for newer players, and the requirement of a loot filter is seen as an unnecessary step for many players. Most players will not pick up 95% of the loot inPath of Exile, making the incredibly common loot drops feel unnecessary.
Path of Exile 2has stripped back the amount of loot that drops,meaning that for the early acts, a loot filter is not needed. This tends to mean that loot is more valuable and means more to the player given its rarity. While loot may be slightly too scarce right now, many players agree that the reduction in drops is an improvement overPath of Exile.
4Smaller Pack Density
Each Mob Means More
In a case similar to the number of loot drops,Path of Exileis known for levels and maps containing massive hordes of enemies that tend to be defeated very quickly. Only rare mobs and bosses tend to pose even the slightest threat, making the sheer number of mobs in each encounter seem superfluous.
Path of Exile 2has stripped back the overall density of mobs. While large crowds can still form, fewer, smaller, and more unnecessary mobs fill out these numbers. Instead,Path of Exile 2focuses on including fewer enemies overall, but more enemies with mechanics.
5WASD Movement
A New Way To Move
Path of Exileis controlled using mouse clicks, wherein the character goes wherever the mouse has clicked on the ground or has been dragged while holding left-click. This, despite being easy to learn, is often unintuitive for many players who are used to traditional control schemes.
Path of Exile 2has acknowledged the unintuitive nature and offers playersa choice between controlling movementwith the mouse or WASD. The use of WASD combined with the dodge roll mechanic modernizesPath of Exile 2and makes it feel very user-friendly when compared to the first game.
6Better Controller Support
Kick Back And Relax
As APRGs begin to appeal to larger audiences, with titles such asDiablo 4releasing on console and offering full controller support, the exclusivity of mouse and keyboard control schemes feels outdated. WhilePath of Exiledoes support the controller, it is by no means a flawless plug-and-play option.
Path of Exile 2has opted to remedy this, with each aspect of the game being made with both controller and keyboard and mouse in mind. This means that players can use their controller seamlessly and experience a far more laid-back experience inPath of Exile 2. In some instances, the use of a controller even feels like a preferred control method.
7No Gear Sockets
Socket Through A Menu
One of the larger confusing and unintuitive elements ofPath of Exilewas how skills and sockets worked. To utilize skills, players would have to socket color corresponding skill gems into gear sockets.For support gems, players would have to ensure their gear had the correct color sockets that were linked to the initial skill. This is a massive barrier to entry for newer players and is often considered cumbersome even by veterans of the game.
Path of Exile 2improves on this system tenfold, removing the requirement of gear socketing and allowing skills to be equippedthrough a skill gem menu. Each skill then has six associated sockets for support gems by default, meaning players do not have to hunt for the correct slots and links on their gear.
