Summary
The fact thatPath of Exile 2was originally meant to be an expansion forPath of Exileand is instead launching as a full-sized game says a lot about its character. First and foremost,Path of Exile 2wants to fundamentally remain the same as its predecessor to leave the door open for veterans. However, despite being a sequel,Path of Exile 2is also a standalone gamemeant to attract newcomers, which means many of the most dated elements of the first game have been changed and refined, including its combat.
Specifically, the pacing ofPath of Exile 2’s combat has significantly changed from the first game. Veteran players who spent years with the originalPath of Exilehave likely become more than familiar with the speed of its combat, but that has all mostly been thrown out the window inPath of Exile 2— arguably, for the better — as it encourages its players to fight smarter, not harder.
Path of Exile 2’s Combat Pace Has Changed Since the First Game
The First Path of Exile Featured Rapid, Explosive, Often Thoughtless Combat
Combat in the firstPath of Exilehas often been described as fast-paced and explosive, largely due to the focus on quick attacks and large-scale crowd control. Thanks to the ability players have inPath of Exileto stack damage through linked Skill Gems and essentially create full rotations that are triggered with the press of a single button, it’s possible for players to unleash powerful combos for relentless attacks. While it’s certainly hectic, it can be fun. However, as long as players build their character appropriately, they can reach a point where clearing dungeons and open areas requires as little thought as possible, thereby potentially decreasing the fun factor in the process.
Path of Exile 2’s Combat Is Much Slower and More Deliberate
Unlike the firstPath of Exile,Path of Exile 2features much slower and more deliberate combat pacing. Much of this is realized in the addition of a dodge roll ability, which is a simultaneous trade-off for difficulty inPath of Exile 2. The presence of a dodge roll ability inPath of Exile 2when there wasn’t one in the first game implies that players will need to be more actively engaged in combat in the sequel, and anticipating every move of their enemies — especially when it comes toPath of Exile 2’s boss fights.
InPath of Exile 2, it is almost never possible for players to mindlessly mow over enemies as they potentially could in the first game, let alone even attempt to avoid them altogether. As players make their way through the narrow corridors ofPath of Exile 2’s dungeons, they are likely to quickly learn that any approaching wave of enemies needs to be dealt with rather than ignored, lest players meet a quick and senseless end. This, in and of itself, drastically slows the pacing ofPath of Exile 2’s combat in comparison to its predecessor, as players are largely unable to move quickly while simultaneously executing attacks as they could before.
The presence of a dodge roll ability inPath of Exile 2when there wasn’t one in the first game implies that players will need to be more actively engaged in combat in the sequel, and anticipating every move of their enemies.
In reality, this slower pace works inPath of Exile 2’s favor, as modern culture all but demands that any form of entertainment be actively engaging. If a YouTube video needs to be able to grab and maintain someone’s attention within its first ten seconds, then gamers need games that keep them involved.Path of Exile 2accomplishes this in its more deliberate combat pacing by introducing mechanics that require players to focus on precise movement and timing. Rather than relying on dealing an overwhelming amount of damage to their enemies, players are pushed to react tactically, position themselves well, anddodge when necessary inPath of Exile 2.
Path of Exile II
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more. Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
