Path of Exile 2 Will Be A BIG Standalone Sequel

During ExileCon 2023 developer Grinding Gear Games revealed that the sequel, Path of Exile 2 will be a full standalone game.

Path of Exile 2 Will Be A BIG Standalone Sequel

Path of Exile 2 will no longer be an expansion of the first game according to developer Grinding Gear Games. Over the weekend at ExileCon 2023, the developer revealed just how big the game has gotten. Originally announced in 2019 to be an extension of POE1, the scope of the project has grown making it a full-blown sequel with its closed beta on June 7th 2024.

Originally, the game was meant to be a part of Path of Exile 1, with the client containing both campaigns. As GGG continued to work on the game, it’s become so big it’s now its very own standalone sequel. This means a whole new campaign, new enemies, classes, mechanics and more.

But Path of Exile 2’s scope has continued to grow and grow. It’s far more than just an expansion with a new campaign, it’s entirely new monsters, skills, mechanics, classes, everything you would expect from the next generation of action RPGs. Not to even mention revamps of most of the Path of Exile 1 league content. This thing is freaking huge.
Path of Exile 2 director – Jonathan Rogers

Both Games Fully Supported

This outcome is a result of also realising that they’d be doing away with POE1, ultimately “destroying a game that people love for no reason”. Path of Exile 2 will also feature its own leagues. Even though now the plan is to have it as a separate game it will still be a “shared platform”. What that means is that microtransactions previously bought will translate to the sequel and visa versa within reason. Obviously, not all microtransactions will be backwards compatible. A bear skin used in the sequel won’t be applicable in POE1 as there is no bear form.

Path of Exile 2 is the continuation of the first game’s story. This means POE1 story content will wind down, and then will focus more on league content. The sequel is going to be pretty huge with 100 bosses to battle each with unique mechanics to master. Six acts with 600 monsters to meet.

New Classes – Six More

There will be six new classes introduced, together with the original makes 12 total in Path of Exile 2. New classes are Sorceress, Monk, Huntress, Mercenary, Warrior and Druid. New ascendancies are also coming, with three for each class totalling 36 to choose from.

A demo previewed the Monk class which uses a skill called the “Killing Palm” used to take out enemies and power the Monk’s charges. To help push back foes, the “Wind Blast” creates space between them and the player’s character. The “Ice Palm” places a frost bomb.

Also highlighted was the Sorceress, who uses elemental powers as her destruction. “Spark” pings off walls in small areas. “Ice Nova” is used to slow down those in her path.

Each attribute combo has two classes related to it. For example, Strength/Intelligence is connected to Templar or the Druid. While Dexterity is tied to Ranger and Huntress. Dexterity/ Intelligence on the other hand is related to Shadow and the Monk. Speaking of the Monk, this class is on the more mobile side in terms of melee. Favouring movement and strength.

New Mechanics – Dodgeroll

One major new mechanic is that defeating bosses will give players permanent stat bonuses. Expect to also now be able to use freeze on bosses as a crowd control mechanic. Players will need to build up a freeze, stun or depending on what CC they are using. It’s compared to how Elden Ring‘s Poise works. However, Path of Exile 2’s internal metres will be on the smaller side. Adding some further movement, all characters have the ability to dodge roll, which can cancel a skill at any time. A new resource will be introduced called “Spirit”. This resource will be used for ongoing effects.

The skill gem system is getting a makeover where links are part of the gems themselves rather than equipment. Meta gems are gems that have other gems socked into them. New skills will enable shapeshifting into bears, wolves, and even cats.

While the game won’t be having its public beta until mid-2024, GGG promises a closer look at the game’s demo at Gamescom. Path of Exile 2 will be launching on PC, Xbox Series and PS5.

What do you think about Path of Exile 2 being a standalone? Let us know in the comments below.

For a rundown of RPG news find it here in This Week in RPGs – July 30th, 2023.