Path of Exile 2is a sequel to the original game, expanding on not only the world of Wraeclast but also many of the first game’s systems and mechanics, while also adding a few new things to discover. While the games are very similar at first glance, there are plenty of changes that make the games feel completely different to play.
Both games will be updated simultaneously, so ultimately it’s down to personal preference of which you want to play. That said, some of the additions and changes in Path of Exile 2 will be hard to go back on once you’ve had the chance to experience them. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most impactful changes to the game in this sequel.
7Reworked Skill Gem System
Perhaps the biggest change in Path of Exile 2 is the complete reworking ofthe Skill Gem system. In the first game, you would get dozens of different Skill Gems that you would have to slot into your gear, which would then provide the skills you could use in combat. To increase the effectiveness of that skill, you would need gear with linked slots to slot in Support Gems.
In Path of Exile 2, this system works completely differently. Now, you get Uncut Skill Gems, which can then be turned into any skill of your choice and equipped to your hotbar. Every Skill can be linked to Support Gems regardless of your gear, giving you much greater gearing flexibility.
6More Distinct Class Identity
In line with the Skill Gem changes, each class in Path of Exile 2 has a more distinct identity, mainly due to the distinct weapon types that align with each skill. For example, the Mercenary’s default weapon, the Crossbow, has access to a variety of Bolt skills that change the type of ammo the weapon fires.
These can only be used with the Crossbow, giving the Mercenary a unique playstyle compared to the other classes. Of course, you don’t have to use the default weapon of your class, allowing you to build your character in whatever way you want, similar to the first game. This change works to improve the overall accessibility of the game for new players.
The original Path of Exile was unique in that all trading was done using currency items that had other uses. Both NPCs and player trades were conducted using only item currencies, but this has been slightly changed in the sequel.
Now, gold can be collected and spent for trades with NPCs or for various aspects likerespeccing your Skill Tree, while trades with other players will still use item currencies. This means if you have no intention of trading with other players, like if you’re playing a Solo Self-Found character, you may keep all your currencies for yourself to use as necessary, and spend gold on important items.
4Updated Movement
Movement in general has also been significantly overhauled in Path of Exile 2. Now, in addition to the classic mouse-style control scheme, you can also use WASD movement. This is perfect for classes like the Mercenary or Ranger that can attack while moving, giving you a bit more control over your mobility options.
Additionally, Path of Exile 2 now has player and enemy collision. This means that when you run into an enemy or another player, you will be physically blocked; two entities can’t phase through one another. Player collision greatly impacts the feel of the game, and will make you take greater consideration when making your way through the world.
3The Dodge Roll
When discussing Path of Exile 2’s updated movement mechanics, you can’t not mention the dodge roll. This is one of the most significant updates to the game, and dictates many other game mechanics, including the overall slower pace of the combat and more engaging boss fights, which we’ll take a deeper look at later.
The dodge roll is quite literally game-changing. While slow on its own, it is primarily used to avoid incoming attacks. If the game were any faster, you wouldn’t be able to use the dodge roll in any significant capacity; it’s only thanks to the game’s overall slower pace that the dodge roll can shine, bringing an additional layer to every encounter.
2Slower-Paced Combat
As mentioned above, Path of Exile 2 is overall a slower game than the original Path of Exile. For the most part, this is an intentional design decision, but it’s also in part due to the lack of years of updates to the game that tend to speed things up over time.
Combat is weightier, player movement is slower, bosses have slow, telegraphed attacks, and even leveling takes more time. All of these aspects combine to make Path of Exile 2 a more methodical and intentional game, where you are slowly making your way through the game, steadily increasing in power.
1More Engaging Boss Fights
To that end, the bosses in Path of Exile 2 are much more engaging to fight. Rather than spamming attacks whose only counter is to have enough health and resistances to survive, every boss encounter in PoE2 has a specific and intentional strategy, that when executed correctly, will guarantee victory.
This means that PoE2’sboss fights are a lot more skill-dependent, which definitely makes them harder, but all the more satisfying when you finally come out victorious. Path of Exile 2’s slower design philosophy is on full display during its boss fights, which are better than ever in the sequel. Plus, there’s over a hundred of them.
