Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the wildly popular free-to-play action RPG Path of Exile, has been garnering a lot of buzz lately. Developed by Grinding Gear Games in New Zealand, Path of Exile 2 aims to build upon the success of the original game with a brand new campaign, updated graphics, and fresh gameplay systems.
For the uninitiated, Path of Exile is a gritty, dark fantasy online action RPG known for its deep character customization, rewarding gameplay loops, and ethical free-to-play model without pay-to-win elements. Since its launch in 2013, it has amassed a huge following, consistently ranking among the most-played games on Steam.
Path of Exile emerged as a forefront in the ARPG genre since its release. In fact, some features of other ARPG games like Diablo 4 and Last Epoch took inspiration from Path of Exile.
Next Generation ARPG
Path of Exile 2 is billed as a true next-generation experience, featuring a new seven-act storyline set 20 years after the original campaign. The world of Wraeclast will be rendered in stunning new graphics, with over 100 distinct environments, 600 new monsters, and 100 bosses to battle.
While maintaining the core gameplay that made the first game so addictive, Path of Exile 2 will introduce major new systems like a revamped skill gem system with over 600 active skills and support gems to customize abilities. There will also be 12 new character classes at launch, each with three Ascendancy specializations, for a total of 36 subclasses to choose from.
Ranger Class Reveal
In their latest “GGG Live” livestream, Grinding Gear Games pulled back the curtain on one of these new classes – the agile Ranger. As Path of Exile 2’s pure dexterity-based archer, the Ranger will be able to move while shooting, making her a highly mobile fighter on the battlefield.
The Ranger will have access to a variety of new bow skills that take advantage of her agility, like Poisonburst Arrow, Lightning Arrow, and Frost Escape to freeze enemies. She can combo these abilities with new support gems like Neural Overload to stun foes with lightning damage.
Other revealed Ranger skills include Snipe for high single-target burst damage, Electrocuting Rod to lock down enemies, and a variety of poison and vine-based attacks. With her speed and crowd control potential, the Ranger seems poised to be a powerful and dynamic ranged fighter class.
Beta Delayed to Late 2024
While the Ranger class preview was an exciting reveal, Grinding Gear Games also had some disappointing news – Path of Exile 2’s previously announced beta has been delayed from its initial June 2024 date until later in the year.
“While we think we would be able to get the game’s content ready in time, we underestimated how long it will take to get gameplay polished to a standard we’re happy with,” the developers stated. An alpha test will still take place in June as planned, but the broader beta has been pushed back with no new firm date announced yet.
This delay allows the team more time to refine Path of Exile 2’s gameplay experience to meet their quality standards. It’s a tough but likely prudent decision, as the highly anticipated sequel needs to stick the landing after building so much hype.
Path of Exile: Necropolis Expansion
To tide fans over until Path of Exile 2 is ready, Grinding Gear Games also revealed details on the upcoming Path of Exile: Necropolis expansion for the original game, launching on March 29th.
The Necropolis expansion will introduce a new challenge league where players can capture the souls of fallen enemies to craft powerful items. It will also add new endgame tier 17 maps with difficult new bosses, reworked atlas passive trees, new skill gems, and more quality-of-life improvements.
I don’t know about you, but we are definitely playing these games on our handheld gaming devices and PC.
With the Path of Exile 2 beta now delayed until late 2024, the Necropolis expansion should give veteran players fresh content to enjoy while they await the long-awaited sequel.
FAQ
What is Path of Exile 2?
Path of Exile 2 is the upcoming sequel to the popular free-to-play action RPG Path of Exile, developed by Grinding Gear Games. It will feature a new 7-act campaign, updated graphics, 12 new character classes, over 600 active skills, and many other fresh gameplay systems.
What new class was revealed?
The Ranger, Path of Exile 2’s agile dexterity-based archer class, was revealed. She can move while shooting and has access to a variety of new bow skills like Lightning Arrow and Poisonburst Arrow.
When is the Path of Exile 2 beta?
The Path of Exile 2 beta has been delayed from its initial June 2024 date until later in the year, with no new date specified yet. An alpha test will still take place in June 2024.
What is the Path of Exile: Necropolis expansion?
An upcoming expansion for the original Path of Exile game, launching March 29th, 2024. It adds a new challenge league, tier 17 endgame maps, new skill gems, atlas tree changes, and more.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
