Path of Exile 2 Early Access: Content Highlights and Key Changes

Path of Exile 2 has been a long-awaited sequel in the action RPG world, and its early access release on December 6 marks a major milestone for fans. While its launch faced multiple delays, the content packed into this early version promises to make the wait worthwhile.

Far from being a limited preview, the early access version offers an expansive experience, including the first three acts of the game, partial access to the endgame, and a wealth of new content. Players will explore advanced maps, experiment with six unique classes, unlock new gear and abilities, and earn Path of Exile 2 Currency through their adventures. Here's a detailed look at what’s new and what’s changed compared to the original.

Expanded and Engaging Main Story

The first Path of Exile offered a fragmented narrative experience, with lore hidden within dialogues and scattered items. In Path of Exile 2, storytelling takes center stage, creating a more immersive experience for players.

The game opens with a stunning cinematic sequence, introducing players to the backdrop of the narrative. Additional cutscenes and animations are interspersed throughout the story, enriching its coherence and accessibility.

The main storyline focuses on the pursuit of the Seed of Corruption, a mysterious artifact tied to the villainous Count of Ogham. Twenty years of peace have been shattered by his thirst for power, as he silences dissent and consolidates his rule. As the player, you are tasked with standing against him and uncovering the secrets of this corrupting force.

 

Welcoming Both New and Veteran Players

Path of Exile 2 strikes a balance that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. While veterans may face a learning curve as they adapt to new mechanics, fresh players often find the updated systems easier to grasp.

For seasoned players, familiarity with certain classes and mechanics from the first game provides a smoother transition. However, new players starting with Path of Exile 2 have the advantage of diving into a more polished and streamlined experience. The game ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy its offerings.

 

Introducing Cruel Difficulty

Early access brings a new challenge for players: Cruel difficulty. This mode offers an advanced experience for those looking to reach endgame levels before diving into the Atlas.

In this mode, players replay the campaign at a higher difficulty, with enemies and bosses scaling up alongside the player. This provides access to better loot and significant rewards, helping characters reach level 65, the starting point for endgame content.

However, Cruel difficulty is temporary. Once the remaining three acts are introduced, players will instead complete all six acts to unlock endgame content.

 

Why Endgame Content in Early Access?

Including endgame elements in early access might seem premature, but it addresses a critical demand from players. Endgame content is often the core focus for most players, offering long-term replayability. By providing access to endgame mechanics during early access, Path of Exile 2 ensures fans can get a taste of what’s to come without needing to complete the entire game.

That said, early access currently includes three of the six planned acts and a selection of seven endgame systems. This limited but substantial offering provides plenty to explore and master.

 

Significant Changes in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 is not just a sequel but an evolution of the franchise, introducing significant improvements and optimizations across the board.

 

Streamlined Currency System

The revamped currency system reduces the number of currency items needed for equipment upgrades while increasing the frequency of drops. Items with added modifiers are more common, making them readily available for immediate use during battles.

Players can also dismantle and recycle unwanted gear to earn additional Path of Exile Currency. Another notable change is the introduction of gold as a currency for merchants. Gold can now be used to purchase higher-quality items or respec passive trees, though the cost scales with your character's level.

 

Overhauled Gem Mechanics

The gem system has received a major overhaul for simplicity and flexibility. Players no longer need to manage an overwhelming inventory of different gems. Instead, uncut gems now stack until their properties are defined.

Additionally, skills are no longer tied to equipment. Each skill can independently slot up to five gems, providing more intuitive customization without the constraints of linking sockets. This change results in a much smoother and less cumbersome system compared to the original game.

Conclusion

Path of Exile 2’s early access delivers a deep and engaging experience, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary sequel. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, the game offers rich content, exciting changes, and an enticing glimpse into its future.

Prepare to embark on your journey starting December 6 and experience everything from revamped storytelling to endgame exploration. With so much to offer, Path of Exile 2 is poised to redefine the franchise for years to come.