Path of Exile 2 is leading the charge during a competitive weekend of free game launches on Steam. Despite anticipated server bottlenecks, the excitement for Grinding Gear Games’ sequel has been unstoppable, with players eagerly queuing for access.
Developed by the Auckland-based studio, Path of Exile 2 builds on its predecessor’s legacy, set two decades after the original’s debut in 2013. Players can dive into six diverse classes, Monk, Warrior, Ranger, Mercenary, Witch, and Sorceress. Each offering two ascendancy sub-roles.
The game boasts a sprawling Campaign that unlocks a rich endgame experience featuring distinct systems and an endlessly expanding Atlas of zones to explore alongside building upon the co-operative framework of the previous installment, offering a robust way for players to team up and experience the action RPG together with up to six people with crossplay enabled between all platforms.
The Early Access version packs an impressive punch: over 50 boss encounters, 400+ monster types, full cross-play, cross-progression, and even couch co-op across all platforms, PC via Steam and the Epic Game Store alongside both Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox consoles.
Additionally, the introduction of the Cruel Difficulty promises a grueling challenge for veterans replaying the Campaign. Early Access keys and supporter packs are available directly from the official Path of Exile 2 website.
A Massive Launch on Steam
As of right now, Path of Exile 2 hit an incredible peak of 539,149 concurrent players, securing its spot as the 15th most-played game on Steam, trailing only behind the likes of Apex Legends, Baldur’s Gate 3 and Hogwarts Legacy to name a few. It has also outpaced the recent hit Marvel Rivals, which peaked at 444,286 players just days earlier.
For perspective, this sequel has already more than doubled the original game’s all-time peak of 229,337 players despite only being in early access and requiring a $30 USD purchase.
Once fully released, the game will be entirely free-to-play, making this feat even more remarkable. Steam reviews are overwhelmingly positive, even from players grappling with login issues, highlighting the community’s immense anticipation.
Over a million accounts have redeemed Early Access, according to GGG, firmly positioning Path of Exile 2 as a serious rival to Blizzard’s Diablo series or, more accurately it’s the game Diablo 4 wishes it could be if Blizzard actually buckled down on providing consumers with entertaining products rather than fixating on political pandering.
Early reviews for Path of Exile 2 are overwhelmingly positive, with both players and critics commending the sequel for refining nearly every aspect of the original while staying true to its defining features, most notably the sprawling and intricate skill tree that has become synonymous with the franchise. Its depth, variety, and colossal scope have earned it a place as a standout entry in the action RPG genre.
However, it’s not a game for the faint of heart or those unprepared to dive deep into its complex systems.
The original Path of Exile earned a loyal following among hardcore players but also developed a reputation for its punishing learning curve and overwhelming complexity. So much so, fans cheekily nicknamed it “Path of Excel,” a nod to the spreadsheets and third-party tools often required to master the game.
Mastering the first Path of Exile often meant years of practice and deep immersion into its mechanics. Players relied heavily on external resources such as build planners, crafting simulators, and guides just to navigate the labyrinthine passive skill tree and optimize character builds effectively.
For those willing to put in the effort, the reward was an unparalleled level of customization and freedom. However, for newcomers, the sheer volume of information could feel impenetrable, acting as both a barrier to entry and a badge of honor for veterans.
With Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has worked to balance accessibility with depth, aiming to welcome new players while preserving the complexity that fans adore. Whether they’ve succeeded in bridging the gap remains to be seen, but the franchise’s legacy as a rewarding challenge for those who dare tackle it remains firmly intact.
This level of depth was both a magnet for dedicated players and a hurdle for newcomers. For hardcore fans, Path of Exile offered unparalleled customization and replayability, rewarding those who invested the time to master its intricacies. But for casual or inexperienced players, its complexity could feel like an impenetrable wall. Even small mistakes in character builds often led to significant setbacks, leaving many first-timers reliant on guides and community support to navigate the game effectively.
With Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has aimed to strike a better balance. While the sequel retains its iconic, sprawling skill tree and other signature features, it also introduces streamlining efforts to make the game more approachable. Yet, the complexity that defines the franchise remains intact, meaning that newcomers and even some veterans should still expect a steep learning curve.
This isn’t the sort of action RPG for casual gaming sessions. If you’re looking for something more accessible, Last Epoch serves as a perfect middle ground between Diablo and Path of Exile’s depth.
That said, as with most Early Access games, Path of Exile 2 comes with its own set of challenges. Despite its impressive peak player counts and positive reception, the Early Access phase has been plagued by bugs, glitches, and significant server issues. Login queues and disconnections have been frequent as the game’s infrastructure struggles to handle the overwhelming demand leading to queues in the tens of thousands.
For those excited to jump in, the enthusiasm is understandable, but patience may pay off. Waiting a few months for updates or even longer for the full release can help you avoid the frustrations that often accompany Early Access titles. By then, Grinding Gear Games is likely to have addressed many of these growing pains, delivering a far more polished, stable, and enjoyable experience.
It’s also worth noting that Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play upon its official release. While the $30 Early Access fee includes exclusive supporter packs and early entry, it’s not a necessary investment, especially if you’d prefer to bypass the current bugs and server troubles. Grinding Gear Games does have a proven track record however so there’s barely any risk choosing to dive in well before its official release but still.
Ultimately, Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a defining moment for the action RPG genre. However, the smoothest and most fulfilling journey through Wraeclast will likely come after the full release, when the infrastructure is refined, and the game has reached its final form.
