NO. 8 IN THE INDEX · ACTION RPG · CO-OP
Path of Exile 2
An action RPG with a passive tree the size of a continent.
By the editorial desk · Grinding Gear Games, 2024 · Steam version
Ascendant
Tier A · 85/100
THE VERDICT
Already essential for build lovers, even unfinished.
The sequel to the deepest loot game on PC slows the combat down, adds dodge rolls and makes every boss a real fight. Still in Early Access, and already one of the best action RPGs on Steam.
The ledger
- Developer
- Grinding Gear Games
- Publisher
- Grinding Gear Games
- Released
- 6 December 2024 (Early Access)
- Steam builds
- Windows
- Steam Deck
- Verified
- Modes
- Single-player, Online co-op
- Steam price
- $29.99
- Typical playtime
- ~40 hours
- Cost per hour
- ≈ $0.75
The world
Wraeclast is a land of exiles, corrupted gods and ruined empires, rendered in a grimy, painterly style. The story is functional; the setting and its bestiary are the draw.
Path of Exile 2 key art
The fight
More deliberate than the first game: dodge rolls, heavy attacks and bosses with readable patterns. Screens still explode with effects in the late game, but the campaign plays closer to a soulslike than a classic ARPG.
The build
The passive tree, skill gems and support gems allow builds no other game offers. It is also overwhelming: expect to read guides if you want to reach the endgame comfortably.
The trial
The campaign is tough and some bosses wall underpowered builds. The endgame is as hard as you want it to be.
The port
Demanding in busy fights and still being optimised in Early Access. Verified on Steam Deck, with full controller support. Online connection required.
Worthy
- Unmatched build depth
- Boss fights designed like a soulslike
- Gorgeous, grim art direction
- Co-op that shares loot sensibly
Unworthy
- Early Access: balance and performance still change
- Steep learning curve for the passive tree
- Online connection required
Who should enter
Theorycrafters and ARPG veterans who love planning builds. The $29.99 here is an Early Access supporter pack; the developer has said the full game will be free to play.
How the score was reached
- Combat 25%
- 90
- World & lore 25%
- 80
- Builds & systems 20%
- 98
- Fair challenge 15%
- 78
- PC port 15%
- 84
The highest Builds score in the codex.
Kindred worlds
Chosen for how they feel to play, not just the genre tag.
