Summary
- Path of Exile 2 by Grinding Gear Games is shaping up to be a standalone sequel with new character classes like the Mercenary and Druid.
- The release date for Path of Exile 2 is uncertain, but striking before Diablo 4's upcoming expansion could benefit its player base.
- While Diablo 4 faces criticism for various shortcomings, Path of Exile 2 has the opportunity to capitalize on the ARPG market.
Path of Exile 2, the upcoming sequel to the hit free-to-play ARPG, is currently in development by Grinding Gear Games and aims to improve upon its predecessor in a variety of ways, including the addition of brand-new character classes like the Mercenary and Druid. While it was originally announced as a large update to the first game, Grinding Gear chose instead to make Path of Exile 2 a standalone sequel, so fans can expect a significantly different game once it arrives.
Currently, there is no release date set for Path of Exile 2, but it is expected to arrive no sooner than 2025. However, 2024 is arguably the best time for it to release, in light of its current competition's negative reputation and the positive impact that players looking for another ARPG to play could have on Path of Exile 2's release. In light of that, Path of Exile 2 may want to strike while the iron is hot and release sooner rather than later if it can to take advantage of a potentially large player count right off the bat.
Path of Exile 2's Druid Can't Fall into the Same Trap as Diablo 4's
Diablo 4's Druid has endured criticism for its lackluster performance, and Path of Exile 2 needs to change Blizzard's formula to find success.
Why Path of Exile 2 Should Launch Sooner Rather Than Later
Path of Exile 2's Main Competition Is Currently on a Downhill Slope
While there are a decent number of high-quality ARPGs on the market, one currently stands above the rest: Blizzard's Diablo 4. Despite being one of the best — if not the best — ARPGs available, many fans of the Diablo franchise have found themselves abandoning the game in search of something else. Before its full release, Diablo 4 saw an influx of both veteran players and newcomers, with a large portion of the community even going so far as to say that it would be a "Destiny killer." Unfortunately for Diablo's latest installment, that has not been the case.
After players spent a significant amount of time with Diablo 4, they began to pick up on its noticeable shortcomings. Firstly, some fans have regarded Diablo 4's story as falling short of those of its predecessors, with many pointing out problems with its pacing and underwhelming final act. Secondly, the fan base at large has expressed frustrations with certain quality-of-life features, like its challenging level scaling, unfulfilling exploration, and inventory and stash management. Finally, Diablo 4's endgame grind has been widely considered dull and mundane, which has led to many of its players leaving it for better experiences. While all of this is certainly bad news for Diablo 4, it doubles as something that Path of Exile 2 could capitalize on if it were to release this year.
Diablo 4 Could See a Resurgence With Its Upcoming Expansion
Despite the downhill slope that it is currently on, Diablo 4 has an upcoming expansion that could turn the tide for it. Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred is a paid expansion for the game that is currently set for release sometime in late 2024. The expansion aims to bring a host of updates to the game, including a new story, a new location, a new Diablo 4 class, and several class changes. Fans are also hoping they could see some quality-of-life improvements made to the base game in the process, but it's too soon to tell. In light of this, Path of Exile 2 could miss its best release window if Vessel of Hatred ends up renewing interest in Diablo 4.
As Vessel of Hatred is set for release in late 2024, that could put its release anywhere from September to December. At the moment, Path of Exile 2 has a closed beta event scheduled for June 7, so it's unlikely the game will launch soon after that. However, it can't be denied that releasing it before or shortly after Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred would be the best thing for it. Still, expectations are high for Path of Exile 2, regardless of when it finally launches.
Path of Exile II
- Released
- December 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 takes place in the land of Wraeclast, a dark continent populated by unique cultures, ancient secrets, and monstrous dangers. A sinister threat, long thought destroyed, has begun creeping back on the edge of civilisation, driving people mad and sickening the land with Corruption.
Path of Exile 2 features a brand new campaign with six acts, 100 distinct environments, 600 monsters and 100 bosses.
Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more.
Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
- Developer(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Publisher(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash, MMORPG
