Took a break over the weekend to try the new game Path of Exile 2 in early release and it’s hard to overstate how good it is out of the box compared to when Diablo 4 (D4) first launched. There are way less bugs and way more content. (not dumping on D4 here, enjoying both games and will continue playing both, if time permits)

Let’s break this down into 3 parts.

Game Difficulty

Now this is where the fun really is in my opinion. In D4 the main rule is that damage can solve all problems, making items the most important part of the game and with enough damage basically anyone can almost one shot the bosses in the standard content (except for pit pushing). PoE2 has a much better balance, and bosses cannot be one shotted in general making it necessary for players to have to dodge roll and run around more to avoid attacks. Dying a few times to the bosses is basically a requirement in PoE2 to learn the mechanics of each boss and how to avoid getting one shot.

This also makes the game much more enjoyable when the boss is finally defeated compared to D4, although many casual players may disagree and want easier content. PoE2 is meant to be harder game and supposed to set your heart racing for each boss encounter. (it’s not given the name on the internet, “Dark Souls of ARPG” for no reason)

Itemization and Gear

Diablo 2 is an old game in 2024 but conceptually, PoE2 sticks much closer to the original formula for gearing and itemization compared to D4 and I’m certainly having some nostalgia for how the items are upgraded in PoE2 which feels less wasteful. Then again D4 drops so many items that this isn’t really an issue as well but farming for items in D4 for the endgame is now mainly just a matter of grouping up in 4 to take turns running endgame bosses which after about 100-200 runs most players should have most of the endgame gear completed (which is quite boring).

In this aspect PoE2 is much harder to gear for then D4 but is also more rewarding when you do get the gear.

End game content

Now this is one of my main issues with Diablo4, as there are basically nothing to do at the end game besides continually farming the same bosses and dungeons for better gear. If GGG’s videos on youtube are to be believed, they know that this will be a problem for them as well and they will address the endgame issue even in this early release.

• PoE 2 Endgame Overview: Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) will launch with a robust endgame system, focusing on the Atlas, an infinite map that expands in all directions. Players will traverse these maps, clearing corruption, fighting powerful monsters, and obtaining loot.
• Campaign and Cruel Mode: Early Access will include Acts 1-3 and a “Cruel Mode,” where players replay these acts before reaching the endgame. This mode is designed to level up characters faster.
• Waystones: To enter maps, players need Waystones, which determine the tier and level of monsters. Crafting on Waystones can increase rewards and danger.
• Map Mechanics: Players will encounter various mechanics in maps, such as Precursor Artifacts (temporary buffs), Strongboxes (loot and monsters), and Essences (crafting items).
• Atlas Progression: Completing maps allows players to traverse further and unlock Atlas Passive Skill Points, which can be used on the Atlas Skill Tree to increase map danger and rewards.
• Towers and Precursor Tablets: Towers allow players to scout further into the Atlas and plan their journey. Precursor Tablets can be slotted into Towers to increase encounters in maps.
• Endgame Systems: PoE 2 will feature additional endgame systems like Breach, Ritual, Delirium, and Expedition, each with unique progression and exclusive loot.
• Trials and Pinnacle Bosses: Endgame trials extend character Ascendancy, and Pinnacle Bosses provide the ultimate challenge, requiring players to find keys and defeat faction bosses.

See https://mobalytics.gg/poe-2/guides/endgame-overview

Finally, I haven’t played enough of PoE2 to give a complete and definitive conclusion, but my first impressions are certainly very good and I will be playing both D4 and PoE2 moving forward for sure.