Path of Exile 2 Early Access Review | Exactly what a modern ARPG should be

When Path of Exile launched in 2013, it was a revelation. Garnering critical acclaim for its intricate gameplay mechanics, endless build variety, and unparalleled value for a free-to-play title, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) delivered a robust ARPG experience that rivaled even the genre’s titans. Over the years, the game expanded, refined itself, and cultivated a devoted player base, solidifying its position as the king of free-to-play ARPGs. Now, a decade later, Path of Exile 2 has entered early access, and even in its unfinished state, it feels like a seismic shift for the genre. If you can’t already tell, our hands-on time with the Path of Exile 2 Early Access was an absolute blast and this review is just a stopover before we jump back in.

At a time when the ARPG landscape has been dominated by the Diablo franchise, often carried by the weight of its name alone and the studio behind it, Path of Exile 2 emerges as a challenger not just to Diablo’s throne but to the genre’s conventions. With a level of depth, polish, and ambition that’s rarely seen, GGG’s latest project feels poised to redefine what players should expect from an ARPG.

Demonic value

While the full game is set to release for free in 2025, Path of Exile 2’s early access, priced at $30, already offers a staggering amount of content. Featuring a 25+ hour campaign spread across three acts (with six acts planned for launch), the early access provides a more substantial experience than many full-priced AAA titles.

The developers were very open with the fact that endgame was a large focus this time around, so the campaign took a little bit of a backseat. However, it didn’t feel like that at all when I was playing it. The writing and voice cast were all top notch, and the mission and location variety had me fully engaged all throughout. Areas are breathtaking to look at and absolutely massive to fully explore.

The bosses are a huge highlight, presenting interesting mechanics, jaw-dropping designs, and a genuine sense of challenge. There are checkpoints before each one which you’ll soon find incredibly useful. Trust me, you’ll need them. Unlike many ARPGs where enemies often feel like fodder, the combat here requires thought and strategy. Even regular enemies can catch you off guard. It makes the build crafting all the more fun and satisfying having to think about which skills would work best with each other for you to fight off everyone in the most efficient and coolest way possible.

GGG has doubled down on what made the original Path of Exile so beloved: customization. The game’s skill tree boasts over 1,500 passive skills, allowing players near-limitless freedom in crafting their perfect build. Whether you prefer devastating melee attacks, precise ranged abilities, or chaotic magic spells, each class (six in early access, each with two Ascendancy Classes) feels fresh, fun, and brimming with possibilities. Respeccing skills is also now much simpler, making experimentation infinitely more accessible even for new players.

The gameplay itself is addictive. Every move, attack, and ability feels satisfying to execute, thanks to top-tier sound design, gorgeous visual effects, and fluid animations. There is a real sense of weight and force with every swing and hit. The WASD control scheme for mouse and keyboard is definitely the best one, offering a level of control that feels unmatched in the genre, though traditional point-and-click fans will still find plenty to love. Additionally, don’t sleep on the controller support. It plays like an absolute dream there as well.

Visually, Path of Exile 2 is breathtaking. From dark, atmospheric dungeons to sprawling outdoor vistas, every location is a spectacle, dripping with detail and mood. This is one of the most beautiful games of 2024, and the attention to detail extends to its technical performance. The game runs flawlessly, with buttery-smooth framerates, zero crashes, and no significant bugs—a rarity in modern game releases.

GGG’s commitment to player accessibility is evident in features like full controller support, couch co-op, cross play, and cross-progression. Whether you’re teaming up with friends in a party of six or switching seamlessly between console and PC, Path of Exile 2 embraces a player-first mentality that’s all too rare.

Path of Exile 2 Early Access Review Final Verdict – 9/10

If you’re wondering whether you need to play the first Path of Exile before diving into the sequel, the answer is no—but it wouldn’t hurt. While Path of Exile 2 brings countless quality-of-life improvements, including streamlined progression and a more fleshed out endgame grind, the original remains a masterclass in ARPG design and is entirely free to try.

In many ways, Path of Exile 2 feels like a love letter to the genre, honoring its inspirations while boldly charting its own path. It’s challenging, rewarding, and endlessly replayable—a shining example of what ARPGs should aspire to be.

Grinding Gear Games hasn’t just set the bar for Path of Exile 2. They’ve raised it for everyone else.

This review was made using a game code for the PC provided by the publisher.