Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be an exciting and deep addition to the action RPG genre, and after multiple hands-on sessions, it’s clear that it has the potential to be a standout game. With the beta release on December 6, fans of the original game, and newcomers alike, are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the next chapter in the Path of Exile saga. Here’s a closer look at the Mercenary class and some endgame content previewed at a recent event.
Mercenary Class: A Shooter-Inspired Twist
The Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2 offers a unique shift in gameplay compared to the more traditional ARPG combat. Focused on crossbow combat, the Mercenary feels more like a top-down shooter than the usual hack-and-slash, making it an interesting choice for players familiar with shooter genres.
- Gameplay: The Mercenary begins by firing 7 rounds of bolts at approaching enemies. As you progress, you unlock a variety of skill gems that allow you to enhance your combat with sniping abilities, armor-piercing rounds, grenades, and elemental attacks like freezing or fire-setting.
- Challenges: One notable challenge is the reload mechanic, which requires frequent reloading as you switch firing modes or run out of ammo. This can create some downtime, especially in the early stages of the game.
- Late Game Power: As you progress, the Mercenary class starts to come together, and around the graveyard section, the class becomes more powerful. By this point, you can equip powerful abilities like grenade launchers or fire-based projectiles, setting the stage for exciting late-game combat.
Endgame Preview
A major focus of the preview event was the endgame content of Path of Exile 2, with the team highlighting several modes that will keep players engaged for hundreds of hours.
- Endgame Modes: There will be eight primary endgame modes at launch, with more planned during early access. Some of these include sequels to popular Path of Exile 1 leagues, like the Trial of Sekhemas, where players face increasingly difficult challenges in rooms filled with enemies and traps.
- Ascendency Class: The Ascendency system lets players select powerful sub-classes to further customize their builds. For example, the Witch’s Infernalist can summon a hellhound that sets enemies on fire or use the Demon Form to transform into a winged monster for enhanced speed and damage.
- Temple of Chaos: Another exciting feature is the Temple of Chaos, a sequel to the Ultimatum league. Here, players will face dangerous modifiers and challenges while completing normal map objectives, including escorting large items or surviving difficult mobs.
- World Map and Ziggurat: The Ziggurat system allows players to clear towers, defeat bosses, and complete Breach events. One teaser revealed a Ziggurat challenge involving an Uber Pinnacle Boss, expected to be one of the hardest encounters in the game.
What’s Next for Path of Exile 2?
The early access release on December 6, 2024, will launch Acts 1-3 of the campaign, expected to take around 25 hours to complete. The full endgame content, including new builds, leagues, and features, will keep players occupied for years to come. Additionally, a $30 supporter key grants early access and in-game currency, though long-time Path of Exile 1 players who’ve spent over $500 in the past decade will receive the key for free as a reward for their support.
With so much to explore, Path of Exile 2 looks set to build on the strengths of its predecessor and deliver an even more expansive and engaging experience for fans old and new. The blend of new classes, shooter-inspired gameplay, and intricate endgame modes will surely keep players coming back for more.
Get ready for the Path of Exile 2 journey to begin on December 6, and dive into a world filled with endless challenges, loot, and powerful character builds.