I've been playing Path of Exile 2, and a cliché comparison keeps coming to mind: Is it the Dark Souls of isometric dungeon crawlers? As a long-time ARPG fan and a devotee of FromSoftware's games, I've found myself surprisingly engrossed in the similarities.
A Challenging but Rewarding Experience
PoE2's increased mobility, thanks to the dodge roll, has allowed Grinding Gear Games to create deadlier monsters and bosses. Unlike Diablo 4, where death rarely feels like a threat, PoE2 keeps you on your toes. Every enemy encounter demands careful planning and execution, much like a FromSoftware game.
Even basic enemies can pose a lethal threat, forcing players to adapt their builds and strategies. Respeccing your character is easy and encouraged, allowing for experimentation and refinement, similar to Elden Ring.
Boss Battles and Build Diversity
PoE2's boss battles are challenging and creative, demanding focus and endurance. They feel much more significant than in the original Path of Exile, offering intricate patterns and surprising phases.
Like FromSoftware games, PoE2 offers incredible build flexibility. The gem system and passive skill tree allow for diverse and powerful character builds. This freedom to experiment is further enhanced by the ease of respeccing.
Difficulty vs. Depth
While PoE2 can be challenging, it's not necessarily about difficulty. The game's depth and complexity create a vast number of playstyles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This complexity, combined with the game's willingness to throw hordes of enemies at you, creates a uniquely rewarding experience.
Despite the Dark Souls comparisons, PoE2 is not a soulslike. There's no penalty for death in the regular mode, and checkpoints are generous. However, if you enjoy the challenging combat and build diversity of FromSoftware games, Path of Exile 2 might just become your new obsession.
