If you’re into ARPGs, you’ve probably come across Path of Exile 2. This sequel has truly taken the ARPG world by storm, breaking records since it hit Early Access last December.
For many fans, myself included, the return of PoE was a thrilling moment. It skyrocketed on Steam, peaking at over half a million players and claiming the top sales spot for weeks. But, as with many games in early stages, those numbers didn’t stay sky-high for long—attendance started to slide until new content rolled out.
And then came version 0.2, bringing player numbers back up to nearly 250,000. With the crowds came waves of reviews.
What’s going on with Path of Exile 2? Well, let’s just say the community’s buzzing, and not entirely in a good way. The changes Grinding Gear Games made have slowed the game’s pacing considerably. Compared to Path of Exile 1, the gameplay feels almost sluggish. Build strategies have taken a hit; many were nerfed, and now, even the once-mediocre skills seem unusable. Players find themselves relying more on basic attacks rather than strategic combos, spearheading their way to victory one click at a time.
These changes have turned the beloved gameplay loop upside down, leaving fans struggling to enjoy it as they once did. Recent reviews have reflected this sentiment, plummeting to a mere 44%. Reviews on Steam capture the frustration:
“The Dawn of the Hunt update feels like a grind. Boss fights drag on longer than ever, and skills do next to no damage. I understand the desire to slow things down, but this is too much. It’s so frustrating right now—when the game doesn’t crash, that is.” – Hellexion (200 hours played)
“This game seems to forget what makes video games fun.” – RustedHeroes (263 hours played)
“A new patch ruined the experience. If endless grinding for nothing is your idea of fun, this is the game for you.” – Docholliday211 (831 hours played)
It’s clear these reviews aren’t from newbies. When players with months of experience voice concerns, they’re worth listening to.
Enter Last Epoch, seizing its chance perfectly as Path of Exile 2 struggles. Right as its second season launched, Last Epoch surpassed PoE 2’s player count by a staggering 40%. Quite an achievement for a game that only left Early Access last February.
This sudden popularity boom did lead to login issues, but it hasn’t deterred players. Its positive reviews remain high, with many comparing it favorably to Path of Exile.
“I jumped ship after 100+ hours in PoE2’s current league, and I’m glad I did. I forgot how refreshing an ARPG can be from the start, without having to wait for the end game.” – Creeo (266 hours played)
“Crafting here is top-notch and the enjoyment rivals PoE 1 for me.” – Glairmark (122 hours played)
Last Epoch excels by removing some of the grind and frustration that PoE 2 players have been experiencing. It prioritizes fun over challenge, which clearly resonates.
Both games offer unique experiences: Last Epoch values immediate fun, while PoE 2 embraces complexity. However, leaning too heavily into one’s identity can alienate a player base; a game needs its players, after all.
Despite the rocky start, Grinding Gear Games is far from giving up. They’ve actively been working on improving Path of Exile 2 in the wake of criticism. Enhancements have been made, yet it’s not enough to tip the scales toward positive reception entirely. The core gameplay has suffered since the 0.2 patch.
But hope’s on the horizon with their upcoming 0.2g update. Grinding Gear is taking player feedback seriously, promising to address loot issues and other concerns. Their proactive approach is commendable and shows a commitment to enhancing player experience.
Even as Path of Exile 2 strives to refine itself, another giant is ceasing the moment. Diablo 4 is gearing up for its eighth season, set to drop in just over a week. While it may not be on Steam, Diablo 4’s latest update is grabbing attention by resurrecting the nostalgic boss Belial from Diablo 3, along with introducing new gameplay elements like boss powers.
For those already excited about Diablo 4’s Season 8 and eager to dive back into Sanctuary, Jennifer Young’s preview offers a glimpse of what’s next, highlighting new abilities and features set to ignite your ARPG journey.
So, whether you’re sticking with PoE 2, migrating to Last Epoch, or planning your next adventure in Diablo, the ARPG scene is buzzing with options.
