BETA TEST – If the Diablo series ever had a nightmare, it has undoubtedly materialized in Path of Exile 2. This game is so unapologetically brilliant that it feels like a generational leap for Diablo-style action RPGs. And yes, this includes dragging Diablo IV down into the abyss. With brutal challenges and an avalanche of content, PoE2’s early access has plunged headfirst into the somewhat stagnant waters of the genre.

No matter how prepared you think you are, Path of Exile 2 will take you by surprise. This dark action RPG delivers a breathtakingly powerful experience, and this is only its early version. The game is already massive, not just in terms of scale but in its artistic execution as well. Its combat system is precise to an extraordinary degree, while the progression and exploration evoke a wave of Diablo 2 nostalgia so strong that it might make you feel like a teenager again. But this isn’t just about rehashing old feelings: Path of Exile 2 creates its own distinct identity, standing far above the category of “just another game” in your collection. This is the dawn of a new era in action RPGs.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in Path of Exile 2’s early access, and even now, I’ve barely scratched the surface. And you know what? I can’t wait to see what else lies ahead. This game is so compelling that I wholeheartedly recommend jumping in now, even knowing the final version will be free-to-play. Paying for an unfinished game? That alone speaks volumes about just how phenomenal this title already is.

A Tough and Visually Stunning Action RPG

You’ve probably heard comparisons between Path of Exile 2 and Dark Souls. While I generally avoid such analogies, in this case, it’s a helpful way to convey just how intense and challenging the combat is, far beyond what you’d expect from a Diablo-style RPG. Forget button-mashing or relying on stat-heavy weapons to blaze through your enemies. Survival here demands real skill: mastering the brutal boss battles, each a spectacle in itself, requires you to learn every enemy’s patterns. Prepare to die, over and over again, until you perfect your dodges and fully leverage your character’s abilities. If you don’t become a master of precision and strategy, you’ll end up flat on the ground—and often.

The team at Grinding Gear Games has created a combat system that immerses you completely in the action, where the constant threat of death makes every victory euphoric. This isn’t a game of luck—every triumph is entirely earned. If a few months ago I was praising the frenetic, fast-paced combat of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, this is its polar opposite. The combat in PoE2 is slower and far more deliberate. You’ll need to measure distances carefully and execute pinpoint-accurate attacks to avoid being overwhelmed by the dozens of monsters lurking around you. Instead of charging forward and annihilating everything in sight, you’ll often find yourself retreating, desperately dodging relentless hordes of enemies closing in on you.

A True Generational Leap for Diablo-Style Action RPGs

In this grim fantasy world, forget about breezing through enemies. Every fight in Path of Exile 2 is brutal, and it’s this ever-present sense of danger that makes the game so unique. On top of that, the sequel masterfully builds on the foundations of its predecessor, offering extensive customization options that ensure every character—even those within the same class—feels entirely unique. The six core archetypes currently available are vastly different from one another, and don’t worry—this sequel is much more welcoming to newcomers, easing them into the gameplay without sacrificing the series’ signature depth.

The heart of PoE2 lies in its high-stakes battles against nightmarish foes, all presented in the most spectacular and entertaining ways possible. The system is designed to adapt to your strategies, allowing you to quickly swap weapons and abilities to experiment with new approaches when a particular enemy proves too challenging. This constant evolution keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

The developers at Grinding Gear Games have also outdone themselves with the level design. These locations aren’t just enormous and maze-like; they’re packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Hidden treasures, side quests with unique rewards, and optional bosses that demand your very best all contribute to making exploration incredibly rewarding. And let’s not forget the 50 final bosses currently in the game (with more to come as the full campaign is released), each offering exclusive rewards like permanent upgrades and unique gear that make your character even more exceptional.

Combat Isn’t Everything – The World Itself Beckons

Taking down some of these enemies was a thrill because—as I’ve already mentioned—the battles feel more akin to action games than traditional Diablo-style RPGs. This makes the flawless implementation of WASD controls (or even a controller) all the more crucial. Grinding Gear Games has done an exceptional job here: the game runs beautifully on a technical level and plays like a dream, even on the Steam Deck, delivering seamless fluidity and pinpoint precision.

Exploration is equally rewarding. Visually, Path of Exile 2 is stunning, with its massive, dark maps capturing an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of Diablo 2. But the developers didn’t stop there—they’ve added inventive elements to keep the gameplay fresh. One standout example is a cornfield where, much like the iconic velociraptor scene from Jurassic Park, you can’t see your enemies but can track them by the rustling of the stalks.

A Landmark Achievement in the Genre

What might be missing from Path of Exile 2 are the dynamic, random events that could add a layer of spontaneity to exploration—something Diablo 4 has executed well. Even so, these maps are anything but dull. The variety between and even within Acts is impressive, and the attention to detail in their design reflects the meticulous care and passion poured into this massive action RPG.

It’s worth noting that the game already includes multiple language options, including Hungarian, though some dialogue remains untranslated. This level of detail only reinforces the sense that this project is something truly special.

I’ve still got so much left to uncover in Path of Exile 2, so who knows what surprises await? But even now, after just scratching the surface, it’s clear that this is a monumental game in the making. This isn’t just another entry in the genre—it’s a title poised to reshape the future of action RPGs. With its intricately designed world, masterful combat mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and promising narrative, Path of Exile 2 is well on its way to becoming the new benchmark for the genre.

-Gergely Herpai “BadSector”-