Half a million players have flocked to Path of Exile 2, but its creators insist that the original Path of Exile will remain alive and well. Grinding Gear Games reiterates that the two games can coexist, catering to different gameplay styles.

One of the standout titles this December is a long-awaited action RPG in the vein of Diablo. Path of Exile 2 has already become a major hit, even though its version 1.0 has yet to be released. Many players are left wondering, however, what Grinding Gear Games plans to do with its original Path of Exile, a game that remains active to this day. While Jonathan Rogers, the lead of Path of Exile 2, has previously stated that the first game won’t be shut down, some question whether maintaining both games is a viable strategy. Rogers remains adamant that both titles can coexist.

Path of Exile Doesn’t Have to Die for Its Sequel to Thrive

It’s common to expect generational succession in the gaming world, as few mid-sized studios can manage two massive projects at once. Yet, Grinding Gear Games has shown—and will continue to show—that with enough effort, it’s possible. Speaking in an interview with MeinMMO, Rogers reaffirmed his earlier statements about the original game: “Both games can coexist well.”

While Path of Exile 2 offers a more strategic, challenging experience, reminiscent of Dark Souls with its punishing boss fights, high difficulty, and slower progression, the original Path of Exile retains its fast-paced, accessible style. This duality ensures that longtime players see the sequel as a step forward, while the studio also respects the time invested by those reluctant to leave the first game until the sequel’s full release.

Meeting the Needs of Two Communities

One criticism of the sequel is that players miss the fast movement and pace of level traversal found in the original game. Additionally, aspects such as loot management and the design of early stages have sparked debate. Although these differences are intentional, designed to let the two games coexist without competing, it’s possible that the distinctions between them will blur as Path of Exile 2 approaches its 1.0 release. Skeptics may eventually find that the transition to the sequel is worthwhile.

For now, the community is split between the two games, but Path of Exile 2 has demonstrated that its goal isn’t to replace its predecessor but to complement it. If Grinding Gear Games sticks to this strategy, both titles are set to thrive in the ARPG market.

Source: 3djuegos