Path of Exile Review: A Deep, Rewarding Experience with Some Pay-to-Win Elements

As someone who has played video games for their entire life, I can confidently say that Path of Exile (PoE) is one of the best free-to-play games on the market, and I’ve been returning to it year after year. Created by Grinding Gear Games (GGG), PoE is an action RPG that stands out for its depth, complexity, and replayability, with new leagues and content updates coming regularly. What’s remarkable is that despite its free-to-play nature, I never feel like I have to spend money to enjoy the game. That being said, PoE isn’t without its fair share of pay-to-win elements, especially when it comes to stash tabs, which have become an essential part of the trading and storage experience in the game.
A Free-to-Play Game with Incredible Depth

One of PoE's greatest strengths is its depth. Every new character you create feels like an entirely new experience due to its massive skill tree and support gem system. You can truly craft unique builds tailored to your playstyle, whether you're focusing on damage, defense, or utility. Additionally, the seasonal league system ensures there’s always new content to explore, new mechanics to interact with, and new challenges to overcome.

I've been playing this game for years, and it's one of the very few free-to-play games that doesn't pressure me to spend money just to progress or enjoy it. In many other games, microtransactions feel like a barrier; you either pay or suffer through artificially imposed grind walls. That isn't the case with PoE. The game is entirely playable without spending a dime, and I have gone through many leagues without feeling the need to purchase anything to enjoy myself.
Stash Tabs: Pay-to-Win or Necessary Quality of Life?

However, if we're being fair, PoE does have some pay-to-win aspects when it comes to stash tabs. While the game is free, the default stash space is quite limited, and anyone who delves into crafting, heavy trading, or deep farming quickly realizes that purchasing additional stash tabs becomes almost necessary. Certain tabs—like the currency, map, and fragment tabs—are invaluable, especially for players who engage in PoE's robust trading system. Without these, managing your items and efficiently trading becomes quite cumbersome.

To say that stash tabs are purely cosmetic would be misleading. The reality is that they offer significant quality of life improvements, and while they don’t directly give players power or better gear, they make it far easier to stay organized, participate in trading, and store valuable items for crafting and character building. In this sense, they do contribute to a subtle pay-to-win feeling. That being said, it’s not egregious compared to many other free-to-play games that lock actual gameplay mechanics or competitive advantages behind paywalls.
Support Packs and My Personal Investment

Even though I’ve played for free and could continue doing so, I’ve invested in many support packs over the years. Why? Not because I feel like I need to, but because I want to. Grinding Gear Games has consistently delivered high-quality content and updates, and I genuinely want to support the developers for their work. The cosmetics and MTX (microtransactions) are purely optional, and though they’re tempting, they don’t affect gameplay.

In fact, PoE stands as one of the few games where I’m happy to support the developers through purchases. It’s not just about the convenience of stash tabs but also about the amazing cosmetic sets, pets, and effects that enhance the aesthetic experience of the game. The support packs offer a sense of contribution to a game that continues to evolve and improve, making the purchases feel rewarding rather than obligatory.
Seasonal Gameplay: A Welcome Addition to My Rotation

Another factor that keeps me coming back is how well PoE fits into my rotation of seasonal games. Each league introduces new mechanics that are not only creative but also engaging. Whether it’s Heist, Delirium, or Ultimatum, each one offers something different, keeping the game fresh with every new league cycle. The seasonal resets also give me the perfect excuse to jump back in with friends or try new builds. PoE’s complexity can feel overwhelming at times, but that’s part of its charm—it’s a game where mastery feels genuinely earned, and the satisfaction from achieving a well-optimized build is unparalleled.
In Conclusion: A Free-to-Play Masterpiece

All in all, Path of Exile is a game that I highly recommend to anyone who loves deep, customizable ARPGs. While it has its downsides, particularly the reliance on stash tabs for effective item management and trading, the overall package is outstanding. PoE is the only free-to-play game I’ve ever played consistently for years without feeling like I had to spend money to enjoy it. Instead, I choose to support it because I want to—because GGG has built something special.

PoE stands out as one of the most content-rich and balanced free-to-play games on the market. The game has never forced me into spending, but over time, I’ve happily bought support packs because they enhance my experience, and I want to see the game continue to grow. It’s an amazing addition to my lineup of seasonal games, and it’s one that I foresee playing for many years to come.

For anyone looking for a long-term, engaging ARPG without the fear of having to open their wallet to enjoy the core experience, Path of Exile is hands-down the best choice.