Path of Exile 2 is an absolute steal at its current early access price, especially considering the value it offers. If you’re contemplating waiting for a discount, it’s important to note that the full game will likely come with a price hike, so the current deal is a good opportunity.

Difficulty & Learning Curve

The difficulty of PoE2 strikes a healthy balance — it’s challenging enough to be engaging without being overwhelming. As someone who admits to being somewhat clumsy with game mechanics, I find this game accessible, but still rewarding for players who want to master its systems. It’s a great choice for newcomers who are looking for a game that offers depth without alienating them from the get-go. Even without prior experience with PoE1, the game’s world and storyline are clear and understandable, so don’t worry about missing out on earlier entries.

Story & Worldbuilding

The game’s narrative and world-building are well-rounded and immersive. PoE2 strikes a nice balance between high-level plot and lore while ensuring the story is approachable for those unfamiliar with the first game. The setting is unique, with a distinct dark fantasy atmosphere that remains true to the series’ roots. Even if you haven’t played PoE1, you’ll find yourself quickly grasping the story’s direction, though there are certainly some Easter eggs that will resonate more with long-time fans.

Game Length & Replayability

The common consensus is that the campaign lasts around 50 hours, though from my experience, that’s just the start. This estimate likely refers to the main story, but PoE2 truly begins once you reach the endgame. For a typical player, 100+ hours is easily achievable. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different builds or exploring various professions, that number could easily double. The game provides a ton of content, and while the main story is fulfilling, the real fun comes from the endless build possibilities and the pursuit of loot. Every playthrough can feel vastly different depending on how you choose to build your character, which offers incredible replay value.

The Joy of Exploration & Theorycrafting

One of the game’s greatest strengths is the depth of its systems. From the complex skill gem interactions to the expansive talent trees, there’s a lot to research and explore. Even as a seasoned player, I often find myself spending hours just reading guides, watching streamers, or diving into community posts to figure out new builds. The process of theorycrafting and refining your character feels just as rewarding as progressing through the story itself. You don’t need to rely on guides, either — there’s a real sense of discovery in the game, and figuring things out on your own is an incredibly satisfying experience.

Frequent Updates & Fresh Content

PoE2 is a living, evolving game. If you find yourself short on time and unable to fully explore a single character, chances are good that GGG will have added new content before you finish. Whether it’s new professions, maps, or gameplay mechanics, PoE2 keeps things fresh with frequent updates. The game encourages long-term play, and every time you return, there’s something new to experience.

Conclusion: A Strong Recommendation for Newcomers & Veterans Alike

Whether you're a PoE veteran or a newcomer to ARPGs, PoE2 is an excellent choice. The value you get for the price — especially at the current early access discount — is unparalleled. It offers substantial content, deep systems to explore, and frequent updates, all while maintaining a solid foundation for both casual players and hardcore theorycrafters alike. You’ll find plenty of reasons to keep playing well after the campaign ends.

In short, don’t hesitate to grab this game during early access. It's an investment that promises plenty of enjoyment, with more content rolling out over time, making it a must-have for anyone interested in ARPGs or deep, engaging loot-based gameplay.

Path of Exile 2 is an absolute steal at its current early access price, especially considering the value it offers. If you’re contemplating waiting for a discount, it’s important to note that the full game will likely come with a price hike, so the current deal is a good opportunity. [b]Difficulty & Learning Curve[/b] The difficulty of PoE2 strikes a healthy balance — it’s challenging enough to be engaging without being overwhelming. As someone who admits to being somewhat clumsy with game mechanics, I find this game accessible, but still rewarding for players who want to master its systems. It’s a great choice for newcomers who are looking for a game that offers depth without alienating them from the get-go. Even without prior experience with PoE1, the game’s world and storyline are clear and understandable, so don’t worry about missing out on earlier entries. [b]Story & Worldbuilding[/b] The game’s narrative and world-building are well-rounded and immersive. PoE2 strikes a nice balance between high-level plot and lore while ensuring the story is approachable for those unfamiliar with the first game. The setting is unique, with a distinct dark fantasy atmosphere that remains true to the series’ roots. Even if you haven’t played PoE1, you’ll find yourself quickly grasping the story’s direction, though there are certainly some Easter eggs that will resonate more with long-time fans. [b]Game Length & Replayability[/b] The common consensus is that the campaign lasts around 50 hours, though from my experience, that’s just the start. This estimate likely refers to the main story, but PoE2 truly begins once you reach the endgame. For a typical player, 100+ hours is easily achievable. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different builds or exploring various professions, that number could easily double. The game provides a ton of content, and while the main story is fulfilling, the real fun comes from the endless build possibilities and the pursuit of loot. Every playthrough can feel vastly different depending on how you choose to build your character, which offers incredible replay value. [b]The Joy of Exploration & Theorycrafting[/b] One of the game’s greatest strengths is the depth of its systems. From the complex skill gem interactions to the expansive talent trees, there’s a lot to research and explore. Even as a seasoned player, I often find myself spending hours just reading guides, watching streamers, or diving into community posts to figure out new builds. The process of theorycrafting and refining your character feels just as rewarding as progressing through the story itself. You don’t need to rely on guides, either — there’s a real sense of discovery in the game, and figuring things out on your own is an incredibly satisfying experience. [b]Frequent Updates & Fresh Content[/b] PoE2 is a living, evolving game. If you find yourself short on time and unable to fully explore a single character, chances are good that GGG will have added new content before you finish. Whether it’s new professions, maps, or gameplay mechanics, PoE2 keeps things fresh with frequent updates. The game encourages long-term play, and every time you return, there’s something new to experience. [b]Conclusion: A Strong Recommendation for Newcomers & Veterans Alike[/b] Whether you're a PoE veteran or a newcomer to ARPGs, PoE2 is an excellent choice. The value you get for the price — especially at the current early access discount — is unparalleled. It offers substantial content, deep systems to explore, and frequent updates, all while maintaining a solid foundation for both casual players and hardcore theorycrafters alike. You’ll find plenty of reasons to keep playing well after the campaign ends. In short, don’t hesitate to grab this game during early access. It's an investment that promises plenty of enjoyment, with more content rolling out over time, making it a must-have for anyone interested in ARPGs or deep, engaging loot-based gameplay.